Sleeker than before, the first major EA facelift featured an all-new nose, tail (sedan only) and interior design, and no grille on low-end models. Only the doors carried over.
Substantial engineering changes meant revised motors (standard 4.0L I6 now 157kW/357Nm), suspension, steering, brakes, computer power, and body crash resistance, while better seats and a driver’s airbag was introduced.
And finally the old under-dash handbrake gave way to a console-sited one. However, although sales increased dramatically, some critics deemed the EF’s handling a little “too twitchy” at the limit.
New Standard features: Driver’s airbag, centre console with armrests and drink holders, better audio, passenger seat lumber support, tacho, service interval indicator, console handbrake. Futura adds power front windows, better audio and trim differencesEngine options: 165kW/388Nm 5.0L V8
