Has the Commodore pipped in this department but doesn't quite match the smoothness or refinement of the Toyota Camry and Mitsubishi Magna.

TRANSMISSION: Four-speed electronic automatic. Still has that trademark taxi sound, though. Pulls like a steam train up hills and has heaps of low-end power which is great for towing or ambling along at any speed comfortably. Still the most powerful in its class (157kW). A third-row seat for kids, which makes the Falcon a Clayton's seven-seater, is optional.ĮNGINE: The same old 4.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder grunter that's been around for more than a decade, but with enough revised internals to justify an 'Intec' badge on the front guards for marketing purposes. Thankfully, Ford has fixed the driver's seat so your knees don't rub on the bottom of the steering wheel. SEATING: Comfortable but not outstanding. Oddly, there's no lever to open the tailgate from the outside. The cargo area, on the other hand, is a massive 2,584 litres with the rear seat folded. The low, swooping windscreen pillar feels claustrophobic at first. Despite the blandness, all buttons and dials are well positioned and easy to use. Anti-lock brakes and passenger's air bag are optional.ĬABIN: Acres of grey or beige plastic are exaggerated by an egg-shaped control panel.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Air conditioning, remote central locking, digital distance-to-empty fuel gauge, steering wheel-mounted audio controls. WHY YOU WOULDN'T: Lacks the refinement of its major competitors, feels nervous in the wet or on bumpy corners and the styling is an acquired taste. WHY YOU'D BUY IT: Big, solid, roomy, dependable. WHO'S BUYING IT: Company reps who need a big wagon and user choosers with a family to think of. PHILOSOPHY: A wide open car for our wide open spaces.

Ford flacon station wagon