XF Falcon 1984-8

Softer styling identified the XF Falcon. New front body panels gave the car a more rounded look. The front indicators, which were no longer orange, were incorporated in the slimline headlights and there were revised tail lights.

An all new colour-keyed interior was more up-to-date, with a radio cassette player, digital clock and trip meter now standard; the Fairmont got an adjustable steering wheel. The Fairmont Ghia, with its different dash, featured power windows and door locks, cruise control, and as a result of Ford’s partnership with Mazda, a trip computer, climate control and digital instrumentation.

The panel van and ute soldiered on, only now they were on their own, as Holden pulled out of the market.There were more engineering improvements. Due to Ford’s new state of the art Electronic Engine Control system, power was lifted and fuel economy improved. The two 4.1L engines received significant gains, although the 3.3L only managed a small improvement.

In January 1986, it became compulsory for new cars to run on unleaded petrol. XF engines were revised, resulting in slight drops in power, and increasing fuel consumption. Unleaded XFs are identified by the small indicator on the front bumper surrounds.

It was time for a facelift and in October 1986 the XF 1/2 arrived. Changes were minor, the most notable being body-coloured bumpers and grilles, with Fairmont Ghia getting body-coloured mirrors. Other changes were standard power steering and four wheel disc brakes, as well as minor interior trim changes. The Fairmont Ghia was now available as a wagon. A five speed manual became available with the 4.1, although the engines were untouched.