THE BA Falcon has a smaller capacity luggage area (504 litres) than its AU predecessor (528) - courtesy of the more complex, space-consuming Control Blade IRS standard across the sedan range.

But Falcon still beats Commodore (475 litres) in outright volume terms, the once flat boot floor now has a spare wheel-shaped depression in the centre, whereas Commodore retains the advantage of a flat load area.

A plastic scuff plate has been added to the lower edge of the load aperture, while the luggage net remains standard.

Of course Commodore's boot practicality is hampered by the intrusion of its simple bootlid hinges, while Falcon continues with an even slicker version of its multi-link hinge system that is positioned outside the boot opening aperture.

Falcon's advantage of a convenient 60/40 split-folding rear seatback is reduced with the BA, which features seatback bracing that makes its through-loading capacity closer to that of Commodore's overgrown ski-port. Falcon's rear seat is now released via levers on the outboard side of the rear headrests.

Like Calais, Fairmont Ghia offers a lockable, illuminated glovebox, folding centre rear armrest, a larger, lidded and illuminated front armrest/storage bin featuring coin and business card holders, and twin (lidded) front and rear cupholders.

Ford scores points with its two shelves beneath the ICC designed to house a Ford branded tissue box and other oddments such as a sat-nav remote control unit, plus new front door compartments big enough to swallow a street directory.

There's also an overhead sunglass holder, three overhead grabrails (the rears doubling as coat hangers), front door lighting, front footwell lighting and rear side reading lights.