The field of battle is set. There will be biffo on the hill at Bathurst, and in pubs and football clubrooms. Barbs will be thrown, “Looks like a BF, mate!"... and hurled back, “Listen mate, all Holdens are shyte.”

And it'll be on.

This year, with the release of the FG Series, with its 'evolved' understated lines and massive improvements to driving dynamics and refinement, Ford has added reason for some new bruising in the old 'Ford versus Holden' argument.

There is now real heat in the kitchen.

At TMR, we've been going though the FG range one at a time — it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. And Ford fans can take heart. Having handed the keys of the Falcon G6E Turbo back to Ford Australia, we have many happy things to report.

With 270 kilowatts and 533 Nm of torque under the toe, it is one thumping drive.

For its 'Jeckyll and Hyde' combination of bristling power, silky driving dynamics, interior refinement and value, the G6E sets a new high-water mark for the large, affordable, sporting saloon. Is it a luxury express, a premium family car, or a sledgehammer?

The fact is, it's all of the above. And that's its brilliance.

It is, at $54,990, a tour de force; dollar for dollar and kilowatt for kilowatt in its price segment, it's the clear value leader. Make no mistake, if it had a German badge on it, it could be twice the price and no-one would bat an eyelid.

With the G6E, Ford has bridged the magic gap: that gap between refined European driving dynamics, and the no-nonsense bullet-proof 'grunt' of the big Aussie family saloon.

Australians can be proud of this car, just as we can take pride every time an SS Commodore rolls from showrooms in the US as a Pontiac G8.

If the future of the Falcon brand is riding on the G6E Turbo and others in the FG Falcon range, Ford Australia could not be accused of holding onto its ace. No, it's there on the table.

Of course, whether the motoring public recognise the fact, and whether Australia's pious and notoriously subjective motoring writers can also recognise it, will be the test for Ford Australia.

With declining sales in the large car segment, the FG is an important model for Ford and—without putting too fine a point on it—an important car for Australia's automotive manufacturing future.

You have to wonder why it is that when our local manufacturers—all three—are designing and engineering products of such value, so many buyers will choose instead to buy imported automotive porridge. But they do, and there we have it.

So, let's get behind the wheel of the G6E Turbo. The first thing you notice is the increase in shoulder room and the airy European feel of the interior. The leather-bound bolstered seats, piano-black console facia, multi-function dash display, reversing camera, Bluetooth connection, gloss carbon fibre and brushed alloy highlights all flag the G6E as a premium product. Fit and finish is flawless to The Insider's eyes.

Once settled, you'll notice the B-pillars have been pumped out to sit more squarely with the platform than they did in the BF model the FG replaces (most obvious if you take a look from behind). The screen rakes further forward. There's more roof (putting more 'air' between your forehead and the glass) and the interior mirror is set higher, out of the line of forward vision. The centre console sweeps down to sit low over the transmission tunnel, opening up the space across the cabin, and the dash similarly curves away and down, giving class-leading knee and leg-room.

Access to the rear is improved: The rear doors, with the trailing edge extended to follow the sweep of the roofline into the C-pillar, provide a noticeably wider opening.

It is as if Ford looked at every shortcoming of the BF and set about to rectify it. Any which way you care to look at it, behind the wheel of the G6E Turbo is a very nice place to be.

Bring the I6 Turbo engine to life, point the G6E out the drive, and the exuberant power under the right foot, the straining at the leash, is impossible to ignore.

Also impossible to ignore are the signals from the underpinnings, Ford's advanced double-wishbone front end (Ford calls it Virtual Pivot Control Link) and Control Blade independent rear. There's an elastic tautness—and an interconnectedness – felt through the wheel and through the seat.

Ours came with optional 19-inch alloys and 245/35 ZR19 tyres. The bigger wheels and fat rubber load a little weight into the steering when parking or getting underway and, at slower speeds, some 'tram-tracking' was evident. Once you start asking some serious questions however, the quality of the underpinnings come into their own.

We put the G6E Turbo through its paces over nearly a thousand kilometres of primary, secondary and gravel roads. The longer you spend at the wheel, the more convincing the G6E Turbo case becomes.

Turn-in at speed—a strong point of Falcons since the AU—is class-leading. And despite its weight and size—this is a big car—understeer is all but absent. You can hurl this thing into corners and belt it out with confidence—best done with the traction control left on if its quick times you're looking for; best switched fervently off if you enjoy driving using the rear end and the free-spinning power underfoot.

On our favourite mountain passes (in Victoria's North East), the big G6E was nimble, swift and predictable, with the right combination of power and handling to really be enjoyed (Sometimes, on these kinds of drives, you become convinced that only the 'horizontal sports' can be more fun).

The chassis dynamics are a testament to Ford Australia's design and engineering capabilities. Little surprise then that it's an important arm of Ford's global design operations.

Few large cars are as swift, with such control and balance, as the G6E Turbo. And there's no need to paddle the six-speed ZF automatic to extract something extra when on the nail—left to its own devices it performs flawlessly: change up and kickdown is as good as instantaneous.

Let's now spend a moment with that wonderful in-line six; the hammer behind the velvet. This engine, sadly destined for Ford's scrap heap when replaced by a V6 sometime after 2010, is a monster.

Peak power is a numbing 270 kilowatts @ 5250rpm, while torque of 533Nm is available from 2000rpm - 4750rpm. Twisting force of that magnitude can shred tyres in a trice.

Put the hammer in, hold it, and that force-fed in-line six can launch the not inconsiderable 1704 kilogram bulk of the G6E from 0-100kph in a shade over five seconds (Some performance testing has claimed acceleration times as low as 5.1 seconds).

Even with traction control, the rear will squirrel about under the load of all those Newton metres belting through the back-end.

It is huge fun. But more fun is balancing the power off the line and feeding it in progressively with the whistle of the turbo singing above the rising howl of the engine. Doing this, it feels like riding a rapidly gathering irresistible wave—or flying. FPV's recently announced F6 features a 310kW version of this engine. Saints be praised, it doesn't bear thinking about.

The I6 is truly a sensational donk: beautifully balanced, it will rev its head off right to the cut-out, without sounding breathless or as if it's tripping over itself. It's a shame we're going to lose it.

It is also remarkably efficient. Claimed consumption average is a commendable 11.7 l/100k. Of course, if you stretch the turbo performance, that figure will suffer (but remain better than any performance V8 on the market). Under normal driving however, it is easy to achieve better than the claimed figures: closer to 10 l/100k is achievable.

Finally, a word about price. At $54,990 the G6E Turbo is a full $11,000 cheaper than the recently announced new Liberty GT Sti (at $65,990, with 194kW and 350Nm). The XR6 Turbo, at $45,490, is $21,000 to the good of the Liberty GT STI. No prizes for guessing which I would be queuing for.

Consider then the BMW M3, offering 309kW and capable of the 0-100kph dash in 4.8 seconds. While one carries the prestige of an icon nameplate, put them side by side on the race-track and there will be little between them. There's some food for thought in the $100,000-plus price differential.

So, that’s the G6E Turbo. You can pick it by the rear lip spoiler and the deep ‘cat-fish’ grille particular to the G-series. While perhaps not as arresting as the superbly penned, dynamic lines of the Holden VE series, Ford’s G6E is a handsome machine from any angle.

We can only hope that the nonsense occurring in the petrol market does not inflict further damage on the large car segment and catch Ford's new FG lineup in the wreckage.

This car, the G6E Turbo, is the duck's guts.

- The Insider

• Superb, beautifully balanced engine
• Mountainous kilowatts and torque
• Dynamic handling and advanced suspension
• Stylish interior
• Frugal fuel consumption (for such a big, powerful car)

• Handing the keys back
• No manual option on the G6E Turbo
• 'Evolved' styling may not set the X and G Series enough apart from the BF

The Insider's big statement:

“The G6E Turbo could be the best car we've ever produced in this country. If you want or need a large strong car, you'd be nuts to choose a 4WD SUV 'brick on wheels' over any of the G or X Series Falcon range: more comfortable, faster, more stylish, more fun to drive, and more economical at the pump.”

Model: G6E Turbo

Type and capacity: I6 Direct injection variable camshaft timing (DI-VCT) 3984cc

Valve system: 24 valve DOHC

Maximum power: 270kW @ 5250 rpm

Maximum torque: 533Nm @ 2000rpm - 4750rpm

Fuel System: Sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection

Turbo boost pressure: 0.7 bar (maximum)

Bore x stroke: 92.26 x 99.31mm

Compression ratio: 8.8:1

0–100 km/h: 5.1 seconds (reported, not confirmed)

Transmission: ZF Six-speed automatic with sequential sports shift

Steering: Forward-mounted power assisted rack and pinion (variable ratio)

Wheels and Tyres: Standard: 18X8 seven-spoke alloys: 245/40 R18 tyres Option: 19X8 ten-spoke alloys: 245/35 R19 tyres

Brakes: Front: Vented discs with twin piston caliper Rear: Solid discs with single piston caliper

Weight: 1704kg

Consumption: 11.7 l/100km (combined)

Fuel tank volume: 68 litres

Price (G6E Turbo): $54,990+ORC

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• reply ” like !

  

  jbot says,
  4 years ago

  Great car, but unfortunately for Ford and Holden, not many people need a car this big. I respect that this is a great product, but I will no be queueing for one in the foreseeable future.
• reply ” like !

  

  Daniel McCoey says,
  4 years ago

  I have trouble swallowing this statement:
  
  "put them side by side on the race-track and there will be little between them."
  
  While I beleive the G6E to be a ripping car, it in no way would get near an M3 on a track period.
• reply ” like !

  

  jbot says,
  4 years ago

  You are right Daniel, if it can't beat it in a straight line, there is no way the Falcon will beat the M3 around a track..
• reply ” like !

  

  jbot says,
  4 years ago

  Looks like Steane cleared that up while I was posting!
• reply ” like !

  

  Naughtyius Maximus says,
  4 years ago

  Big cars are on nose. Might be a Car of the Year winner me suspect; but til they change motors to better technology it will be marking time!
• reply ” like !

  

  Naughtyius Maximus says,
  4 years ago

  Still the economy aint that bad and in real world against Commodore and Aurion / Camry is unreal....whether enough to last in minds of buyers with escalating prices remains the test. The diesel and other tech coming in is the go! For me travelling far an LPG / Hybrid or Diesel / Hybrid is way to go......so is hydrogen which is a better option in short to medium term til they nail better hybrid technology! Hybrid technology will pose a problem as batteries are dear to replace on periodic basis!
• reply ” like !

  

  Naughtyius Maximus says,
  4 years ago

  I love the frontal look.....unlike mesh as it would look devoid of regal style and appeal and look for whale shark like the Peugeot front end. There is nothing wrong with look as its hot and well done me thinks.
  
  Iam making a bold call.....the gongs for Car Awards will come a many on this one!
• reply ” like !

  

  Naughtyius Maximus says,
  4 years ago

  typo......far too whale shark like
• reply ” like !

  

  Ben says,
  4 years ago

  The FG G6E Turbo. Wonderful isn't it? I just wish I could have one! Though the ONLY niggle I have with it is some of the styling. The front grilles are a bit ott with the chrome. The rear bar is hideous (minus the FPV versions). Last, but not least is how it could've looked more like the Euro Fords. Sure, the Kinetic design is evident. But the rather 'flat' beltline would look better if it were like whats on the Mondeo etc. Apart from them few things, it gets 10/10 from me! Still interested in the FG Falcon? visit www.fgfalconforum.co.nr - the forum for all FG fans to congregate!
  
  Ben
• reply ” like !

  

  Conquistador says,
  4 years ago

  Why is it we keep returning to the styling?
  
  Styling doesnot make it go round corners.
  Styling does not stop your grannies falsy's fall into the rear seat footwell when you travelling over a rough road.
  
  The falcon should be considered on its merits. & if anyone doesn't buy them because they don't like the "styling" then as a great man once said.
  
  I pity the fool!
• reply ” like !

  

  Conquistador says,
  4 years ago

  Fair enough it seems an ugly car will disqualify an brilliant car from even the most discerning purchaser.
  
  We can safely say the FG is spared from the same bucket the AU got dropped into?
• reply ” like !

  

  ZANDIT says,
  4 years ago

  Pictures don't do the FG's justice, they are such a great car to behold, I can say this comfortably as a former Holden fan. I was turned by a magic Acid Rush BA XR6 ute that was two years old and drove ten times better than the brand new VZ SV6 ute(all personal opinion!!) I then started selling them two years ago but that was too hard(I was apparently to honest and too much of nice guy!!) so now I sell the parts. Thankfully, I still get to drive them!!!!
• reply ” like !

  

  F6 310 says,
  4 years ago

  The FG is one great looking car from any angle. I cant see how anyone can say it looks the same as a BF.......it is totally different and much beter looking. I couldnt believe how different it was until i saw it in the flesh next to a BF.....how old the BF looks now..... I love the G6 Turbo and I hope to get one in the near future. Slip behing the wheel into that great interior and just drive !!!!
• reply ” like !

  

  Bret says,
  4 years ago

  Great article on an obviously fantastic car.
  However, if you guys want some sort of crebability you need to get your units of measurement right, and not use incorrect colloqueisms(?).
  What the heck is a "kph" - Kegs Per Hour on a Saturday night perhaps?
  I think you mean km/h
  "l/100k" was probably just a typo (several times) for L/100km.
  Guys in Australia we use Australian Standards - look 'em up.
  • reply ” like !

    

    The Insider says,
    4 years ago

    Fair cop Guv'nor... had a crack at the kegs per hour but couldn't get any rhythm going once we hit 2 kph(damned stool kept throwing me off).
    
    Anyway, booked myself in for a bit of a horse-whipping - expecting the horse any moment - and promise to mend my ways, won't happen again, solemn oath, cross my heart...
• reply ” like !

  

  CyberMango says,
  4 years ago

  The FG is one great looking car.
  The only thing that bugs me is that the comfy door grab handles were removed.
  Considering holding off my purchase of a G6E-Turbo,
  in hope grab handles come back!
  
  Does anyone know when FG Series II is coming?
• reply ” like !

  

  Mike Rowe says,
  4 years ago

  Thanks for the article - glad to hear your positive opinion. I am picking up mine on Friday (2 days) - yippee!
• reply ” like !

  

  Howell nz says,
  4 years ago

  Ive heard from a ford agent here in nz that they are going to keep the current engine 4 litre engine & are'nt going to change it for the US V6 motor, I test drove one recently here in auckland , what a monster of a engine ! luv it
• reply ” like !

  

  anton reyes says,
  3 years ago

  test drive it so you'll have an idea what you are missing out on.if i have an extra money,i'll buy another one,lol.........
• reply ” like !

  

  justin says,
  3 years ago

  the thing is, for the price ($50k US, near enough) you CAN get a european car in the USA or Europe that is better yet twice the price here in australia.
  
  So the fact that it is "good value" is only because protectionist policies inflated the price of all the imports to keep a few thousand jobs @ ford and holden plants, not because Ford have somehow figured out how to deliver more for $50k than anyone else.
• reply ” like !

  

  Ian Flint says,
  2 years ago

  Tim, well said and I am with you.
  
  Picking up my G6E Turbo in Feb 2010 and can't wait.I have looked at many reviews on this car compared to the latest Calais V8,Statesman etc and this is the one for me.
  European cars are nice and Lexus but why would you spend heaps more for a comparable car ?
  
  Ian
• reply ” like !

  

  Sammy J says,
  2 years ago

  The old man has just bought a G6E-Turbo, and after driving it I can tell you it is one of the fastest cars I've driven. And before you ask, yes I have owned a couple of fast cars- modified 12 second rexies and silvias. You'd have to be a complete moron to buy any other luxury-performance car over this! I'm definately getting one when I can afford it- just imagine: lowered a little more with low offset wheels and a power tweak- the ultimate car!
• reply ” like !

  

  dna says,
  2 years ago

  This is an extraordinary car. I have bought a second hand one last week and it still blows my mind that i can drive it. I travel often enough to Europe and if anybody can comment here that a wage earning normal european can have a similar car for similar monies he must be living in lala land. 99% of cars there are slow and very expensive 1.3 l engines , including VWs and BMWs. The greenies clearly brainwashed already enough australians too if i can see even here comments like " people want small cars"! No , only little depressive women may want little Kia's, and the fact that greens and other leftoids force on us huge taxes on driving (same as they did in Europe for the last 20 years) under the pretext of the environment in order to hide their total incompetence has nothing to do with motoring. This car's consumption is around 10L/100km in the city (unless you try to overtake everything that moves) which is exactly the same as most cars with 1600...2000cmc engines, however the experience is extraordinary - smooth, fast - and of course the trill of the available power. I myself had 3 years ago a little european 2.2L engine Astra: the worst car ever. I had to change brake disks, wheel senzors etc etc and every time i paid over a thousand dollars. I cannot believe that actually there are people in Australia thinking that the European way is better than the australian motoring tradition (I myself am a migrant from europe) - I can tell you guys that they would give everything to be able to drive our australian built 3000cmc... 5600cmc engines cars.
• reply ” like !

  

  gwynore says,
  1 year ago

  Just bought one of these with only 10,000 kms on the clock. As the review says, this is a stunning car, inside and out. You certainly get a lot of bang and plenty of style for your bucks. Dollar for dollar, it leaves all the over-priced Germanic machines for dead, including BMW. I can't stand all those dark teutonic interiors they try to foist on everyone. Apart from that, most of the Europeans are notorious for poor reliability and expensive repair bills - especially just after they run out of warranty! Don't believe me? See the marvelous 'Dog & Lemon Guide' - or any recent European Owners' Satisfaction survey. These annual reports really do reveal the expensive lemons.
  
  Only trouble with the big Fords is the rapid annual depreciation, mainly because they are so popular with fleet buyers and taxi companies.
  
  A great drive all the same. I love it.
• reply ” like !

  

  Daniel says,
  3 months ago

  I love the new G6E. Very slylish car. BUT... I have owned and friends have owned previous models in the ford range and they just dont last. 8 years and they are dead. Steering wheels rot it the sun and turn to black dust in your hands, hand brake never works, engine management issues cause the motor to run very rough, door handles (and trims!) come off in your hand... wheel barings colapse and cause the brake rotor to grind against the lower ball joint... The list of problems is huge! Do your self a favour, get on to Ford Forums before commiting to a buy and ask some basic questions to owners. Owners of BA/BF models were ignored when they experianced problems with there handbrakes not working and were told its normal???? I love these cars but if your going to buy one expect to sell it before 5 years to avoid it falling to bits.