Superb instrumentation and easy-to-find sound- cruise controls.

The new Falcon has at last received the package it deserved. The BA is now a vastly improved model over its predecessor.

I thought the AU was one of the worst lemons built by Ford. I found it handled like a barge, the six-cylinder engine was more suited to a Massey Ferguson tractor, the interior more akin to a funeral parlour and the quality control poor.

The last AU I drove (a hire car) from Canberra to Sydney with less than 20,000km on the clock had excessive wear on the driver’s seat, excessive wind noise from a poorly-sealed door and a worn differential which nearly drowned out the radio!

When Wheels named the BA its Car of the Year and the NRMA’s Open Road gave it high praise I thought it was high time to have another look at the Falcon.

Again I shall be totally upfront. Ford has really done its homework this time, spending an estimated $500 million – twice the amount Holden spent upgrading the VY.

So improved is the BA that I believe it will give real competition, if not beat the Commodore, in the sales stakes.

The rather plain shape has been restyled, a new range of engines has been introduced and a new manual shift function has been added to the auto transmission. Also included is improved steering and a new “control blade” independent rear suspension to keep the rear end well and truly planted.

When I first sat behind the wheel I was immediately impressed. An enormous effort has made to ensure the cockpit is not only ergonomically sound but attractive to the eye. There is now a quality feel about the interior. The instrumentation is superb and the sound/cruise controls on the steering wheel are easy to access.

The seats are large and comfortable with increased adjustment. Plus (in the test car I drove) the optional pedal height adjustment was fitted.

Start the engine and the modified four-litre, twin-overhead cam engine, with variable timing and four valves to improve breathing, springs into life with a much more sophisticated sound. It is very lively with heaps of torque – so much that I can’t really imagine why buyers go for the far more expensive turbo.

The standard six churns out 182kw – 30kw more than the Commodore’s 3.8 V6. Expect a 0-100km/h time of around eight seconds, which is not bad for a car weighing 1692kg. The body is considerably more rigid which enhances safety and suspension tuning.

The downside to the extra strength is weight (around 140kg more than the AU) although the BA has been given a taller diff ratio to improve economy. At 100km/h the straight six is turning over at a modest 1800rpm. According to NRMA figures the BA chews more fuel than its three competitors. The overall consumption was 12.9-litres/100km.

On the road you know the engineers have done their homework because the driving experience is now pleasurable.
The four-speed automatic gives smooth changes and is geared appropriately to the powerful six. The steering is well weighted, all the controls are easily accessed and the new IRS gives a far tighter rein over the rear end.

It is a very quiet car with a supple, yet well-controlled ride on most road surfaces. The BA is a large sedan so don’t expect Mazda MX5 handling. However, the grip is excellent and the sedan has considerably more poise than its predecessor.

My standard XT was fitted with a DVD satellite navigation system. It was my first experience using SATNAV and I was impressed. I believe it is a genuine safety device when driving to an unknown destination in busy traffic. As with radios, CD/tape recorders, aircon and central locking, in the future, SATNAV will become a reasonably priced extra in most cars.

In summary, I was very impressed with the new BA. There will now be real competition with the excellent Commodore, the much-improved Camry and the underrated Magna.

Yes, there have been recalls on the new model, but that is a commercial reality these days. Instead Ford should be congratulated for accepting that the AU was less than a commercial success and injecting sufficient funds and effort into producing a superb family car.

Price for the standard XT automatic as tested $34,560. Extras fitted —cruise control $460, power adjustable pedals $350 and SATNAV $3600.

• By Ken Llewelyn, Test car from Ford Australia.

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