Ford keeps Falcon price rises in check

FORD has released pricing for its Series III Falcon, making good its promise to keep price increases to a minimum when the revised range hits showrooms on November 15.

Prices have remained close to the equivalent Holden Commodore, with all non-performance models incurring a hike of no more than $855.

On the XR front, pricing is unchanged for the XR6 twins while the XR8 has risen $1905 - not a surprise given the retail price of the high-performance sports sedan held firm when it gained the 220kW, 5.0-litre V8 engine in May.

The changes brought with AUIII are insubstantial, the biggest addition being anti-lock brakes on the base model Forte. All Falcon sedans and wagons, like all Commodores, now have ABS as standard.

Softening the blow somewhat with XR8, Ford has introduced a "Ford Racing" bodykit as standard while all Falcons gain colour-keyed lower-profile sideskirts, clear indicator lenses, a dot-matrix windscreen and Series III badging.

The Falcon S model has been deleted from the range - the SR limited edition continues in its place - and the 60,000km scheduled servicing now becomes an option as part of the Ford Solutions package.

The scheme, announced with AUII, covers the service costs of labor, parts and lubricants at authorised Ford dealers.

AUIII Falcon versus VXII Commodore*

Falcon Forte sedan manual $31,775 (+$495)
Commodore Executive sedan manual $29,960
Falcon Forte wagon $34,490 (+$530)
Commodore Executive wagon $32,570
Falcon Forte V8 sedan $35,855 (+$85)
Commodore Executive V8 sedan $35,160
Falcon Futura sedan $35,740 (+$200)
Commodore Acclaim sedan $36,390
Falcon Futura wagon $37,465 (+$215)
Commodore Acclaim wagon $38,250
Falcon Fairmont sedan $39,290 (+$580)
Commodore Berlina sedan $39,630
Falcon Fairmont wagon $41,750 (+$615)
Commodore Berlina wagon $42,430
Falcon Fairmont Ghia VCT sedan $48,280 (+$855)
Commodore Calais V6 SV6 sedan $48,810
Falcon XR6 HP manual $35,770 (no change)
Commodore S sedan manual $35,950
Falcon XR6 VCT auto $40,360 (no change)
Commodore S sedan SV6 auto $38,240
Falcon XR8 manual $48,420 (+$1905)
Commodore SS sedan $47,370
* Models with automatic transmission unless specified