We drive the four-cylinder Falcon

In next month’s Wheels we answer the year’s worst-kept secret and deliver the verdict on the first-ever four-cylinder Falcon.

Ford gave us full-day access to its You Yangs proving ground to fang the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder prototype and directly compares its performance with the twice-the-capacity, but naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre inline six.

Despite being around 100kg heavier than its front-drive Mondeo Ecoboost sibling, and using the same engine, the Falcon Ecoboost actually proved quicker to 100km/h. So although Ford won’t yet talk specific power and torque figures, it’s guaranteed that the Falc’s outputs will be substantially higher than the Mondeo’s 149kW/300Nm; the same engine in the Focus ST produces 184kW/360Nm, which sounds bang-on the money.

Besides the strange feeling of hearing a zingy turbo-four rev from under the bonnet of a Falcon, the Ecoboost proved no dunger to drive. In fact there’s a whole lot less weight over the front wheels, improving front-end sharpness. Could this lightest Falcon also be the sweetest-handling variant? For drive impressions, check out Wheels January issue, on-sale December 21.

Join us on Facebook and get all the news, reviews and features direct.

The fastest meanest police cars on the beat

See more

World's most expensive parking spots

See more