Want to buy Australian but don’t want to feel shortchanged in terms of luxury feel and cargo carrying capacity? The Ford G6e manages to surprise in both its driving capability and the lack of a large customer base.

It’s funny because the Ford Falcon is one of the best rated cars among Australians, and the G6E is the most refined version available. With either a turbocharged or atmo I6 mated to a stellar ZF 6-speed automatic, the G6E merits a closer look.

The interior is refined and on par with any Euro model imported into the country, and also includes Bluetooth integration, and a host of safety features like side curtain airbags and additional thorax side airbags. You’ll also get a dynamic stability control system that keeps the rear wheel drive sedan from stepping out too far in turns during wet weather or vigourous driving.

The seats reach up and support each occupant. If you’re not used to seats that are properly fitted by Ford, it may take some getting used to.  Once you do, it’ll make the gobs of power on tap easier to handle.

The turbocharged I6 is relatively tame in normal driving, with barely a whistle from the turbo as it feeds air into the engine. A tap of the pedal brings forth the full power of the engine, some 533Nm of torque from a scant 2,000 RPM all the way to redline, and 270kW of power. You’ll feel the change when you punch the accelerator, from a tame well-sorted family car to a howling panther that can handle red light racing with aplomb.

You’re more likely to take advantage of the boot than the powerful engine underneath the bonnet, so it’s a good thing that you can find some 531 litres of space for all your gear, and 60/40 split rear seats increase that even more.

The exterior is refined with a bit of a spoiler and some larger wheels the major difference between the G6E and its less well-appointed brethren. Maybe that’s the problem: with high performance variants like the XR6 and XR8 that offer a menacing front fascia, it’s possible that buyers don’t expect a sedate version to provide much value.

And yet, it does. The two trim lines share the same engine, and the ZF automatic is about the best-sorted transmission you can get, although it would be even better if I had some paddle shifters to outsmart it when I was passing someone.

Even without it, I was still able to power in the corners with none of the snap oversteer that you would expect with a turbo’ed rear drive sedan. Even better, when I took it along some of the worse roads, I couldn’t hear a word of complaint from the passengers. The ride was firm, but rode out most of the bumps I inadvertently hit.

So I find myself in a well-appointed sedan that has room for just about anything I want, the ability to tow a Jet Ski or small trailer, and an engine that can provide a hefty thrust or trundle along at 11.7 liters/100km consumption.

And yet, even though it manages a quiet strength, the G6E has been less than well-received by the public. That’s a great shame for such a wonderfully thought out car, especially one that shows it’s power when necessary and gives just the hint of it the rest of the time.

Specifications:

* Engine: 3984cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)

* Power: 270kW @ 5250rpm

* Torque: 533Nm @ 2000 – 4750rpm

* Induction: Intercooled turbo & multi point

* Transmission: Six-speed automatic

* Differential/Driven Wheels: 2.73:1 / Rear

* Brakes: Disc with ABS, EBA & EBD

* Top Speed: Not Tested

* 0-100km/h: 5.18 seconds

* 0-400m: 13.43 @ 173km/h

* Fuel Consumption: 11.7 litres/100km (ADR)

* Fuel Tank Capacity: 68 litres

* Fuel Type: 98 RON petrol

* ANCAP Rating: Five star

* Airbags: Front, side & curtain available

* Safety: ESP with Traction Control

* Spare Wheel: Space saver

* Tow Capacity: 1600kg (Braked)

* Turning Circle: 11.0 metres

* Warranty: 3 years/100,000km

* Weight: 1715kg (Tare)

* Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.0-inch