![]() ![]() Spending $39,000 on a Futura delivered all-electric windows plus 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control and an uprated sound-system. ![]() Standard features included air-conditioning and central locking but the XT retained manual rear-window winders. Redesigned front seats delivered higher side bolsters and new fabrics. Even tyre selection was weighted towards road-noise reduction. A stiffer floor pan and firewall modifications delivered significant reductions in harshness, additional sound-deadening was installed and the exhaust modified. Sound absorption and vibration control were high on Ford’s priority list when engineering the BF revamp. New for the Fairmont Ghia and optional on Fairmonts with the Euro Sports Package was a sophisticated six-speed automatic supplied by German transmission giant ZF. The six-cylinder BF delivered its peak torque at a commendably low 2500rpm and Ford claimed an 8 per cent economy boost while lifting power to 190kW.īFs came with four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions in the base XT and automatic only in Futuras and Fairmonts. The high performance duo we’ll ignore for now as they provide sufficient fodder for an entirely separate Guide.īigger changes occurred inside the 4.0-litre engine, including a higher compression ratio and individual management systems for each of the overhead camshafts permitting smooth performance on standard Unleaded fuel. External differences were limited to a revamped front air-dam and grille, new wheels, tail-lights and badging.įord stuck to a four-model range comprising the base-level XT, Futura, Fairmont/Fairmont Ghia and XR6/XR8. In October 2005 when the BF Falcon replaced the BA II, hardly anyone except Ford dealership staff noticed the change. Then came the Commodore VE and Ford was forced to react quickly or lose vital presence in the large car market. Ford progressively eliminated most of the AU’s deficiencies and by late 2002 when the BA model arrived had a car that more than matched Holden’s VZ Commodore. The BF model was the third in a series that traces its lineage to the horrendously-flawed AU. These big, rear-wheel drive cars were outmoded 20 years ago but they are roomy and cheap to maintain and that’s why the majority sell new to fleets and not private buyers. ![]() Anyone who has ridden in an Australian taxi will understand why Ford perseveres with a design that, by world standards, is well due for its Seniors Card. ![]()
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