Super TestCar reviews - Ford - Falcon - Futura sedanFord modelsSteering1 Nov 2002 ALREADY best in class for feel and precision, Falcon has made another step forward in the steering department. Capitalising on the more rigid bodyshell and stiffer front suspension tower mounts, Ford engineers fitted new steering gear with a more direct ratio to increase responsiveness and feel especially on-centre. Now identical to Commodore with 2.8 turns lock to lock (down from 3.2), the new steering ratio is accompanied by reduced power assistance, making the steering feel firmer, meatier and more evenly weighted across the board. In Futura guise it strikes a better balance between working well at both parking speeds and sporting speeds, never leaving the driver in any doubt about where the front wheels are headed. The turning circle remains a Commodore-matching 11 metres. Changes aimed at reducing the transfer of noise, vibration and harshness from the steering and suspension include a strengthened steering column and its mount, further isolating the driver from unwanted information through the tiller. The steering wheel itself is smaller in diameter and thicker rimmed, feeling sportier and looking more expensive via its textured finish and standard audio controls. The optional cruise control buttons are located opposite them, on the right. While some say changes to the VY Commodore's steering gear valving has seen it leapfrog Falcon, which they say now behaves too busily, we think the improvements in responsiveness and weighting - which come at no expense to Falcon's well documented accuracy and feedback - simply push it further ahead. Did you know?Falcon Futura offers extra equipment over Commodore Acclaim, including bigger 16-inch alloy wheels, split-fold rear seating, front seatbelt height adjustment and on-glass antenna. Meantime, Acclaim buyers benefit from road-speed sensitive wipers, a speed alert function and standard traction controlAll car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen |
Super TestClick to share
|
Facebook Twitter Instagram