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Two more awards for Ford

2K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  Chuggwald 
#1 ·
In todays Australian newspaper.



PICKING THE BEST OF A STRONG BUNCH


By: Neil McDonald, Terry Martin


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The year has been awash with impressive new vehicles across all segments. Neil McDonald and Terry Martin take a look at The Australian's Top Ten




LARGE: Ford Falcon XT

IT cost $500 million to deliver to an eager audience sick of the all- conquering dominance of Holden's Commodore, but every cent is well worth it. The XT lifts the bar for local entry-level large cars with an impressive new 182kW six-cylinder engine, highly competent independent rear suspension and quality look. It's strengths? The ergonomics as well as a consistent feel to the high-quality interior plastics. On the road too it drives like, dare we say, a well-sorted European sedan. Overall the Falcon is such an Olympic-level leap forward it's hard to believe it shares anything with the original AU model, launched in 1998. The raft of improvements have delivered a totally new car. It's up to Ford now to deliver on consistent quality.

Honourable mention: Mitsubishi Magna GTV. A rare limited edition that deserves a wide audience.





AFFORDABLE SPORTS: Falcon XR6 turbo

INVOLVING drive, punchy yet smooth 4.0-litre six in a car with impressive overall dynamics -- firmish suspension does not detract from a wonderfully compliant ride. Auto tiptronic gearbox is the pick but also opt for the superbly comfortable leather sports seats. Body kit offers just the right amount of visual street cred without going over the top. A large performance car that shrink-wraps around you as the kilometres pass by. Buyers have been quick to realise the XR6, which starts at $43,965, is one of the better local performance offerings. The revamped Monaro is a strong rival but the four- speed auto is still lumpy. In closing -- the XR6 is a WRX for family-minded folk.

Honourable mention: MG ZT. Rover finally pulls one out of the hat with a fine handling alternative.

The rest of the winners were:

BUDGET: Mazda2
SMALL: Holden Astra
MEDIUM: Mazda6
LUXURY: Jaguar S-type R
RECREATIONAL 4WD: Subaru Forester
HEAVY-DUTY 4WD: Range Rover
PEOPLE MOVER: Toyota Avensis Verso
DREAM MACHINE: Mercedes-Benz

well done again to Ford Australia for another two Falcon awards and to Ford worldwide for winning 6 out of the ten awards.
 
#5 ·
I think the XR6 Turbo has already set it self in stone as a respected car. For instance, if you drive an SS, you can pretty much garrentee that people will be impressed:

"What do you drive?"
"SS Commodore..."
"Sic moite...!"

But now, having been in a Turbo and nowing someone with one:

"What do you drive?"
"XR6 Turbo..."
"Sic moite...!"

What I am getting at is its a car people are proud of, and other people respect because it does haul arse, it does look good, it does a good burnout and it does make Holdens look cheap. Something Holden have been doing to Ford for too long now.
 
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