Car Review G6E Turbo - YOUR JOKING

[pandas01]

Worst car review ever....

Found this on the cars guide website. My son could have wrote a better review. Same rating as an Aurion, I think not!

http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/new...ew?origin=hpc4

Neil Dowling road tests and reviews the Ford Falcon G6E Turbo.


* Comfort
* Features
* Style
* Space-saver spare
* Lingering quality issues
* Gearshift quality

For a 50 year old, the Ford Falcon is looking pretty hot. I know a few people who are the same age and have been through practically the same bodywork changes, costing about the same price, and still don't turn heads like the Falcon.



Upgrading bits and pieces of humans can be difficult to interchange but though car components make the upgrade process less traumatic, it still carries the weight of time and cost. Which is why the Falcon today looks a lot like the Falcon of five years ago. But it's still neat as a pin and chamfering the tail and nose has made it appear more compact, and even sporty, than its near-5m length would first suggest.

Mechanical

This is, along with the Commodore, the essence of Australian motoring. There's a six-cylinder engine up front driving the rear wheels and all set in a three-box shape. It's been this way since most of us care to remember and while the rest of the world has gone all space-efficient, we as a nation defied offshore trends. That could place the Falcon in a position, which has often been hinted, similar to that of the dinosaurs as they eyed off a rather conspicuous comet flaring through the skies. But it has yet to make a dent with the potential calamity of the comet.

Against the Ford Mondeo, front-wheel drive hatchback made somewhere else, the Falcon could look aged. The Mondeo is roomy, has a versatile cabin, has a small four-cylinder engine that claims frugal manner and won quite a few awards in Europe. But behind the wheel, the Falcon is more confident, more comfortable, far more engaging and heaps more powerful than the Mondeo. And the real-world fuel consumption is similar.

On top of that, despite niggling quality issues and noises from a band of owners about specific issues, Falcons can be durable. It's why taxi owners all over Australian capital cities regularly flock to auction houses to buy a used Falcon, much to the chagrin of Ford Australia.

Falcon prices start at $40,290 and close out with this model here, the $59,447 G6E Turbo. For this volume of cash you get a sedan that goes like stink, is one of the country's safest cars (should you go like stink) and has practically every feature you'd want in a car from leather to eight-speaker sound.

Driving

It drives great, too. That's a lot to do with the steering and suspension which, though firmer than some may expect, are sufficiently in sync with the stiff body to produce a taut machine through the bends. But the key element is the engine. This is the same as the XR6 and whacks out 270kW and 533Nm of torque which is laudable given the history of this powerplant.

Torque is flat from 2000rpm right through to close on 5000rpm and this plateau of oomph is responsible for the G6E Turbo being virtually permanently on heat. Chase out of a corners and the six-speed auto will slot into the right ratio for maximum acceleration. Or, flick the gearshifter to sequential manual mode and change cogs yourself.

It's a very good gearbox, after all, it's in machines such as the latest Jaguar and Aston Martin, but the shift in the tester was surprisingly lumpy. Not hard, but it pronounced the upchanges more than you'd expect.

I mentioned that this isn't as space efficient as its sister, the Mondeo, and that means the boot is big, but could be bigger, and the central prop shaft makes it hard to find a comfortable place for the rear seat's centre passenger. But the features and fittings are excellent and drivers commented on the plush look of the piano-black dash trim, the ease of switchgear and the usefulness of the central monitor.

I really liked this. True, most are bought by fleets or packaged up in the salary for top-end employees. But it's still an enjoyable car to drive and that's not something you can say about most Australian fleets.

RATING: 83/100

FORD FALCON G6E TURBO

Price: $59,447
Engine: 4-litre, inline-6, turbocharged
Power: 270kW @ 5250rpm
Torque: 533Nm @ 2000-4750rpm
Fuel: Standard unleaded
Fuel tank: 68 litres
Economy (official): 11.7 litres/100km
Economy (tested): 11.8 litres/100km
Greenhouse: 278g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, sequential; rear-drive
Brakes: 4-wheel discs, ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assist
Turning circle: 10.8m
Suspension: struts, coils (front), multi-link, coils (rear)
Wheels: 18-inch alloy, 245/40R18 tyres; space-saver spare
Length: 4970mm
Width: 1868mm
Height: 1433mm
Weight: 1745kg
Tow (max): 2300kg
Warranty: 3yr/100,000km, roadside assist
Service: 15,000km

RIVALS

Holden Calais V (from $56,790) — 80/100
Chrysler 300C 3.5 ($54,990) — 79/100
Nissan Maxima 350 Ti ($46,990) — 82/100
Toyota Aurion Presara ($49,990) — 83/100

[MickyB]

They obviously drove the Aurion in a straight line for the entirety of the evaluation.

[Nikked]

I don't see what is so bad about it, its well balanced, and i think to a point is entirely accurate.

[Brazen]

I think there is a value equation in the score as well. Aurion does have keyless start and entry, xenon headlights, sat nav, sunroof, electric rear sunshade, front parking sensors. Things you cant even get on a Falcon. Big ticket items for about the same price as a Calais. The G6E turbo is a better kind of car, but the Aurion is better in features and maybe some other ownership ways (not that I would take an Aurion over the G6E turbo!!).

Im sure they would rate a Hyundai Getz 83/100 for what it offers for the price, it dosnt mean its as good as a G6E turbo though.

[1TUFXR]

funny they write this, i had my car in for a service today and my dealer principal gave me a brand newy for the day... OMFG is this thing quick... holy smokes, the interior cabin quality and finishes are superb....

No wonder ppl go for the turbo's fantastic car...

And this is coming from a V8 person!

[The G6ET Spot]

I don't know what the OP point is. I found it to be a very unbiased review.

if you are wondering why it got the same score as the Aurion, it is because the Aurion Presara has more standard equipment than the G6ET including sunroof and sat nav all as standard equipment for $10,000 less than the G6ET.

So if you didn't care if you drove a FWD car then the Presra would be a better buy.

[Antwon]

* Space-saver spare - Umm, who cares?
* Lingering quality issues - Like what? You mentioned this but couldnt say what, then went on to say how tough they are...
* Gearshift quality - "Not hard, but it pronounced the upchanges more than you'd expect". So basicly no many would notice/care, but you do because your a nitpicking journalist?

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by The G6ET Spot

I don't know what the OP point is. I found it to be a very unbiased review.
.

Infact, i think the review gives it a bit of praise....

[divine_afg]

I think Aurion Would have scored more points due to its price $49990 vs $56790
and aurion is packed with goodies aswell. its lacks performance but gives G6E run for its money.

Before I get Flamed, Mate owns Aurion and I have Drivin G6E Too. Nevertheless
my pick will always be G6ET

[Airmon]

Originally Posted by The G6ET Spot

I don't know what the OP point is. I found it to be a very unbiased review.

if you are wondering why it got the same score as the Aurion, it is because the Aurion Presara has more standard equipment than the G6ET including sunroof and sat nav all as standard equipment for $10,000 less than the G6ET.

So if you didn't care if you drove a FWD car then the Presra would be a better buy.

Have to agree with you there.

He seemed to praise it in his review, if anything it seemed slightly Pro-Ford.

[DJM83]

I fail to see the issue?

This is the same as the XR6 and whacks out 270kW and 533Nm of torque which is laudable given the history of this powerplant.

I find this interesting, they obviously know the potential of this T6

[gcg2503]

Not a bad review at all!

Coming from a G6ET owner

[MexicanBatman]

I paid 53k for my g6et and have spent a further 7k on it, I still don't think it's as good as my 1991 soarer or my 2004 magna awd, sure it's quicker, but let's say the G6ET was a 16 second car then it's not all high fives, 5k more and I should be happy with it though.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Antwon

* Space-saver spare - Umm, who cares?
* Lingering quality issues - Like what? You mentioned this but couldnt say what, then went on to say how tough they are...
* Gearshift quality - "Not hard, but it pronounced the upchanges more than you'd expect". So basicly no many would notice/care, but you do because your a nitpicking journalist?

I care about the space saver tyres, max 80km/h on those badboys, 95% of my driving is all 100/110km/h.

[SteveJH]

Originally Posted by Antwon

* Space-saver spare - Umm, who cares?

I would if I was buying one, but you can option a proper alloy spare right?

The one time I've done a tire, it was on a country highway.

[Dave_au]

The Aurion Presara is full of "hand-me-downs" from the Lexus division and the 3.5L is competent. It is also a fleet favorate, and therefore I believe it was right to include this car as a comparison.

You seem to have no issue with the uglier, cheaper but just as well built (in Thailand) Nissan Maxima that scored one point less than both G6E and Presara.

[GYRKIN GT]

If I was in the market for a new car with absolutely no prior knowledge of the G6E Turbo and I sat down and read that article, I would immediately place it on my short list. I don't understand the criticism of the article

[Express]

I see nothing wrong with the article.

For the enthusiast where performance is often the appealing factor the review is written from a very basic level.

For the average punter who is interested in features, solid reliability and in the market for a passenger car in that price range, the write up is good and the review score alone would be enough for me to check it out.

The same goes for the Maxima which I know nothing about. I’ve never seen one from the inside and when I seen them on the road, I’ve always looked away. But again if a well appointed family car is what I’m after a good review score would definitely make it worth a closer look regardless of appearance.

.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by Express

I see nothing wrong with the article.

For the enthusiast where performance is often the appealing factor the review is written from a very basic level.

For the average punter who is interested in features, solid reliability and in the market for a passenger car in that price range, the write up is good and the review score alone would be enough for me to check it out.

The same goes for the Maxima which I know nothing about. I’ve never seen one from the inside and when I seen them on the road, I’ve always looked away. But again if a well appointed family car is what I’m after a good review score would definitely make it worth a closer look regardless of appearance.

.

Exactly.. these cars are luxury sedans, not performance sedans,
You'd fully expect a review heavily weighted on features and benefits in this market.
Based on the type of vehicle they are id say the review is quite well written.

[mik]

it seems strange he poo pooed the gear shift when every test i have read gave it the thumbs up, even praised it.

[DanielXR8]

Space-saver spare - Umm, who cares?

If you drive long distances on rural and remote roads, then you most definetly do care. Not everyone lives or works in Sydney or Melbourne. Australia is a big place.

* Lingering quality issues - Like what? You mentioned this but couldnt say what, then went on to say how tough they are...

Turbo has had issues, which this forum has mentioned. A quick search would uncover them and I think some of the journalists do check out forums like this, even if they don't acknowledge it by name in their reviews. In the end it's a great motor, but sometimes the quality issues surface, so a perfectly reasonable comment in my opinion. Ford could do better in this regard, but choose not too. Fair enough to mention it.

* Gearshift quality - "Not hard, but it pronounced the upchanges more than you'd expect". So basicly no many would notice/care, but you do because your a nitpicking journalist?

Journalists are paid to give an opinion. Your nitpicking is anothers informed comment, that is useful in weighing up wether this car is worth a closer look. Personally I thought the gearshift in the car I drove was excellent. Infact I think the G6E Turbo will probably go down as one of the best, if not the best Falcon ever made.

That said his review seemed reasonable to me. I think you are being a bit precious about the review because its about a Ford.

Put it this way, would you be so critical if it was about the Toyota?

[VICFPV]

The Maxima nearly won couple of months back when I think drive did a review with all the cars in this segment. Came second due to per
formance. If it wasn t for performance the G6E turbo is not as flash.

[JamesR]

Originally Posted by pandas01

I mentioned that this isn't as space efficient as its sister, the Mondeo, and that means the boot is big, but could be bigger, and the central prop shaft makes it hard to find a comfortable place for the rear seat's centre passenger.

i found this part interesting...
i dont know why he bothered adding it.
its a fact of every RWD car, its an unnecessary negative point.

[burnz]

Originally Posted by JamesR

i found this part interesting...
i dont know why he bothered adding it.
its a fact of every RWD car, its an unnecessary negative point.

why??
the commo i had was no better with the thinish centre seat..

but a toyota "90" model cresseda had very comfy centre seats, is this realy to hard to address...

[mik]

i guess its a fair point , but you have to ask, how often do you take 5 adults long distance, and its probably a bit harder to shrink the prop shaft tunnel when you have irs tucked up into the floor.

[Dave R]

Come on fellas, that was a fair review and it's all true. Not every ZF is perfect, my last one was a shocker - he probably got a dud in the test car. If it was a bad review he would have said that the ZF is just lumpy fullstop. But no, he said that many high end marques use the same gearbox and that the particular unit in the test car was a bit off. He also praised it for finding the right gear coming out of corners.

Then the quality - yes the Falcon has improved alot with FG as far as quality goes but they can still improve. I've owned 2 FGs (XR6 and XR6T) and both have been back to Ford outside of service intervals. The review is fair in pointing out that there are slight quality issues - buyers need to understand that if you buy a new Ford there is more chance of you being back at the dealership than if you were to buy, say, a Honda.

I'd call it a very good review. The one-eyed Ford supporters need to pull their heads in, I mean what do you want out of a review?? Do you want it to tell you that Jesus drives a G6ET, that there are no quality issues at all with current Fords and that it deserves a perfect 100 score? The review is just his opinion on the car and he gave it an overwhelmingly positive verdict.

[5.4 GT]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Do you want it to tell you that Jesus drives a G6ET, that there are no quality issues at all with current Fords and that it deserves a perfect 100 score?

Agreed it was a fair review.

[tweeked]

Yep - seems very fair to me too

[mcnews]

I have known Neil personally for many years and I know he has no real bias. Apart from the fact he hates with a passion that everyone wants to drive crappy SUV style vehicles in the city.

[BigBlue]

Come across as a very "I don't like it because it isn't European" attitude.

Mondeo gets a mention and the comment:"...the rests of the world has gone all space efficient..." ignore the BMW and Mercedes cars completely.

What is with the emissions numbers comparing a 4 litre engine to that in a Corolla?
The Toyota engine has fewer emissions? I should hope so given it is less than half the size !

Sorry but a pretty ordinary write up in my opinion.

Peter.