Sadly, Ford is no longer making cars in Australia, so it seemed like a good time for us to carry out our final test of one of the best models Ford ever designed – the Territory. The big SUV completely designed and developed in this country so is better than any other in the class at meeting Australian drivers needs and desires.
When the Falcon FG X was introduced in 2014 the Ford Territory received a major refresh using some of the latest Falcon components, particularly in technology. This saw the advanced Sync2 system, WiFi hotspot and voice control introduced throughout the range.
There are three variants of Territory; TX, TS and Titanium. All can be ordered with rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. And with either 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol or 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel.
Our review vehicle was the topline Territory, the Titanium, with seven seats, a petrol engine and all-wheel-drive.
STYLING
The latest Territory has the now familiar Ford trapezoidal grille with contrasting horizontal bars, a rugged lower skid plate and large rectangular foglamps with matching bezels.
Inside are improved instrument cluster graphics and new fabrics. The premium feel of ‘our’ Titanium was enhanced by quality tan leather trim on the seats and door inserts, complemented by black carpeting.
INFOTAINMENT
Sync2, Ford’s latest connectivity system, has a new graphic display utilising layers and colours to aid navigation of menus and connected functions.
The four-quadrant colour touchscreen makes it easy to personalise audio, climate control, smartphone and other vehicle settings. There’s voice control for entertainment, climate control, phone information and satellite navigation. The latter has traffic messages.
The option of digital radio is standard on all Territory models.The touchscreen shows the title and artist of the song, as well as news headlines, or the latest sports results depending on the broadcast.
To improve reception, the DAB+ radio includes a dual antenna system – in the roof and behind the front bumper.
WiFi capability creates a wireless network hotspot in the vehicle, allowing other devices to be operated.
The rear-seat roof-mounted DVD player proved a winner with the junior travellers.
At the base of the centre console and just ahead of the transmission selector is a deeply recessed storage bin for mobile phones, iPods, small cameras and the like. Also, in the bin is an integrated phone cradle with a convenient connection.
Everything appears to have been thought of, even a dedicated area for a tissue box, including an integrated pen holder and a 12-volt accessory outlet.
DRIVING
There’s good interior space the front seats are large and comfortable, the second row is pretty good too, but the rear is a bit of a squeeze. Nothing unusual in that, though.
Territory was released 12 years ago and is showing its age in the NVH areas. It’s not as quiet and smooth as more modern vehicles in its class. Not that it’s bad, it’s just that others are not only more modern and there have been impressive improvements in NVH control in recent years.
Ford’s big straight-six engine is smooth and responsive and still a pleasure to sit behind. There’s minimal engine noise intrusion into the cabin unless you go pretty hard.
Ford says it has been able to improve fuel efficiency on the petrol versions. Titanium petrol models are shown as being only marginally better – down from 10.6 L/100km to 10.5 L/100km. During our test period we found it using nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres on motorways and country roads, rising quite sharply to 11 to 15 litres per hundred around town.
This isn’t bad for a large SUV, but it has to be said that the age of the Territory is showing up, most recent competitors have better aerodynamics and are often lighter. The latter because they are not really intended to be 4WDs, rather they are crossover station wagons.
Handling is pretty good for a vehicle in this class, with minimal body roll.
SUMMING UP
Though now in the old-stager class, Ford’s Territory is still pretty impressive, chiefly due to the fact that it’s Aussie designed and built. It’s a crying shame the final one rolled off the assembly line last week.
The complete Ford Territory range is:
TX 4.0-litre petrol RWD: $38,490 (automatic)
TX 2.7-litre turbo-diesel RWD: $41,740 (automatic)
TX 2.7-litre turbo-diesel AWD: $46,740 (automatic)
TS 4.0-litre petrol RWD: $43,240 (automatic)
TS 2.7-litre turbo-diesel RWD: $46,490 (automatic)
TS 2.7-litre turbo-diesel AWD: $51,490 (automatic)
Titanium 4.0-litre petrol RWD: $49,490 (automatic)
Titanium 2.7-litre turbo-diesel RWD: $52,740 (automatic)
Titanium 2.7-litre turbo-diesel AWD: $57,740 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.
