Return of the Cortina?

MarkIV · 30-08-2005, 06:15 PM

Should Ford AU build a smaller lighter car based on Falcon mechanicals in the light of rising fuel prices.

The reason I ask is I think that in the short term the Falcon is viable but will come under increasing pressure - particularly the base models (the XRs will remain popular for now).

In the longer term I think the Falcon and Territory will morph into something like the Mercedes R Class http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...?id=10102&vf=1 as an alternative for traditional large sedans.

Ford have shown that they are more able to read the market these days (with the Territory) but haven't been able to source an affordable small/medium car.

I would rather drive an Australian built car than a Korean one (ala Holden) or a Ford Fusion!

What do you guys think.

The MaDDeSTMaN · 30-08-2005, 06:26 PM

Definately, and while they are at it, they need to make something along the lines of the old 70s Escorts too... And according to this thread http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=3012 , I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Nowhere enough variety in the cars available from the Ford dealerships, and if people don't find something to suit them, they'll simply go elsewhere...

XplosiveR6 · 30-08-2005, 07:04 PM

do you seriously think ford Australia, in such a small market can afford to design and build another whole new model, which will only sell to a small number? and how would this save fuel if it uses the same falcon machanicals?

XplosiveR6 · 30-08-2005, 07:09 PM

a much better idea to save fuel is to invest into other more fuel efficiant motors, such as deisels, more technically advanced streight gas systems, hybrid motors etc

SpoolMan · 30-08-2005, 07:22 PM

Bring back the Cortina, i want the FPV model 6cyl turbo..

Biggoggs · 30-08-2005, 07:52 PM

I agree. I don't see anything in Ford's lineup that actually replaces the Escort or Cortina, so I think many people move to Nissan for a RWD, medium-sized car, or pick between an econ or family car. Escorts, Cortinas(?), Datsuns, 80's Corollas still have something of a following.

chevypower · 30-08-2005, 10:43 PM

I think they should bring out a mid-size RWD, but not for fuel economy, there are ways to reduce fuel consumption in the Falcon without reducing the size of the car. turbo diesel hybrid option may be a good start aiming for 5L per 100km.

b2tf · 31-08-2005, 12:48 AM

Expand the Focus range to include RS - there's your performance model.
TDCi - economical model.

The MaDDeSTMaN · 31-08-2005, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

Expand the Focus range to include RS - there's your performance model.
TDCi - economical model.

But isn't even the RS Focus FWD?

gtfpv · 31-08-2005, 12:57 AM

my 1st car was a TC CORTINA 1972 250ci it had to be a 250 or 4.1 litre because it had that lovely hump in the bonnet . i now drive a gt it had to be a v8 because of that lovely hump in the bonnet . so if the cortina was to come back then i say bring it on .yes and an escort mkii ( maddestman ) will attrack an enthusiast . it might take a while but one will pop up for sure.

clampy · 31-08-2005, 02:01 AM

RS8 focus...

mmm yummy.

LTDHO · 31-08-2005, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

But isn't even the RS Focus FWD?

Small and medium RWD's are gone forever. Give up they will never come back.

I do agree, there needs to be something to fill the gap between Focus and Falcon but there has to be a demand for such a car. Would the current Falcon motor fit in a car the size of a cortina? Would is meet todays safety requirements? Don't get me wrong, I'd lone to see this car come back, it would dominate alot of drag strips!

31-08-2005, 10:43 AM

The only problem is that the mid size market isn't really growing much either. if you take out the camry nothing else is selling well. holden's new vectra has been a flop, whether thats due to expensive pricing or slabsided styling i'm not sure.
it seems to me to be a vague market, trying to cut between a large car- falcon/ commodore- and the booming small cars- astra, corolla, mazda3, focus, etc.

MarkIV · 31-08-2005, 11:35 AM

I guess what I'm really saying is that the Falcon should become much smaller on the outside, still roomy inside, still rear wheel drive, much lighter and with more economical engines.

The Territory will continue to cater for families.

I'm not talking about a third model line but about Ford shifting its focus awat from large cars to smaller ones - yet still taking advantage of being made in Australia - using much of the Falcon and Territory DNA to keep costs down.

KEV EB XR8 · 31-08-2005, 02:45 PM

correct me of course but didnt they build small cars or assemble them at silverwater nsw years ago . i seem to recall the parramatta rd factory near a bridge . and i think the cortina 2 ltr was made in england and the sixes were put in here in aus.

MarkIV · 31-08-2005, 05:32 PM

Interesting article in today's Australian about how Holden's reliance on the Commodore and its failure to provide an SUV (Territory competitor) has got it into trouble.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...E28737,00.html

Ford would have been in an even worse position without the Territory.

Interestingly the article says that Holden's 4WD utes are not selling and have cost $18k each in development terms so far. It looks like Ford's decision not to go down that path (eg 4WD RTV) is the correct one.

The MaDDeSTMaN · 31-08-2005, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTDHO

Small and medium RWD's are gone forever. Give up they will never come back.

From Ford, you're probably right, but other manufacturers make them still... Sad that Ford don't have the guts to join them. :(

**Falcon Coupe** · 31-08-2005, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRFPV8

Bring back the Cortina, i want the FPV model 6cyl turbo..

Hmmmm that or the 290 Boss version, decisions, decisions......

:

marcosambrose · 31-08-2005, 10:59 PM

Who said the medium sized car market is poor? look at the Honda Accord, look at the Mazda 6, look at the Subaru Liberty....all termed "mid-sizers". all selling well.

Oh and Ford has an ace up its sleve also, the Ford Mondeo, deemed to be just as good as the 3 series BMWs to drive...not half bad looking either.

http://www.forddesktops.com/image.as..._MY2005_03.jpg

http://www.forddesktops.com/image.as..._MY2005_10.jpg

and the sport version (st220):

http://www.forddesktops.com/image.as...0_Japan_01.jpg

LTDHO · 01-09-2005, 08:57 AM

marcosambrose I think the theam was for a small Falcon with Falcon running gear, so it would remain RWD. None of the vehicles you list are RWD.

You have to look at the prestige market for a mid-sized RWD.