With so many good SUVs part of the Ford family back in North America, the local arm went out on a limb conceiving and launching the unique Aussie-made Territory and it has come up trumps.
Car Showroom recently spent a week behind the wheel of the latest Territory SY Mark II - luxury Ghia model.
What You Get
With the Ghia (available in all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive) you get the lot - this fully-equipped, high-tech luxury SUV did not leave much behind on the parts shelf.
New in SY Mark II configuration, the Territory Ghia gains a standard third seating row, Alpine DVD entertainment system, stylish 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps and privacy glass for the rear.
Territory's range-topper is the Ghia Turbo (all-wheel-drive only) and other versions are the entry level TX and the TS (both available as rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive).
Both TX and TS ride on 17-inch wheels but the TS secures a third-row seat, reversing camera, front fog lights and leather for the steering wheel and gear lever.
Under The Hood
Despite no diesel (or even LPG) in the current lineup Ford's 4.0-litre in-line six cylinder petrol engine nevertheless remains a likeable tool, benefiting from Ford's constant engineering improvements.
In naturally-aspirated form, power is 190kW and peak torque 383Nm. Ghia Turbos deliver a whopping 245kW and 480Nm. Driving through a six-speed auto and hefting 2145kgs, the Ghia Turbo still sprints through zero to 100km/h in just seven seconds.
Depending on the model, fuel economy ranges from 12.2l/100kms to 14.2l/100kms (turbo).
The Interior
In a word the Territory Ghia's interior is a knockout. Step inside and you are engulfed with luxury leather seats, quality carpets plus a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.
Behind the wheel, just about any driver can secure a perfect position thanks to electronic seat adjustment, height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel and Ford's superb electronic height-adjustable pedals.
The dashboard layout is familiar but well done. The Alpine entertainment system is a beauty with MP3 and Bluetooth compatibility, reversing camera/satellite navigation screen and of course the roof-mounted big-screen DVD system which the second-row seat occupants certainly enjoy (with their own headphones).
We liked the simplicity of setting the automatic climate control air-conditioning settings - some other manufacturers are well advised to copy Ford Australia is that area.
Third row passengers are not overwhelmed with legroom (the second row seats do slide to provide versatility in that department) but the seating is comfortable.
We must again compliment Ford Australia for the simple cruise control toggles mounted on the right side of the steering wheel - simple and quick to use.
Exterior & Styling
The SY Mark II is Ford's second facelift for the Territory.
Most obvious changes are at the front end where a re-shaped bonnet, upper and lower grilles, fog light mountings and headlights give the Territory a freshened appearance. There are also new tail-lights and body-colour door handles and bumpers (the Ghia models get indicator lights incorporated in the exterior mirrors).
We particularly liked the Ghia's new 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Ghia Turbo models are distinguished by a cold air duct in the bonnet and unique five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
All-in, the cosmetic changes are well-done and the total Territory package is excellent.
On The Road
Ford Australia tossed us the keys to an all-wheel-drive Territory Ghia - as well as drive to all four wheels, this model gets Ford's great six-speed automatic transmission.
Age has not blunted the all-round competency of the Territory and our Ghia reinforced the great driving dynamics of the local SUV.
Well-matched to the six-speed auto, Ford's six cylinder powerplant is smooth, has abundant torque and conveys this 2095kgs seven-seater with ease and refinement.
Comfy in the leather seats and with the climate control air keeping things cozy, the Territory devoured our Mountain test route to Marysville and back on a cold, rainy Melbourne winter day. Steering response was great and even over mid-turn bumps the Territory remained poised.
Certainly the slimy conditions played into the hands of the all-wheel-drive and it never caused us concern even at high speeds.
Around town the Territory did not disappoint - its dimensions are akin to BMW's X5 and Volkswagen's Touareg which makes it easier to park than say a LandCruiser, Patrol etc. The Ghia's reversing camera is an excellent addition that really should be standard on all SUVs.
Challenges
To go off-road or not - that is the question?
Like some if its direct rivals, the Territory in Ghia specifications is not going to get you to the ultimate off-road, bush-bashing destinations (the on-road biased tyres will limit things for starters). But for launching boats and trips to the snow, this all-wheel-drive Ford is ideal.
And with fuel economy north of 12l/100kms for all models, we reckon Ford Australia is already working on diesel and/or LPG versions for the all-new Territory.
Verdict
For a seven-seat SUV, file this under 'One Of The Best'. And with prices starting under $40K, Territory's value position remains a strength.
For those outside the city, Ford's abundant dealer network is also a consideration for ease of serving etc.
The Competition
The seven-seat Territory Ghia faces-off against some formidable opposition. The Toyota's Kluger is the most obvious rival - it's a little more pricey and its two-wheel-drive versions are front-drivers Mazda's CX-9 requires a lot of extra coin but delivers a sporty driving dynamic and oozes quality. Subaru's impressive Tribeca, is significantly more expensive but carries a lot of standard kit. A tape measure might reveal the Tribeca doesn't match the Territory for rear seat space.
Thumbs-up:
Ghia interior is superb; great driving dynamics; value-for-money
Thumbs-down:
Design now starting to date; no diesel engine
