Best large car under $60,000

Traditionalists might cry ‘what the!’ at the thought of a four-cylinder Falcon being Australia’s top large car, but the new Ecoboost is arguably the best mainstream Falcon ever built.

This is why: Engine torque is the key to strong acceleration off the mark and an overall satisfying drive experience, and here the Ecoboost performs as well as the bigger six.

The Ecoboost, with its smaller capacity, 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine, develops its maximum torque at just 2000 rpm, way lower than its Falcon siblings’ bigger six-cylinder, which maxes out at 3250 rpm.

The lighter four-cylinder engine also reduces the Ecoboost’s weight by some 109 kg and shifts the mass away from the front axle, improving weight distribution. The result is a Falcon with the ability to turn in more precisely, and one that is able to handle directional change nearly as well as the smaller Ford models.

Ride quality is also good, along with braking ability and smoothness and quietness, where the new four also beats the older six.

The volume-selling G6 spec Ecoboost also scores well for ergonomics, thanks to a larger touch screen, easier to use controls and eight-way, powered adjustment to the front seats, and in the areas of safety, comfort and space.

Not surprisingly, it is also better equipped than the base model XT.