Ford BA Falcon

Infobox Automobile


name = Ford BA Falcon
manufacturer = Ford Motor Company of Australia
assembly = Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
class = Full-size car
production = 2002–2005
predecessor = Ford AU Falcon
successor = Ford BF Falcon
platform = FR EA169
body_style = 2-door ute
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
engine = Straight-6

• 4.0 L "Barra E-Gas"
• 4.0 L "Barra 182"
• 4.0 L "Barra 245T"

V8

• 5.4 L "Barra 220"
• 5.4 L "Boss 260"

transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
wheelbase = Auto mm|2829
length = Auto mm|4916–Auto mm|5053
width = Auto mm|1864
height = Auto mm|1444
weight = Auto kg|1620–Auto kg|1740
related = Ford Fairlane
Ford Fairmont
Ford Territory

The Ford BA Falcon is a full-size car, produced by the Ford Motor Company of Australia, between September 2002 and October 2005. The exterior styling of the BA was a substantial revision of that used for the preceding AU model. A new independent rear suspension setup was fitted to all sedan derivatives, and the engine and transmission received further upgrades. In late 2004, Ford introduced a Mark II update, bringing subtle styling and mechanical changes,citation | title = Positive gearing | year = 2004 | magazine = Wheels magazine: November 2004 | pages = 88–92] and twelve months after that, replaced the BA with the BF. The model's market share briefly topped that of its chief competitor, the Holden Commodore on two occasions, but have failed to match those of the record-breaking EL Falcon. [citation | title = Number crunching | year = 2003 | magazine = Wheels magazine: November 2003 | pages = 155] [citation | title = Market place | year = 2005 | magazine = Wheels magazine: October 2005 | pages = 146] In the final months of 2002, the BA model received the influential "Wheels" Car of the Year award, [citation | title = COTY 02 Drum Roll, Please | year = 2002 | magazine = Wheels magazine: December 2002 | pages = 87–91] breaking a 36-year drought. [citation | title = Middle-aged Creed | year = 2002 | magazine = Wheels magazine: December 2002 | pages = 99] The BA also won four consecutive "Australia's Best Cars" awards, spanning three years.cite web | url = http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2002/family.htm | title = Ford Falcon Futura BA | publisher = Australia's Best Cars | accessdate = 2007-06-23] cite web | url = http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2002/sports_under.htm | title = Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo | publisher = Australia's Best Cars | accessdate = 2007-06-23] cite web | url = http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2003/family.htm | title = Ford Falcon XT | publisher = Australia's Best Cars | accessdate = 2007-06-23] cite web | url = http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2004/family.htm | title = Ford BA Falcon Series II, XT | publisher = Australia's Best Cars | accessdate = 2007-06-23]

Development and design

The BA model represented a AU$500 million investment, and 24,000 hours of engine and durability testing. Germany’s Nürburgring test track was used for some suspension testing. The anti-lock brakes and Electronic Stability Control were calibrated in Sweden, as well as Australia.cite web | date = 2002-09-25 | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_55205/title_BA%20Falcon%20%E2%80%93%20the%20Ultimate%20Driving%20Experience/newsarticle.html | title = BA Falcon the Ultimate Driving Experience | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-20]

Exterior design

Exterior styling was led by design director Scott Strong, then chief designer for Ford Australia. After Strong departed from operations at Ford in 2001, Simon Butterworth took over this role. [cite web | date = 2006-03-27 | url = http://www.driveguide.com.au/cars/ford/New_Design_Director_for_Ford_270306.html | title = New Design Director for Ford | publisher = Driveguide.com.au | accessdate = 2007-10-10] Ford Australia's intention was to create a European influence for the vehicle, whereby most aspects of the AU's "New Edge" design would be revised. The result was a significant update of the existing AU body shell, rather than a completely new design. The BA model introduced an integrated aerial in the car’s rear window, instead of the conventional retractable antenna. The aerial placement improved the vehicle's aerodynamics and ended the breakage issues that had plagued the retractable type found on previous models. Interestingly, interference from the engine did not affect the radio reception.cite web | last = Doug | first = Bevan | date = 2006-03-27 | url = http://www.trueblueford.com/BA_audio.html | title = BA Falcon Introduction: Audio | publisher = True Blue Ford | accessdate = 2007-06-21]

Interior design

From the inside, the "New Edge" interior of the AU was discarded in favour of a contemporary style, based upon European designs.cite web | date = 2002-09-05 | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_55182/title_BA%20Falcon%20Interior%20Reveal/newsarticle.html | title = BA Falcon Interior Reveal | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-20] Marcus Hotblack, the director of interior design, focused on improving user friendliness. The resulting design was an ergonomically-correct interior command centre, highlighted by the satin-finish centre console. [cite web | url = http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/7_10_for.htm | title = BA Ford Falcon Ute range | publisher = WebWombat | accessdate = 2007-06-21] The theme was further extended by the audio and cruise control switches' location on the steering wheel.

A prominent feature of the new command centre was a large liquid crystal display which displayed information regarding the air conditioning unit and sound system. Buyers could opt for a premium sound package, standard on the Fairmont Ghia, which included a full-colour screen. Ventilation outlets were larger than those of previous models, resulting in a cabin that could be more effectively and efficiently heated or cooled. Another change was the headlamp switch, which was now located on the end of the turn signal stalk for easier reach.

Interior colour schemes varied from model to model, but shared a common design approach. The entry-level XT featured a black plastic panel for the upper half of the dashboard, with either a black, charcoal, or beige panel for the lower half. Not all variants offered the distinctive colour palette; the sports variants could not be optioned with the two-tone interior.

Engine and mechanicals

Powerplants consisted of both straight-sixes and V8s, with the entry-level "Barra 182" six-cylinder being a significant improvement over the AU Falcon's six, with a gain of 25 kilowatts (33 hp) of power for a total of 182 kilowatts (244 hp).cite web | date = 2002-09-05 | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_55183/title_BA%20Falcon%20Engine%20Reveal/newsarticle.html | title = BA Falcon Engine Reveal | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-22] The 156 kilowatt (209 hp) LPG-only "Barra E-Gas" engine was offered as an option on lower specification models. [cite web | last = Hagon | first = Toby | date = 2005-02-14 | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/review-new/ford-falcon-lpg/2006/02/14/1139679563692.html | title = Ford Falcon LPG | publisher = The Sydney Morning Herald | accessdate = 2007-06-22]

A turbocharged variant of the "Barra" engine was introduced in a new XR6 Turbo model and produced 240 kilowatts (321 hp) of power. A 5.4 litre V8 replaced the "Windsor" engine of the AU. The new V8 was a modified version of Ford's North American "Modular" V8 available in two variants: the "Barra 220" generating 220 kilowatts (295 hp) and a 260 kilowatt (348 hp) "Boss 260". The new engine was smoother, more fuel efficient, and quieter than the engine it replaced. [cite web | url = http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/5_01_for.htm | title = Ford's storming XR8 unleashed | publisher = WebWombat | accessdate = 2007-06-22]

Two transmissions were available for the BA—a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. The automatic transmission featured Sequential Sports Shift, a first for the Falcon nameplate in Australia. The new "Control-Blade" independent rear suspension (IRS) fitted to all sedans—first used in development of the Ford Focus and the Jaguar X-Type— was superior to the optional double wishbone IRS suspension used on AU sedans, and was cheaper. However, it was heavier than the previous live rear axle used for base models, and the change contributed to the base model XT sedan's 130 kilogram (287 lb) weight increase from the previous model. The wagons and utilities retained the leaf spring live axle rear suspension of the AU wagon and utility; consequently, they did not gain as much weight as the sedan. [cite web | last = Doug | first = Bevan | date = 2002-11-19 | url = http://www.trueblueford.com/BA_suspension.html | title = BA Falcon Rear suspension | publisher = True Blue Ford | accessdate = 2007-06-21]

The BA Falcon was also smoother on the road, with increased towing capabilities from previous models. Fuel consumption in the "Barra 182" was measured at Auto L/100km|12.5 for city driving and Auto L/100km|8.2 for highway driving. These numbers were government figures, measured indoors using a dynamometer. Real-world testing has shown that an extra 12% is actually consumed. [cite web | last = Morley | first = David | date = 2006-08-23 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=19496&vf=22 | title = Used Car Review Ford Falcon BA | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2006-12-07] [cite web | date = 2002-09-05 | url = http://autoweb.com.au/cms/A_55183/newsarticle.html | title = Used Car Review Ford Falcon BA | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2006-01-11]

Safety

Passenger safety was a key design aspect for the Ford engineers. Anti-lock brakes were standard on all models; electronic brakeforce distribution was also standard on most variants. The addition of traction control for higher trim levels helped to prevent loss of traction. On top of this, dual front airbags were a standard fitment across the range; with side-impact airbags being equipped on higher luxury levels such as the Fairmont. In a crash safety assessment conducted by ANCAP, the BA model scored 27.27 out of a possible 34 points, giving a rating of four out of five stars. [cite web | url = http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/_scripts/ancap_detail.php?IID=1749 | title = 2002 Ford Falcon BA | publisher = Transport Accident Commission | accessdate = 2006-12-07]

Specification levels

Falcon XT

Marketed largely towards the fleet industry, the entry-level Falcon XT sold in the most numbers. Featuring the base "Barra 182" six-cylinder engine, air conditioning, front power windows, and five-speed manual, with the choice of a four-speed automatic, the XT was sold in sedan and station wagon body types. [cite web | url = http://www.carsales.com.au/car_sales/new_ford_20020925_10_38_33.htm | title = Quick Info: Ford Falcon BA XT | publisher = carsales.com.au | accessdate = 2007-06-23] Judges of the "Australia's Best Cars" awards crowned the XT "Best Family Car" in 2002, and again in 2004, with the Futura receiving the award in 2003.

Futura

The semi-luxury Futura variant was heavily based on the XT, and marketed towards to families. Futura models gained cruise control, 16 inch alloy wheels, rear power windows and full body-coloured side-view mirrors and side-protection moldings. But, side-impact airbags and power adjustable pedals were only available as options. [cite web | url = http://www.carsales.com.au/car_sales/new_ford_20020925_10_37_47.htm | title = Quick Info: Ford Falcon BA Futura | publisher = carsales.com.au | accessdate = 2007-06-23]

Falcon XR6

Building on the features of the XT, the sports orientated Falcon XR6 was at one point considered not to be released. This was because of the new XR6 Turbo model, however, Ford overturned this decision before production. [cite web | url = http://autospeed.com/cms/A_1729/article.html?popularArticle | title = New Car Test - Ford Falcon XR6 | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-23] A specifically designed body kit distinguished the XR6 from other variants, save for the XR6 Turbo and XR8 which shared the sports bodywork. The naturally-aspirated engine was identical to the engine used on the XT and Futura, and the five-speed manual transmission came as standard.cite web | date = 2002-09-05 | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_55181/title_BA%20Falcon%20Feature%20Walk/newsarticle.html | title = BA Falcon Feature Walk | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2008-01-23]

Falcon XR6 Turbo

The newly introduced Falcon XR6 Turbo (XR6T) received critical acclaim at launch, and the Australia's Best Car's judges even awarded it the "Best Sports car under $57,000" in 2002. At heart visually identical to the XR6, the turbocharged derivative gained extra features, with the additional turbocharger boosting the car's total power output to 240 kilowatts (321 hp). [cite web | url = http://www.carsales.com.au/car_sales/new_ford_20020925_10_02_35.htm | title = Quick Info: Ford Falcon BA XR6 Turbo | publisher = carsales.com.au | accessdate = 2007-06-24]

Falcon XR8

Being the flagship sports variant, the XR8 credited specially tuned sports suspension, seating trim displaying the "XR" insignia, 18 inch wheels and the new 5.4 litre "Boss 260" engine, outputting 30% more power the previous model. [cite web | url = http://autospeed.com/cms/A_2758/article.html | title = Cam-ing the Boss 260 | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-24]

Fairmont

The Fairmont model opened up the luxury sector the Falcon nameplate. Standard features included traction control, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, and velour upholstery to name a few. "AutoLamp" automatic headlights, which turn off or on depending on surrounding environmental conditions, were now standard the Fairmont model. The basic mechanical setup carried over from the XT, although buyers could opt for the "Barra 220" V8 engine. [cite web | last = Knowling | first = Michael | date = 2003-02-15 | url = http://autospeed.com/cms/A_1670/article.html?popularArticle | title = New Car Test - Ford BA Fairmont 5.4-litre V8 | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-27]

Fairmont Ghia

By far the most expensive variant in the BA range, the Fairmont Ghia featured leather upholstery, wood grain highlights, full power options and a unique suspension assembly. [cite web | last = McKinnon | first = Bill | date = 2003-03-03 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=7971&vf=1 | title = Premium domestic product | publisher = News Limited | accessdate = 2007-06-24] The premium sound system, which incorporated a full-colour LCD screen, was standard, and the centre console stack was characterised by an analogue clock. Reverse parking sensors were available for the first time in the BA, standard on the Ghia. The sensors feature an automatic turn-off function for use when towing a boat or trailer for example.

Mark II

Ford released the Mark II (BAII) Falcon in October 2004 to maintain sales interest until the 2005 introduction of the BF update. Modifications included some cosmetic changes and a new six-speed "Tremec T56" manual transmission replacing the five-speeder on XR6 Turbo and XR8 models. The Futura model gained power adjustable pedals, and side airbags, with a DVD entertainment system being offered on upmarket trim levels. The XR8 sedan variant also received the premium audio system. [cite web | url = http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_2525/title_Ford-BA-Mark-II-XR8/article.html | title = Ford BA Mark II XR8 | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-06-27]

Issues and criticism

Like its forebear, the BA copped its fair share of criticism. One of these being the extra 100 kilograms (220 lb) it carried over the Holden VY Commodore rival. Critics in the motoring industry were quick to point out the below par build quality, such as inconsistent gaps between trim sections and joints. [cite web | last1 = King | first1 = Philip | last2 = Wilson | first2 = Robert | date = 2002-11-21 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,5533358-13232,00.html | title = Ford Fairmont | publisher = the Australian | accessdate = 2007-07-04] In the used car market, BA Falcons tend to suffer from poor depreciation rates, due to influxes of ex-fleet models entering the second-hand market and rising fuel costs. [cite web | last = McKinnon | first = Bill | date = 2003-09-19 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=4574 | title = How to play the trade-in game | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2007-06-27] Poor resale values may also be attributed to the residual prejudice from the previous model's controversial styling. [cite web | last = Kennedy | first = Ewan | date = 2006-01-02 | url = http://www.marque.com.au/usedcars/060102_Ford_Falcon.htm | title = Ford Falcon 1998-2005 | publisher = Marque Publishing Company | accessdate = 2007-06-27]

References