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Ford's all-new FG Falcon has won its second Car of the Year award in
as many weeks, after taking home the Best Large Car trophy in the 2008
Australia's Best Cars awards announced today.
The Falcon XT won the hotly contested Best Large Car category for traditional
family cars, ahead of established challengers and the latest large car models to
hit the market this year.
"Winning an Australia's Best Cars award is a fantastic achievement for the
entire team at Ford Australia and a just reward for a lot of hard work and
dedication," Ford Australia President & CEO Marin Burela said.
"The FG Falcon has now won two major Car of the Year awards in as many weeks,
which is an outstanding result but also a tremendous thrill for everyone
involved.
"The judges' recognition of the Falcon XT as the best large car on the market
in Australia represents a resounding endorsement of the entire FG Falcon
range."
The judges praised Ford for its sustained approach to product development and
for building a world-class car with its FG Falcon range, saying "Ford has
made a major step forward with the FG model" and "Ford has brought
Falcon back to class supremacy with its new FG range".
They also recognised its advancements in engine and suspension performance,
"it is clearly the best handling car of the bunch and its turbo six engine
is an absolute ripper", along with Falcon's ability to deliver genuine real
world fuel efficiency.
Vehicle refinement was also acknowledged, in conjunction with the
improvements to interior accommodation and packaging, with the judges saying
"For drivers, the Ford's dash layout and presentation at the wheel is among
the best anywhere".
Two other Ford models were finalists in the 2008 Australia's Best Car awards,
with the sports luxury G6E Turbo finishing second in the Prestige Car category,
ahead of last year's winner, and the Mondeo TDCi finishing third in the Mid-size
Car over $28,000 class.
The G6E Turbo drew high praise from the Best Cars judges in a number of key
areas: "For an Australian-designed and built car to come so close to
grabbing top honours in a class that has been dominated by the best from Europe
and Japan speaks volumes about Ford's determination to make exceptional vehicles
in this country. Only once since the awards began, in 2000, was there another
Aussie finalist in this category".
"Performance-wise, there are none better in the category. The G6E Turbo
will outrun many in the sports car class; in this category, it's a rocket
ship."
"The G6E Turbo has some of the best seats and occupant space going.
Inside the cabin there are none better in terms of ergonomics, everything is
simply laid out and easy to interpret."
The judges also paid tribute to the Mondeo as "still one of the brightest
lights in this category and its attributes will be attractive to many".
Australia's Best Cars are presented by the Australian Automobile Association
on behalf of Australia's Motoring Clubs, which include NRMA Motoring &
Services, RACV, RACQ, RAASA and RACT.
Regarded as Australia's most consumer-focused motoring awards, they are based
on a unique objective scoring system that takes into account a wide range of
criteria across three main areas – value for money, design and function, and on
the road performance.
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