Best large car under $60,000

The way Ford has successfully equipped its new Falcon EcoLPI to perform like a petrol car while still offering the advantages of LPG contributed strongly to its victory this year.

Traditional LPG systems turn liquefied gas into vapour form before feeding it into the engine via a venturi in the throttle body. In the EcoLPI Falcon, the liquid phase injection system takes the LPG in liquid state all the way to the injectors.

Ford says this means the LPG can be injected into the intake ports in a more precise and controlled manner, which delivers better fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions and greater engine performance.

EcoLPI utilises Ford’s tried and true 4.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine. What will surprise some is that the LPG-fed powerplant has slightly more power and torque than the petrol version. It makes a healthy 198 kW and 409 Nm, which compares to the petrol’s 195 kW and 391 Nm. Of course, the EcoLPI is also considerably more powerful and efficient than its E-Gas predecessor.

As you would expect in a powerful rear wheel drive car, the electronic safety equipment has its work cut out, but the EcoLPI’s electronic stability control and traction control systems are up to the task, even in extremely slippery conditions.