Ford Falcon LPG

A gas, only to a point
Philosophy: The family taxi.

Trivia: Ford was the first to build a dedicated-LPG large car, making the ultimate taxi pack.

Why you'd buy it: LPG costs about half the price of petrol.

Why you wouldn't: There's a $1400 premium on this dedicated LPG system. Running on LPG reduces engine power and the engine is not always as smooth. Boot space is robbed by relocation of the spare tyre to allow for LPG tanks. LPG models do without traction control.

Standard equipment: Power windows in front only, but there is cruise control, air-conditioning, a trip computer and remote central locking.

Safety: Average, which translates to dual front air bags and anti-lock brakes. But no traction or stability control or side-curtain air bags.

Cabin: Big and wide with basic grey trim. Driver headroom restricted by the sloping roof.

Seating: Comfortable for long journeys, but they could do with more lateral support.

Engine: Unexciting but honest. The Falcon's in-line six-cylinder musters 156 kilowatts and 374Nm running on LPG - 34 kilowatts and 9Nm down on the petrol-powered models. As a result, throttle response is initially a bit lethargic and the engine loses enthusiasm at higher revs. But the muscular mid-range response means it motors along fine for family duties, albeit with the aural excitement of a taxi.

Transmission: Good. The four-speed shifts well enough and has some smarts to help with braking. Plus there's a sequential-shift function for greater control.

Steering: Direct, almost too much so, which means it feels a bit light at times. Great for parking but loses appeal at freeway speeds.

Ride: As good as you'll get for the money. Big tyres and a softish set-up help soak up the worst the RTA can throw at it.

Handling: Competent but far from sporty. The Falcon doesn't mind a corner, but its entry-level tyres will give up before the rest of the package and the rear tyres are prone to wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

Fuel: You'll use almost half as much again of LPG over petrol - hence the bigger gas tank putting the spare tyre in the boot - but the fuel itself costs less than half the price of petrol. That means it will cost about $7.60 to cover 100 kilometres in the E-Gas model, compared with about $13 for the petrol-powered car. So the premium for the LPG system will repay you after about 25,000 kilometres.