So why wouldn't we celebrate the Ford Falcon Ute? The coupe-utility was, after all, an Aussie invention.

When Ford announced it would end Australian production in 2016, it also signalled the beginning of the end of a story which began 81 years ago. In 1934 Ford Australia built the world's first ute in response to a customer request for: "a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays". While it is a far more modern device, the Ford Falcon FG-X continues to perform that dual role of workhorse and passenger car.

But things have changed. There are some things the proper Aussie ute simply cannot do which the pick-up that has largely replaced it can. It can't cart more than one passenger and it won't go absolutely everywhere a 4x4 will, which is why buyers have drifted towards its own imported stable-mate, the Ranger.

But let's put that aside for a moment.

We collected an XR6 ute from Eclipse Ford which is the volume seller for private buyers despite having a payload of 542kg rather than the basic model's 1-tonne capacity.

The good news is it looks significantly different from the previous FG from the outside. What's not such good news is, with Ford's limited spend on the FG-X, it looks virtually the same on the inside. The layout of the audio, climate and communication controls - state-of-the-art eight years ago - look and feel a bit dated even if they work efficiently enough. That's during the day, at least - at night the Falcon's blue dials still look pretty sharp.

The one Easter egg is Ford's voice activated SYNC2 interface system. Basic in-car functions like changing the temperature, choosing a song or making a phone call can happen by just asking for them - literally - or through the large touch screen. It looks good and works well. There is one bizarre omission, though. The lack of a reversing camera is a head-scratcher.

We head west out towards Carngham and Snake Valley. It doesn't take long at all for the ute's virtues to become apparent. Despite the tough leaf spring rear suspension, the Falcon handles and rides like a car, not a truck. As much as the 4x4s have improved in recent years, the Falcon still hoses them for on-road poise, comfort and performance. With the exception of its old sparring partner - the Holden ute - there is not a work vehicle that comes close.

Even on the gravel, where 4WD could be an advantage, the Falcon wins with its better steering and limited slip differential.

The seats are also better than average, allowing those who need to cart a decent load (the tray remains a very good size) hundreds of kilometres to arrive feeling fresh.

The EcoLPi LPG in-line six engine, which has more power (198kW) and torque (409Nm) than the petrol six, is an extraordinary combination of economy and performance with the six-speed auto. It might not be new but it's still impressive.

Of course, it doesn't matter how well it eats up the kilometres across the Australian landscape. Those who need the versatility of a couple of extra seats will have already scratched the Falcon Ute from their list, which is a shame given how capable it is.

So the Aussie ute is driving off into the sunset but at least it is doing it in style.

* Your local dealer is Eclipse Ford, phone: 5336 1555

Ford Falcon XR6 Ute

ENGINE: 4.0-litre ecoLPi inline six dedicated LPG

POWER: 198kW at 5000 revs

TORQUE: 409Nm at 3250 revs

TRANSMISSION: six-speed conventional automatic

FUEL: LPG, 12.6-l/100km (ADR 81/02 combined economy for XR6 sedan - ute figure not supplied)

BRAKES: front ventilated discs, rear discs, with ABS, brake assist and stability control

FEATURES: display audio and climate with Bluetooth connectivity and voice activation, climate control, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, 18-inch alloy wheels

PRICE (RRP): $32,640 plus on-road costs

PRICE AS TESTED: $36,990

OTHERS TO CONSIDER:

HOLDEN COMMODORE SV6 UTE: from $33,490

TOYOTA HILUX SR EXTRA CAB 4x2: from $32,240