Effective from 1st July, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is now fitted as standard equipment on all automatic petrol and XR Falcon sedans, and across the entire Territory range, further improving the already strong safety credentials of Ford's family car and top-selling SUV models.

Falcon

DSC has been added to the standard specification of all automatic transmission-equipped petrol Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont sedan models, along with all normally aspirated XR6 variants – six-speed manual, four-speed automatic and six-speed automatic.

Falcon XR6 Turbo and XR8 models, as well as Fairmont Ghia, are already fitted with DSC as standard equipment.

Also part of the greater standardisation of key features, a number of high-series items, previously available as an option, are now fitted as standard on selected Falcon XR models.

The premium Interior Command Centre (ICC) – featuring automatic climate control air conditioning with dual zone temperature control and premium audio system with large colour screen, six-disc in-dash CD player, 150-watt amplifier and 150-watt sub-woofer – is now standard on XR6 with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, and all XR6 Turbo and XR8 models.

In addition, 18-inch alloy wheels are also included in the feature-packed upgrade on XR6 six-speed automatic, and both manual and automatic XR6 Turbo models (18-inch alloy wheels are already standard on XR8).

"With the release of BF Falcon MkII in October last year, we took the deliberate strategic action of repositioning some of our most popular Falcon models, in order to deliver an even more customer-focused price and specification set for our vehicles," Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said.

"We have now taken these actions a step further, building on the overall competitiveness of the Falcon brand with the most comprehensively equipped Falcon range we have ever released."

"These latest Falcon offerings deliver sensational value to customers and further increase the attractiveness of the entire Falcon range."

In addition to the greater levels of standard equipment and safety features, changes have also been made to the recommended retail pricing on Falcon, further improving the overall value proposition on a number of individual models.

"Recommended retail pricing on the Falcon XR range has been reduced by up to 4.3 per cent," Mr Gorman said.

"However, if you incorporate the value of the premium features and safety equipment that has been added across the Falcon XR range, the overall value equation has improved by as much as 14.6 per cent."

"In conjunction with the host of improvements and pricing actions we introduced on BF Falcon MkII, the current Falcon range is now a standout in terms of value for money."

Territory

The Territory model range has also been improved as a result of increased safety equipment, additional interior features and revised pricing on most models, cementing its position at the top of the SUV sector.

With the advent of DSC on Territory TX RWD and TS RWD models, the complete Territory line-up is now equipped with the latest in chassis control systems, adding to the already high levels of active safety built into each Territory.

Territory Ghia RWD and AWD models, along with the Territory Ghia Turbo, will all gain extra comfort features from 1st September.

A memory function will return to the six-way power driver's seat as standard equipment on all three Ghia models, along with an electrochromatic interior rear vision mirror.

Recommended retail pricing on all normally aspirated Territory models has changed, with most models benefiting from a reduction of between 3.8 per cent and 5.8 per cent.

"Territory has been a clear leader in the Medium SUV segment since it was launched, playing a major role in the boom that has seen sales of SUVs increase dramatically over the past few years," Mr Gorman said.

"With the Compact and Medium SUV segments now more hotly contested than ever before, these changes will see Territory continue to be the first choice amongst SUV buyers and maintain its leadership position."

Ranger

Mr Gorman also announced new pricing for the PJ Ranger line-up, along with the addition of air conditioning as a no cost option on the entry-level, manual transmission XL Single Cab cab/chassis models.

"Ranger has proved extremely popular since it was officially launched in late 2006, especially following the arrival of the five-speed automatic transmission variants earlier this year," Mr Gorman said.

"Customers can now take advantage of fantastic value deals right across the Ranger line-up with price reductions of up to 13.4 per cent on 4x2 models and up to 7.7 per cent on 4x4 models."

Focus

Pricing for the new Focus range will start from $19,990 (RRP) for the entry-level manual CL hatchback and sedan, including dual front airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment.

Side airbags, curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TC) will also be available on CL models as part of an optional safety pack.