FG Falcon: Ergonomics i-Drives Ford's new hero

FORD’S new Falcon brings a new level of vehicle interaction, system control and integration to an Australian-built car.

It also introduces a reverse camera, Bluetooth mobile phone integration and MP3 audio, as well as iPod-specific connectivity on the long-running series.

Dubbed HMI – or Human Machine Interface – the vehicle interaction interface incorporates the centre console control unit (or ICC – for Interior Control Centre - in Ford-speak), the MFD Multi-Function Display unit, the instrumentation and its surrounds, and the remote buttons located on the completely redesigned steering wheel.

It allows the Falcon’s occupants to control key aspects of the car, from climate-control and audio settings to cruise control, lighting settings and – where fitted – satellite-navigation.

Personalisation information pertaining to things like locking, alarm/security settings and interior illumination, are also part of the HMI’s repertoire.

Ford’s interior designers have integrated the HMI within the dashboard, presenting a high-tech look and feel as well as a prestigeous environment.



“The ICC serves as the primary source of information for vehicle comfort and convenience systems for the user, according to the person in charge of the set-up, Ford Australia electrical engineering manager Stuart Taylor.

The screen is now positioned higher than its much simpler predecessor was in the BA-BF Falcon models, for easy and minimal eyes-off-road interaction.



“Drivers (have) the ability to view the ICC screen without having to divert their eyes downward from the road-level view.

Having the screen elevated also pays dividends as far as air-vent positioning is concerned, since the dual outlets now live below the HMI system, improving heating, ventilation and air-conditioning performance.

Both advantages also work at keeping fatigue at bay.

There are two levels of ICC, with the low-series FG Falcon sedans and Utes gaining an LED backlit monochromatic LCD screen (XT, G6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8).

It features a high power white LED backlit an LCD comprising a fixed segment and dot matrix area the same menu layout as the high series (below) employs symbols, graphics and dynamic text to display information and has reconfigurable screen settings.

Meanwhile, the high-series Falcon G6E and G6E Turbo versions (basically the old Fairmont Ghia in the pre-FG Ford vernacular) bring with them a seven-inch colour TFT screen.

The high-end ICC utilises colour and layers to enable simple navigation of menus and functions, supports high-resolution graphics, features video input for the reverse camera and satellite-navigation functions if fitted, has an all-new high-resolution graphic display, an all-new menu layout and is reconfigurable in its screen settings.

The ICC operation is via four key controls – the “ICC Control Dial”, “OK” button (located within the ICC Control Dial), “Menu” button and “Back” button.

Ford says all provide a clear, concise and easy-to-use operating system.

According to Mr Taylor, the HMI differs from similar systems such as the controversial BMW i-Drive or Audi’s MMI devices by hitting the right balance between function and simplicity.

Instrument cluster

AS you’d expect with an all-new interior, the FG Falcon sedan’s instrument cluster has also been completely overhauled.

This car features three levels – low series, high series and FPV series, of which there are a total of seven unique variants across the range.

Some of the differences lie in the number of gauges, dial and bezel features, dial and bezel colours, illumination colours and series-level warning lights.

All models, including the FG XT sedan, include a speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauge, warning lights, a return to zero feature when the ignition is off for all gauges, and the MFD with a full dot matrix LCD screen for set-ups, messages and warning info.

And following the Holden Commodore’s lead with the 2004 VZ, the MFD also displays a large digital speedometer, as well as an overspeed function, odometer, trip meter, system warnings, audio info and trip computer function.

There is also a new Set-Point cruise control system, as well as a configurable one-touch lane-change function that provides a minimum of three indicator flashes.

Among the other innovations of the HMI in the FG Falcon is a driver-fatigue warning, which appears in the cluster, and is accompanied by a sound chime to remind the driver to take sufficient breaks during long periods of travel, and is configurable for two, three or four-hour intervals and a ‘Transmission not in Park’ warning that displays a warning on opening a door when the lever is not in Park.

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