Calais Gets Blown Away

[FalconXR6]

Bathurst test with G6 v SIDI - strike one

This $40-$60k test - strike two

Wonder where strike three will come from ???
And will they be out ???

What Ford need to do is liase with ALL dealers and arrange a nationwide Ford drive day. Advertise the hell out of it. Offer a G6ET, G6, FPV GT and FPV F6 for the public to test drive - make a day out of it (BBQ for charity, salespeople with their best fake smiles on, etc). Getting Holden owners bums into the drivers seat of a Ford is the key.

Guarantee you will see conversion.

[Rodp]

Every one of the competitors looks butt ugly inside and out, IMO. Particularly the swooping dashes and the wood grain.

I consider myself relatively impartial but am biased towards the Ford and not only does the Ford look miles better inside and out, it's as well appointed and the performance is just astounding.

I'm considering an F6 for my next car but geez, I'd be an idiot if I didn't poke my head inside a G6ET first.

[Bad Bird]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Come on, there just hasn't been enough journo bagging in this thread... Oh but you got the outcome you liked, so this time they must have done it properly

At least this test was quantitative...

[Watto_Cobra]

Originally Posted by RAPID XR8

After having my G6ET for a bit over 3 months now this result doesn't surprise me in the least.

With them putting the Calais in last place is about right because that is how far advanced and refined the G6ET is to it.

Great car Ford, all the people that developed this car should be proud of the truely world class car they produced.

Yep, no surprises, although I thought the Calais might have gotten 5th or 4th.

I hadn't really noticed the boot hinges on a VE before. I seem to remember Holden spruiking how the boot hinges no longer protrude into the cargo area and I thought at the time "Falc's only had them since AU" :togo:

But I didn't realise they were god-awful fully-exposed twin-metal-strap type things that look like they come straight off a Cortina bonnet. Big engineering shortcut there.

[smoo]

Good to see a straight to the point, factual article for once. A nice change from the egoistic heavily opinionated crap we usually get.

[Wretched]

Good review but would rather have seen the G6E instead being reviewed.

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by smoo

Good to see a straight to the point, factual article for once. A nice change from the egoistic heavily opinionated crap we usually get.

Wonder if you would say that if the Falcon came last...

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Wonder if you would say that if the Falcon came last...

What are you on about? You in the trade?

There are no complaints because the right car won. No one is being blind sighted because blind freddy could have worked it out on paper before they even drove them.

[mcnews]

Not on the car side of the fence no, just accustomed to everything ever done by any publication that doesn't please the Ford fan boy base having the writer's character and professionalism assassinated by all and sundry here.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Not on the car side of the fence no, just accustomed to everything ever done by any publication that doesn't please the Ford fan boy base having the writer's character and professionalism assassinated by all and sundry here.

If a journalist cant take criticism of their writing then they are in the wrong profession. Its like an actor saying they dont like the paparazzi (to an extent), it comes with the territory.

Most of the criticism I see is based on poor writing skills, lack of research or clear bias towards a particular brand when praise and accolades are given out without being based on fact or results. Inconsistency is a problem too.

Nevertheless, the right car won, the fact that the Calais was last is just a bonus.

[mcnews]

Criticism where it is warranted of course is to be expected. But to accuse journo’s of being inherently biased towards one brand and making their results read that way really borders on defamation. And when people whinging about an article they don't like the summary of, then accuse the writer of bias, while not taking their blinkers off and putting their own bias aside, it really is the height of hypocrisy.

[GTP534]

Makes you wonder about Wheels; I think the front cover was something like new V6 set to smoke Falcon. Seems like the guys at Wheels must be smoking something!

The Maxima is not too bad in the metal. It's sold here in Brunei as the Teana and I've had a good look over them. I have the first series of the previous model, badged Cefiro, as our family car here and it's a good, honest, reliable car. At the time we bought it, 2005, the only Fords available were Focus and Mondeo. I went for the Cefiro as it was Japanese and over here this means reliability as its not the easiest environment on cars.

It's really good to see the FG getting some kudos.

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by GTP534

Makes you wonder about Wheels; I think the front cover was something like new V6 set to smoke Falcon. Seems like the guys at Wheels must be smoking something!.

Magazine covers are there to sell magazines at the newsagents. That is their one and only design criteria.

Anyway, back to the G6ET getting the gong it deserved.

[gcg2503]

mcnews I see where you are coming from and agree funnily enough!

And i own a G6ET

Good to see us winning for once though

[Mr Brooksy]

Does anyone remember "Holdens promise to out engineer the competition"? Ford must be rolling on the floor laughing since both the Drive article and Car Advice showed Holden up for what the are, a bloody good marketing machine, who puts cars together!

Falcon XR6, I completely agree mate get bums in seats even just to test! Sadly too many Ford dealers up my way would smirk and go back to their ivory tower!!

[mcnews]

No they won't be laughing because their marketing arm are getting shown as being completely clueless despite having, at the moment, a better product to promote that should have been playing all angles to get in the press and get those sorts of headlines for their own products... They shouldn't be laughing, they should be sacking their PR people and poaching some people from Holden!

[ltd]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Magazine covers are there to sell magazines at the newsagents. That is their one and only design criteria.

Anyway, back to the G6ET getting the gong it deserved.

I agree with you in part, but ask that before accusing us of defamation you go and have a look at the wheels carpark. It IS full of Holdens. I'm not sure who they are owned by now though, but it is laughably a Holden publication like Just Commodores.
I have never accused car advice of bias, I've always agreed with their criticisms of fords, and their criticism of fords marketing department is spot on.

On a lighter note; 0-100kmh in 4.97 seconds? The filter prevents me from saying what I really think; Holy ......

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by mcnews

No they won't be laughing because their marketing arm are getting shown as being completely clueless despite having, at the moment, a better product to promote that should have been playing all angles to get in the press and get those sorts of headlines for their own products... They shouldn't be laughing, they should be sacking their PR people and poaching some people from Holden!

If anyone has been critical of ford PR then I think we are at the forefront!
Mcnews you seem to be a little scorn?

There are plenty of examples of really bad journalism and spin for a particular brand on a consistent basis, and funnily enough from the same people. Problem is alot of people consider purchases based on these "expert" opinions, thats probably more a reflection on the consumer but its very frustrating when personal opinion gets in the way of facts.

Perhaps it has a little bit to do with not wanting to rock the boat, how could a journo say the falcon is better when the commy is clearly winning the sales race, so it must be a better car surely. Shock horror.

Now here is an article that is a little more factual, its not a great article but its not bad, and the right car won. So I dont know where you are going with your comments.

The greatest triumph for the G6ET currently is that all of its competitors have a much bigger budget, they all are more global than Fords effort and still get done.

[Chopped]

whoa it's a rocket - the G6ET even shames the FPV / HSV stables !!
(bargain)

[ottoS13]

very impressed indeed. a manager at work as a g6et, i might ask for a spin at lunch now

[Carby]

What I can't work out is how both the Commodore and Falcon got less handling points than all the FWD large cars - this I do not believe!!

[mcnews]

The overall ride and handling included scores for comfort, noise, headroom and convenience. You might notice that the Ford and Holden do well in the steering but lose out to some of the others on the other areas. The scores across all those criteria seemed to have been averaged to give an overall 'ride and handling' score. Not hard to work out.

[BlueOvalPrint]

Originally Posted by ottoS13

very impressed indeed. a manager at work as a g6et, i might ask for a spin at lunch now

Trust me, once you drive one, you will buy one! They are just an amazing car, stunning performance, good looks and even damn good value. I've had mine for just on 3 months and I still smile every time I walk towards it...

[Quicksand]

Originally Posted by FalconXR6

Bathurst test with G6 v SIDI - strike one

This $40-$60k test - strike two

Wonder where strike three will come from ???
And will they be out ???

Strike 3 may come from the 2009 Global Green Challenge (see latest John Mellor's GoAuto News)

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by mcnews

No they won't be laughing because their marketing arm are getting shown as being completely clueless despite having, at the moment, a better product to promote that should have been playing all angles to get in the press and get those sorts of headlines for their own products... They shouldn't be laughing, they should be sacking their PR people and poaching some people from Holden!

The PR people have done exactly what was asked of them and did it very well.


As for bias, the journo did mention the Holden was outdated both inside and out, slower and thirstier than any other publication. So he must be bias the other way.

[Dr Smith]

When you read reviews like this you do indeed wonder why the FG doesn't outsell the VE. The problem is not Ford's marketing or Holdens perceived better marketing, it comes down the greater loyal fan base of the two brands. Simply put Holden has a greater and more loyal following that won't shop elsewhere. This is the difference that keeps the current sales numbers apart. The late GP said it would take 20 years to break this group if the BA momentum was continued over this 2 generation period. And sadly this momentum was lost after he left for his posting in Europe, future product plans like diesel dropped and Liquid Injection LPG held up in inter-supplier legal wrangling for years and then the parent companies finances became tighter. At least an Ozzie is back in charge.

[Ibrox90]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Wonder if you would say that if the Falcon came last...

I ponder the same points. I happen to LOVE the Calais I think its a gorgeous car.

I'm not keen on Turbos myself, I think mainly due to lack of experience with them.

I think im many ways ford have somewhat rolled over when competing with Holden's V8. Refusing to fight and to be honest I don't think ford can.

For the next few years I can't see Holden slipping up. I think Ford really are goin to have to slug it out punch for punch with holden. Until they do so ford will always be 2nd best regardless of how good and/or better the ford prduct is.

(Please shoosh if im about to be sledged, you have no idea how little I care)

I'd like to think that there is a few points to ponder in there although I'm sure afew people will come out the woodwork and present facts on sales and power figures and whatever else. But IMO facts can be presented to make it look however you want.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter how many studies you do or how many tests there are its always going to boil down to a subjective opinion which cannot in anyway be objective.

[samsy351]

Ford need to get on the front foot and counter Holdens new SIDI advertisements straight away.

Make the tv add clear and simple...

Bathurst test with G6 v SIDI - Ford is more economical

The latest $40-$60k test - Ford wins comparison

and finish with the slogan

Holden .....Dont Believe The Hype !

[Swordsman88]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Wonder if you would say that if the Falcon came last...

But it didn't...did it mcnews??? That was his point, it was based in fact and so surprise surprise, the Ford came first. Its bit like people saying...oh its only a rumour. Yeah but where there is smoke there is quite often fire.

I know you just love to come on here, act all 'high and mighty' and imply you are the only impartial member of the forum. Well, while i'm sure some bias does exist even in this journo's heart, fact is he provided a range of proof/justification for all the decisions he made in that review. From 1st to 6th. If you or I don't agree with them, so be it. Fact is, most people (read the comments section of the review on the website) have been in general agreement with the result. In particular, the fact the Ford got first spot.

I consider myself at least half way impartial and i read a good range of car reviews of all sorts of cars. I have accused some journos of bias over the years (i think i even said one particular go auto writer was biased IN FAVOUR of Ford in a recent thread) but only where there is wanton ignorance and/or overblown focus on particular aspects to slant a review. Or worse, if reviewers ignore or misreprent facts to acheive an outcome. After reading thsi review, i can't say i agree with every call made but on balance it is factual and well justified.

Are you saying it is not? Or just providing your usual 'pro journo', we are all biased they are all impartial line. Hey, i'm sure Josh Dowling is not biased to holden....but numerous reviews show otherwise....

[Smoke Pursuit]

Supply is the other issue.. Ford cant get enough metal to build enough cars before christmas due to orders / demand for companies wanting to get cars delievered before DEC 30 to get the residual of the investment allowance tax deductions....

Ford ran out of cars in June because of the Investment allowance and has sold all its XR ute build for the rest of the year.

I think this test was a bit bias in the fact that they used a G6ET apposed to a G6E?? Fair enough if it was in comparison to the Calais V V8 for example, but throwing a turbo charged car with lots of wow factor in the ring makes it hard for the competitors to shine...