Ford holding its territory

Comfier and quieter, the new incarceration of the Ford Territory is a family vehicle through and through. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

The Ford Territory was once a dominant force in the high-riding family wagon bracket - it virtually created the market. But cheap competition has threatened its hold; can this update turn the tide?

What's new
Most obviously a new, more angular face with minor changes to the rear.

Under the hood you'll find a 140kW/440Nm, 2.7 litre common rail direct injection V6 turbo diesel based on the unit originally developed with Peugeot and used by Jaguar, or an updated 195kW/391Nm 4.0 litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine that has cut its thirst to 10.6 litres/100km. Both are mated to a six-speed auto in place of the outgoing four.

Electronic power steering replaces the old hydraulic set-up, and has a clever system that compensates for minor wheel pull caused by steep road cambers. A lighter new sub-frame cuts weight, while suspension changes include different spring, damper and anti-roll bar rates with the aim of better body control.

The 4WD system now continuously sends torque front to back, with up to 100 per cent at the rear axle. But when you're idling, it disengages the front drive to reduce vibration.

A driver knee airbag takes the tally to seven, while an eight-inch touch screen accesses an information system with Bluetooth audio streaming and satnav capability.

The tow rating rises to 2700kg for diesels and 2300kg for petrols.

The company line
Line director Russell Christophers says customers wanted a fresh appearance, a diesel, greater refinement and modern Bluetooth tech, and they got it.

They also want a rust-free Territory; Ford says it dealt to early rust issues by upgrades to body sealing for the previous model, which have carried over.

And price? Still under wraps as we went to print.

What we say
Ford kept Territory's well-thought-out interior, including a lockable driver seat drawer, dishwasher-proof rear rubbish bin and the 1153-litre boot's wipe-clean underfloor tub, all clearly drawn up by designers with kids at home.

It has also kept the rear parking camera, the split tailgate that lets you access top-loaded gear without the rest falling out, and seven seats for all New Zealand models; the Territory is still a family-focussed vehicle.

On the road
You first notice how quiet this car is, then that the already impressive handling has stepped up another notch; you'll drive with unruffled confidence even in 2WD entry-level format. Meanwhile the Territory's ability on bumpy roads will be appreciated.

I'm not a big fan of electric steering but this one works well, with plenty of assistance for parking manoeuvres and firm weighting at open road speeds.

Why you'll buy one
The Territory is an exceptionally well-thought-out and sweet-handling family wagon that's comfier and even quieter than before. The new diesel - with improved fuel consumption - means it is now cheaper to run, too.

Why you won't
You're still scared of rust; you want a true off-roader or don't need anything this big.