The Final Australian Falcon
By 2014, the Ford Falcon was nearing the end of its production run in Australia, marking the conclusion of a 56-year legacy. The FG Falcon had set a modern benchmark with advanced engines, refined suspension, and updated interiors, but Ford sought to extract even more from the platform before production ceased.
The FG-X Falcon represented the ultimate evolution of the Falcon nameplate. It combined the proven FG platform with subtle styling revisions, additional technology, and improved performance in key variants, particularly the XR6 Turbo and XR8. The FG-X was designed to provide a final, polished experience for the last generation of Falcons.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
FG Falcon styling included:
- Modern, aerodynamic body
- Redesigned headlights and grille in mid-generation updates
- Bold XR6/XR8 trims
FG-X Falcon introduced:
- Subtle front fascia updates with new grille and lower bumper design
- Slightly revised headlights and taillights for a fresher look
- Updated alloy wheel designs and trim options
- Sports, luxury, and special edition trims emphasized
- Improved aerodynamics for efficiency and high-speed stability
The FG-X looked like an evolution of the FG, keeping the design familiar but more polished and contemporary. It shared many of the same panels.
Interior Design
FG interior highlights included:
- Modern dashboard and controls
- Comfortable seats with good ergonomics
- Advanced infotainment and climate control
FG-X interior improvements included:
- Refined dashboard materials and updated trim finishes
- Enhanced infotainment systems with more connectivity options
- Redesigned seats for improved comfort, particularly in XR6/XR8 models
- Additional driver aids and convenience features
- Final refinements to the cabin layout and ergonomics
Despite being very similar in appearance, the FG-X interior felt subtly more premium and finished than the FG, offering a last iteration of Falcon comfort and technology.
Platform and Engineering Changes
The FG-X retained the FG platform but included important refinements:
Chassis and suspension:
- Suspension tuning updated for improved ride and handling balance
- Minor chassis improvements for additional rigidity
- Retained independent rear suspension on sedans for optimal cornering
Brakes and safety:
- Disc brakes standard with ABS and traction control
- Optional electronic stability and other driver aids
- Final improvements in crash safety and occupant protection
Performance engineering:
- Engine management refinements for smoother delivery and efficiency
- Transmission updates for better responsiveness
- Suspension and steering calibration fine-tuned for ultimate handling on XR variants
The FG-X delivered a more polished, reliable, and comfortable driving experience than the FG while retaining Falcon’s performance DNA.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
Engine Options
FG Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.0L Barra inline six
- XR6 Turbo variant
- V8: 5.4L Modular (XR8)
FG-X Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 4.0L Barra inline six, final refinements for smoothness and efficiency
- XR6 Turbo optimized with improved performance and response
V8:
- 5.0L Miami supercharged V8with improved drivability and power output
The FG-X engines were similar to the FG but with minor refinements that improved reliability, smoothness, and turbo performance in the XR6 Turbo variant. There was a new V8 engine available.
Transmission Options
FG-X offered:
- 6-speed automatic standard on XR6 Turbo and XR8
- 6-speed manual optional on performance models
- Transmission and driveline calibrations refined for smoother shifts and enhanced reliability
Performance Comparison
The FG-X provided:
- More composed ride and improved high-speed stability
- Slightly sharper steering and braking response
- XR6 Turbo and XR8 variants with refined power delivery
- Optimized handling and ride comfort for both performance and family variants
Compared to the FG, the FG-X felt like the ultimate expression of the Falcon platform: refined, responsive, and polished.
Model Range Comparison
FG Falcon range:
- Sedan, Utility
- Fairmont, G6 luxury variants
- XR6, XR6 Turbo, XR8 performance variants
FG-X Falcon range:
- Sedan, Utility
- Fairmont and G6 luxury variants with refined features
- XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8 with updated engine and suspension tuning
- Special edition trims highlighting Falcon’s final production run
The FG-X expanded refinement and performance while offering a fitting final model lineup for the Falcon nameplate.
Technology and Features
FG features included:
- Modern interior and comfort features
- Air conditioning, power windows, mirrors
- Independent rear suspension
FG-X improvements included:
- Updated infotainment and connectivity options
- Refined interior materials and ergonomic enhancements
- Additional driver aids and convenience features
- Suspension and braking improvements for better handling
- Optimized performance for XR6 Turbo/XR8 variants
The FG-X emphasized technology, comfort, and performance, marking the final refinement of the Falcon lineage.
Driving Experience
FG Falcon
Strengths:
- Modern ride and comfortable cabin
- XR6 Turbo/XR8 performance capable
- Balanced handling
Weaknesses:
- Interior and styling slightly dated by 2014 standards
- Minor refinement opportunities
- Suspension and steering issues
FG-X Falcon
Improvements:
- Enhanced interior quality and cabin ergonomics
- Slightly sharper, more composed handling
- XR6 Turbo and XR8 refined for ultimate performance delivery
- Smooth and confident ride for all variants
The FG-X delivered the final, most polished Falcon driving experience.
Reliability and Common Problems
FG Falcon
- Reliable with routine maintenance
- Turbocharged XR6 variants require attention
- Minor suspension or driveline concerns on high-mileage examples
FG-X Falcon
- Refined engines and drivetrain for slightly improved reliability
- Suspension and braking calibrations enhanced
- XR6 Turbo and XR8 require regular care, but better engineered
- Overall the FG-X is the most dependable Falcon generation
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- FG: Standard models moderately priced; XR6 Turbo/XR8 collectible
- FG-X: Slightly higher prices due to limited final production and collectible value
Parts Availability:
- Good support for both generations
- Performance parts for XR6 Turbo/XR8 slightly more expensive for FG-X
Running Costs:
- Similar for standard models
- Performance variants cost more to maintain due to high-output components
Collector and Enthusiast Value
FG Falcon:
- Late-2000s refinement
- Modern ride and handling
- XR6 Turbo/XR8 performance capable
FG-X Falcon:
- Final-generation Falcon with subtle styling and technology updates
- Enhanced XR6 Turbo and XR8 performance
- Highly collectible due to being the last Australian Falcon
- Refined and polished, marking the end of an era
Choose FG if:
- You want a reliable mid-late 2000s Falcon with capable performance
- You prefer slightly more common availability
Choose FG-X if:
- You want the final, most refined Falcon
- You value collectible status, modern technology, and optimized XR6 Turbo/XR8 performance
- You want the ultimate expression of Australia’s rear-wheel-drive icon
Verdict – Which Is Better?
The FG represented the late-2000s refinement of the Falcon, balancing comfort, performance, and reliability. The FG-X was the ultimate evolution, refining styling, technology, and handling while delivering enhanced performance in the final XR6 Turbo and XR8 variants.
FG Falcon: Late-2000s refinement, capable performance, comfortable and reliable.
FG-X Falcon: Final Falcon, optimized performance, modern technology, highly collectible. For enthusiasts and collectors, the FG-X is the definitive Falcon — the last chapter of Australia’s rear-wheel-drive legend.