It kind of reminds us of the EcoBoost four-cylinder Falcons, which feel nimbler and are lighter in the front end than the six-cylinder counterparts. The front end remains stable around corners and isn’t as upset by bumps mid-corner. Immediately the car feels much stiffer and more composed compared with the GT. The same Virtual Pivot Link front and Control Blade rear suspension layout is carried across from the FG. Some adjustments were also made to the overall geometry to accommodate 275 rear tyres. Ford has made some thorough changes for the XR8, including retuning the rear dampers and springs, installing a larger rear stabiliser bar (19mm), retuning the front dampers, and adding in stiffer front spring mounts and upper control arm bushes. Although we loved the performance of the supercharged V8, the handling was not up to the skill level of the HSV Clubsport or the Commodore SS V for that matter.

The last time we drove a V8 Falcon was back with the FPV GT. Having digital radio in the first place is a real bonus though – it’s currently only available in a few high-end cars. Some of the menus such as the digital radio listings are cumbersome as well. The sat-nav system showed some flaws during our test, leading us onto slower routes or advising us to turn onto streets that didn’t line up. However, we couldn’t find any merit-worthy area compared with the market standards nowadays. We think the operation of the new screen and the touch sensitivity is a big improvement over the previous Human Machine Interface. In the XR8 you also get satellite navigation and a decent nine-speaker stereo system (up from four speakers).

It’s installed in every FG X Falcon and includes applications such as a reverse parking camera, digital radio, and emergency assistance as standard on all variants. Speaking of the touch-screen, this is Ford’s latest multimedia interface creatively called SYNC2. And then fan speed is displayed in the lower corner of the touch-screen. When you push the button a little graphic displays in the instrument cluster saying ‘air-con on’ for a second or two and then it disappears. For example, there is no way to tell if the air-con is on or off just by looking at it. The functions can get confusing too, particularly the climate control settings. The same buttons and switches are implanted on the same somewhat dated dash fascia layout. Unfortunately, Ford Australia hasn’t really updated the interior design. You’re not going to be uncomfortable but it might take a few decent drives to fully settle in. The steering wheel column comes out too low and the adjustment range is quite limited. We wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s awkward but it is not as right as the Commodore driving position. The driving position is still too high for our liking, which seems like a tradition for post-1994 Falcons. It’s all super-comfortable, with big sports seats in the front with electric height adjustment and supportive yet unobtrusive side bolsters holding you in place. There’s miles of headroom and legroom in the front and back, and the rear bench actually seats adults and sinks down a bit, assisting with rear vision. If you’ve been spending lots of time in European or Japanese cars and away from Aussie sedans, you’ll be pleasantly reunited with the big comfy proposition of the Falcon. This is a bargain price we think, especially considering the 2013 FPV GT – which came with the same engine only with less advanced tech and was slightly less capable overall – was priced from $70,790. Let’s face it, Ford Australia could have charged whatever it wanted and fans would still have bought it. Late last year we were surprised to report the new XR8 prices start at just $52,490.

It is very likely to live on until production ceases in two years, although we think there might be at least one special edition on the way to give the humble homemaker an honourable sendoff. The 2015 Ford Falcon XR8 FG X falls into the picture by being one of the last (if not last) performance V8 Falcons ever conceived. When local Ford manufacturing closes down in 2016 it’s going to be a very sad day to see this old girl go. If you’ve never owned one, chances are, a close relative or a friend has. It’s been a dependable family member of homes all around the country for decades. For most Australians it’s hard to imagine life without the Ford Falcon.

2016 ford flacon gt specs