Ford Territory TS; Review

 

Ordinarily, when I road test a vehicle I try to extract the fundamental aspects of its design criteria, especially a four-wheel-drive model where its cross-country or off-road prowess is often paramount to prospective buyers.

Every now and then, though, I get the opportunity to drive cars that I'm not able to test to their potential, but rather drive on an everyday basis, still forming enough of an opinion about it to make a comprehensive evaluation.

That opportunity arose just recently with Ford's Territory, I had a TS specification model in my care for about five days when I had my children in tow during a brief Gold Coast holiday.

Most of the 400km that I drove in that crossover/lifestyle wagon was on highway or around inner-city Brisbane and Surfer's Paradise. The big Territory was perfect in that role with its easy to manoeuvre and easy driving characteristics, as well as providing smooth, comfortable travel for us all. And that given that my daughter isn't the best traveller, yet during the entire trip, motion sickness was never an issue, bar the Scooby Doo roller coaster ride at the Movieworld theme park.

Ford's Territory has been with us now for around 18 months and I reviewed the seven-seater Ghia model in these columns soon after launch. I made mention in that evaluation that for personal use I would be just as comfortable with the rear-wheel-drive only variant.

Even though the TS I drove on the Gold Coast was also a four-wheel-drive model, I never challenged its capability in low grip situations. Yes, I am an advocate that four-wheel-drive is constantly working for you in terms of steering feel and driveline sophistication, but I'm in no doubt that the rear-wheel-drive only model doesn't lose much in comparison.

In TS form the Territory is sans leather but still provides an upmarket feeling and it has plenty of goodies to justify its $57,990 price tag here in New Zealand.

Fitted as standard are dual zone climate control, remote central locking, cruise control, electric windows, electric mirror adjustment, variable intermittent wipers, tilt and reach-adjustable steering column and powerful six disc audio.

My children were a bit disappointed that the optional entertainment system wasn't fitted, but it did have satellite navigation and I reckon the sooner it becomes available across the board here in New Zealand the better.

It took us around Queensland perfectly and kept my son happy as he loaded in our destinations and kept check on the plotted course.

The seats are comfortable and well supportive, all occupants are contained by a full overshoulder seat belt. Other safety items include dual air bags, curtain air bags and ABS which works on a four-disc brake set-up. Braking power is forceful, the pedal feels a little lifeless but retardation is quick and controlled. On the subject of brakes and safety, the TS was fitted with an optional power adjustable pedal package, which move backward or forwards to match the driver's desired seating position, they also collapse in a crash lowering the risk of driver leg injury.

The Territory is powered by a 4-litre straight six-cylinder engine, the same unit as that fitted to Falcon XR6 models. It is a twin-camshaft type with power outputs well able to match the weight of the model, it is large, and with the TS weighing in at 2080kg, there is a fair bit of weight to shift.

However, with power outputs of 182kW and 380Nm, developed low down at 5000rpm and 3250rpm respectively, engine strength is more than noticeable. Response to throttle action is decisive, and even though drive is through a four-speed automatic gearbox only, there is still good urgency and unhindered transmission. Like the Falcon, the Territory's gearbox has a sequential manual shifter running parallel to the main shift gate.

Ford have done well to keep engine noise out of the cabin, the big six works tirelessly without sounding strained. It works well the entire rev band and is capable of sending the Territory to 100kmh from a standstill in 9.9sec. A 7.2sec time to make 120kmh from 80kmh is also achievable.

The big engine, while up to task, has copped a bit of flak for its thirst. But cruising the Pacific Highway in and out of Brisbane I recorded instantaneous fuel usage figures of 11.1 litres per 100km (25mpg) at a steady 100kmh in fourth (engine speed 2100rpm), while a five-day average of 13.8 litres per 100km (21mpg) was much better than the Ghia's average of 15.2l/100km (19mpg) that I recorded on my home patch.

True to its design parameters, the Territory gets a four-wheel-drive option. Bearing in mind that it isn't a heavyweight cross-country traveller, it still has a system that means limited off-road travel is possible with ground clearance listed at 178mm.

The four-wheel-drive system has been borrowed from the wider Ford stable and has, interestingly, had its power proportioning split altered remarkably. The Territory has 70% of the power transmitted to the rear wheels, 30% up front. The result is a rear-wheel-drive-like driving sensation, although oversteer is not achievable thanks to a very invasive traction and stability control system aligned to Ford's Acutrac Plus drive mechanism.

On road handling is generally neutral; given the well firmed suspension, the body doesn't move around much over the suspension. It is tall, so there is some gravitational movement, but it doesn't arrive with lurch.

An acquaintance has just received a Ford Territory as a company vehicle and we have been comparing notes as he comes to terms and enjoys his new acquisition. We both agree that it is the quintessential family wagon, it transports occupants in style and grace, and with that large wagon section there is space to burn.

It's just what you need for a holiday, and for many other family-orientated outings as well. Make mine winter white.

Specifications:

Price: Ford Territory TS, $57,990.

Dimensions: Length, 4856mm; width, 1898mm; height, 1714mm.

Configuration: Six-cylinder longitudinal, four-wheel-drive, 3984cc, 182kW/5000rpm, 380Nm/3250rpm, four-speed automatic.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 9.2sec.