First Drive of Territory

[bdennis]

Guys,

Here is a copy and paste from the GoAuto E-news web site re the Territory. Released 28/4/04

Click me for the Web Page

Overview:

FAR more than a higher-riding, more versatile version of the humble Falcon wagon, the all-new Territory cross-over is nothing short of a coup for Ford Australia, which has spent $500 million to develop what it believes is the future of mass motoring Down Under. Available as a rear-wheel drive like the Falcon upon which it’s based for less than $40,000, the Territory range spans three variants, each available with an intelligent all-wheel drive system and third row seating. Promising car-like manoeuvrability with people-mover interior flexibility and a fair degree of off-road ability, Territory delivers it all in a functional, refined package that sets new benchmarks for Australian-built vehicles. Increased weight and fuel consumption aside, the cleverly designed Territory should easily attract enough customers to make it Australia’s top-selling SUV.

The Car:

FORD’S long-awaited Territory is here – well, almost. On sale nationally from June 1 but launched to the motoring media in New Zealand this week, the Blue Oval’s all-new cross-over starts arriving in Ford dealers for overnight test drives within a week.

Territory details have been progressively leaked by Ford almost since the vehicle first appeared at the 2002 Melbourne motor show as the R7 concept. In fact, full pricing, sales estimates and key drivetrain specifications were the only details yet to be revealed in New Zealand, where journalists drove virtual-production versions of Territory for the first time.

For the record, however, it’s worth revisiting the major Territory highlights here, ahead of the fully detailed GoAuto roadtest once we’ve lived in it for a week on home turf.

To be available in three specification variants – each with option of all-wheel drive ($4000) and third-row seating ($1500, including a slide function for the second row of seats) – the Territory range opens with the base level, rear-drive TX at $38,990, just $2545 more than the entry level Falcon XT wagon.

Territory TX AWD adds Ford’s clever new all-wheel drivetrain (complete with intelligent traction and stability control system) and costs $42,990 - $1000 less than its most direct rival in Toyota’s base Kluger CV - but otherwise comes with the same standard equipment.

As with all Territorys, that includes Falcon’s 182kW/380Nm DOHC/VCT straight six and sequential-shift four-speed automatic (this time with useful grade logic technology), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, twin front airbags, air-conditioning, CD sound system, trip computer, power windows/mirrors, four-way power driver’s seat and power-adjustable pedals.

Next comes the mid-spec TS variant, which will be available from September at a price of $44,790. For the $5800 price premium, TS adds a premium Interior Command Centre with TFT display, dual-zone climate control, premium seven-speaker sound system, cruise control, 17-inch alloys (instead of steel wheels), cargo shelf and net, and, in an Australian first, side curtain airbags.

The $49,290 Ghia tops the range, and for a further $4500 adds leather trim, leather gearknob, leather steering wheel, parking sensors, foglights, unique alloy wheels and body-coloured bumpers. So a Territory Ghia AWD, with optional third-row seating, costs around $55,000, while the fully-loaded Kluger Grande costs about $59,000.

Among Territory’s array of options, hill descent control is a standout on AWD models (at a cost of $865), while side curtain airbags cost $800 on base models. A massive list of no fewer than 66 accessories is also available, including everything from roof rails to onboard fridges and a DVD player.

Territory’s vital statistics include a length of 4856mm (61mm shorter than Falcon), wheelbase of 2842mm, height of 1676mm, width of 1898mm, front/rear wheel tracks of 1626/1597mm respectively, approach angle of 23 degrees, departure angle of 20 degrees, ramp over angle of 16 degrees and ground clearance of 178mm.

Said to be some 30 per cent stiffer than BA Falcon wagon in terms of torsional rigidity, Territory weighs in at a weighty 2005kg in base TX, rear-drive, five-seat guise, extending to 2025kg for the Ghia, 2085kg for a TX AWD and 2100kg for a Ghia AWD.

As such, official fuel consumption figures are increased over Falcon’s to 13.1L/100km, rising to 13.5L/100km on AWD models.

Rear-drive Territorys employ Ford’s Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension (with forward-mounted steering rack) and Control Blade independent rear suspension, together dubbed the Acutrac "handling system".

In AWD Territorys, which add an intelligent dynamic stability control system, it’s known as Acutrac Plus, while the RWD’s Goodyear Integrity tyres are swapped for more versatile Goodyear Forteras which were developed specifically for Territory and measure the same 235/60 R17.

Territory has a turning circle of 11.4 metres and three turns lock-to-lock, while its newly developed brake system employs 322x28mm front rotors with twin-piston callipers, plus 322x26mm rear discs.

Luggage space is 523 litres (behind the second row of seats), while the seven-seat option reduces the number of storage compartments from a staggering 33 to just 31.

Ford expects the base TX variant to account for some 70 per cent of Territory sales, with TS adding 20 per cent and the top-shelf Ghia commanding just 10 per cent, while the majority – or 60 per cent - of buyers are forecast to take up the AWD option.

The company hopes to shift a huge 12,000 Territorys in the second half of 2004, equating to no less than 2000 per month – which would make it Australia’s top-selling SUV at around double the sales volume of the most popular compact SUV (Nissan’s X-Trail), medium SUV (Toyota Prado) and large SUV (LandCruiser).

FORD TERRITORY PRICING:

Territory RWD AWD

TX $38,990 $42,990

TS $44,790 $48,790

Ghia $49,290 $53,290

TERRITORY v MAIN RIVALS

Ford Territory TX AWD Toyota Kluger CV AWD Expensive Daewoo Adventra CX8 AWD

Price $42,990 $43,990 $52,990

Kerb weight 2085kg 1740kg 1940kg

Power 182kW 172kW 235kW

Torque 380Nm 328Nm 460Nm

Fuel consumption 13.5L/100km 12.3L/100km 15.3L/100km

Turn circle 11.4m 11.4m 11.9m

Wheelbase 2842mm 2715mm 2948mm

Length 4856mm 4690mm 5036mm

Ground clearance 178mm 187mm 200mm

Luggage volume 523lt 580lt NA

Did you know?

Territory first appeared at the 2002 Melbourne motor show as the R7 concept

GoAuto Opinion: (Drive)

What we like:

Performance, ride/handling, interior flexibility, styling, versatility, price

What we did not like:

Fuel consumption, some mismatched interior plastics, no lockable glovebox

Our Opinion

By MARTON PETTENDY 23/04/2004

WAY back when it was revealed Ford Australia had approval to develop a Falcon-based cross-over at a cost of $500 million – around the same money it invested to produce the effectively new BA Falcon – the view of many in the industry was that the last thing Australia needed was another Ford SUV.

As details of the all-new product – a vision passionately backed by former president Geoff Polites - began to be leaked out over the next six years, however, it became apparent that E265, as it was codenamed, would be much more than a higher-riding Falcon wagon with a more flexible interior.

In the interim, direct rivals from Toyota (Kluger) and Holden (Adventra) were released, exerting even more pressure on Ford to get right what it has described as one of Australia’s most significant new vehicles ever. And to make the investment pay by attracting more buyers than any other SUV sold here.

Now we’ve driven it, the extent of Ford’s investment and its engineering ambitions are clearly apparent. And, after an extensive 450km first drive over the varied sealed and unsealed roads of New Zealand’s south island, it seems Territory really could be the vehicle a large slice of Australians have been looking for.

Shorter than the BA Falcon with which it shares the majority of its components, more stylish than the bland looking Kluger and a more cohesive and unique product than the Late model camira wagon-based Adventra AWD, Territory was extensively benchmarked against its major SUV rivals, including luxury class leaders like BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-class and Lexus’ previous RX300.

The result is a relatively compact looking, high-riding wagon with distinct off-road styling cues and the capacity for seven seats. Territory differs significantly in philosophy, however, via its ability to be had in rear-drive configuration only, giving it a marked price advantage.

Even in AWD guise, however, Territory undercuts the entry-level Kluger AWD by $1000, although Expensive Daewoo has yet to release a cheaper V6-powered version of Adventra.

Inside, Territory’s Falcon origins are immediately apparent, with a familiar BA-based centre console housing major interior system controls complimented by a new-look, chequer-plate instrument design. Falcon-like it may be, but that’s not such a bad thing given the advances made by the BA interior.

Biggest change from the driver’s seat, however, is the vastly improved vision afforded by the totally redesigned glasshouse.

A 30mm higher dashboard, similarly higher roofline, much thinner pillars all round, larger wing mirrors and the relocation of Falcon’s intrusive A-pillars combine to produce a much roomier cockpit that provides greater visibility in all directions – despite height-adjustable head restraints for all seven seats.

In tandem with the increased ride height, which also makes exit/entry easier, Territory’s airier cabin offers a far more commanding view of the road ahead and behind, as well as of the scenery for rear-seat passengers.

The seats themselves are also a big advancement on Falcon’s, despite using the same seat frames on taller posts. Power-adjustable for seat cushion angle and height in base form, they’re much more liberally padded to suit the more upright posture and deliver higher levels of both lateral support and long-distance comfort.

The excellent (optional) leather steering wheel is a pearler as well – compact in diameter, thick-rimmed, nicely padded beneath its perforated leather cladding and with useful hand grips.

On the road, an afternoon’s drive around the urban roads of Christchurch - including slow traffic situations, shopping centre parking and other tight-turning situations – revealed Territory to be a breath of fresh air in terms of city driving for a seven-seat SUV.

Though its 25mm longer wheelbase ensures Territory doesn’t quite match Falcon’s 11.0-metre turning circle, at a reasonable 11.4 metres (matching Kluger and out-turning Adventra by half a metre), somehow it feels just as nimble thanks to a clear view of all four corners and a noticeably higher perspective.

But the most obvious trait on the road is cabin quietness, Territory offering superior noise suppression from wind, road and engine than Falcon at any speed.

Tyre noise is slightly more apparent in AWD variants with their all-terrain biased tyres – and it’s slightly louder in the back, too, as is an occasional Falcon-type suspension knock – but overall, while Territory doesn’t match its luxury SUV rivals, it offers a level of cabin serenity unseen in any locally produced Ford.

The refinement continues on the open road, where Territory is quiet and civilised all the way to its artificial 180km/h speed limit, feeling noticeably slower than its Falcon stablemate only in top gear on the open road, especially up long inclines, where it runs out of urge sooner.

That stands to reason for a 2000kg vehicle (extending to 2100kg in the Ghia AWD), which means the other trade-off over Falcon is increased fuel consumption. Officially listed at 13.1L/100km for RWD variants and 13.5L/100km for AWD variants, Territory’s fuel consumption doesn’t match the lighter, less powerful Kluger.

We averaged anywhere between 15 and 20 litres per km in New Zealand, figures that put Territory firmly in the ballpark of some V8-powered luxury SUVs for fuel economy.

Territory maintains a surprisingly flat attitude even when pushed, despite the impressive ride quality and a more supple ride that produces less head-toss than an X5 - and straight-line stability and well-weighted steering are other stand-out features.

Handling is very neutral, with neither front-end push or rear-end shove evident in most situations, either in RWD or AWD models.

On unsealed roads, Territory’s chassis balance and torsional strength presents itself via predictable, confidence-inspiring behaviour even on the loosest of surfaces. Of course, rear-drive variants offer a Falcon-like ability to power oversteer, provided the traction control system is switched off.

But, thanks to the 62 per cent rear-biased torque split of Territory’s AWD system (which employs slightly lower overall gearing, three open diffs and a German transfer case as used by Adventra and the previous X5, although it’s chain driven to improve noise, vibration and harshness, according to Ford) even AWD variants have a distinctly rear-drive feel to them.

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But thanks to the 62 per cent rear-biased torque split of Territory’s AWD system, even AWD variants have a distinctly rear-drive feel to them

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Of course, Territory’s advanced, fully switchable dynamic stability control system, which is unavailable on Adventra, makes light work of slippery situations, and an iced surface at a New Zealand proving ground demonstrated how intuitively and unobtrusively Territory is able to reduce engine torque and apply brake intervention to each individual wheel to maintain traction on all manner of surfaces.

More subtle than even BMW’s stability control, the Bosch 8.0-based system slips seamlessly between being totally passive to fully intervening, allowing a modicum of lift-off or power oversteer on greasy surfaces before reducing power then applying individual brakes to regain traction with impressive efficiency.

Territory also offers the most advanced hill descent control system available (as an option) by featuring a function that allows vehicle speed to be varied between a minimum of 4km/h and a maximum of 30km/h. It’s believed the system will also appear on the next-generation Discovery later this year. Territory’s standard power adjustable pedals are a boon, too.

Ground clearance isn’t one of Territory’s best attributes, its 178mm ride height (which is outdone by both Kluger and Adventra) being perhaps its greatest limiting factor in sand and deeply rutted trails, although Ford says the slightly protruding anti-roll bar linkages of the Control Blade IRS were never damaged in all its off-road development work.

The front cross member and exhaust guards provide reasonable under-body protection and an optional sump guard is available.

Without low-range gearing, it’s clear Territory, Kluger and Adventra – like their more expensive rivals in X5, ML, XC90, RX330, MDX and Allroad – are light-duty off-road propositions only, while the likes of Pajero and Prado are far more capable over a wider range of terrains.

That said, given the right preparation and a degree of caution, Territory will just as readily tackle cross-continent trips as its more rugged SUV competitors.

But where Territory shines is that it offers car-like ride, handling and comfort away from the beaten track, presenting less of a compromise for its owner in day-to-day use, with greater interior flexibility.

The more time one spends in Territory, the more attention to detail becomes obvious. All the fundamentals are there, including a three-point seatbelt and adjustable headrest for all seating positions, adjustable outboard seatbelt height, a separate-opening rear window, a low rear loading lip, three 12-volt power outlets, three overhead lights, a slide/fold function for the centre row that delivers a flat load space and enough headroom even in the third row to accommodate tall passengers reasonably comfortably.

There are even soft pads positioned to prevent noise and scuffing from the rear seatbelt buckles, and the only interior blights seem to be the absence of a locking glovebox, some subtly mismatched interior materials and creaking door skins in the pre-production vehicles we drove.

Ford says they are among the 30-odd final running changes to be made before job one is built. Oh, and the third row child seat anchors are mounted at the rear of the load space, limiting its functionality if child seats are placed in the rearmost seats.

The optional third row seat folds into a well under the cargo floor, which can be used for storage when seven seats are in use, and the centre row offers plenty of legroom even when positioned fully forward. Cupholders reside everywhere and there are large outboard storage bins, huge door pockets and an in-dash compartment.

There is a full-size spare located under the rear of the vehicle, lowered by an internal jack handle that’s stored in a rear side compartment and the optional tow pack has the capacity to tow up to 1600kg, matching the V8 Adventra.

Because of its more competitive pricetag, the forthcoming Adventra V6 will present a more viable alternative to Territory than the V8-only model currently offered by Holden, but there’s no disguising the Late model camira wagon-based origins of Adventra, which offers inferior interior flexibility, refinement and technology.

Weight and fuel efficiency issues aside, Territory’s clever mix of passenger car-like performance, dynamics, safety and refinement, with people-mover-style flexibility and space, and the ability to tackle SUV-only terrains raises the bar for the Australian auto industry.

And we’re certain Territory will be a hit with a large number of sensible, adventurous Aussies, for whom the right mix of on and off-road practicality in a full-size Australian-made cross-over has proved elusive until now.

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Additional info from me (Brendan Dennis)

I logged onto the Ford Web site and signed up for a test drive. I received a call from my Local dealer a few days later (Much better experience than in the past I must add) I asked about the overnight test drive and they mentioned that they did not know anything about "Overnight Test drives". They asked me to email them with any info I had re this perception... I will be sure to email them this write up... As there clearly seems to be a understanding out in the Public that "overnight Test drives" are available with these pilot cars that the Dealers have been given... I will let you know how I go...

I must admit that for the next car the wife is keen on this and I could go over to Territory next time (As log as it has a GT40 TURBO attached!)

Regards

Brendan Dennis

[Mondie]

Wow, it really does sound like Ford got it right, which is just as well because this release must be a near make or break deal for Ford Australia.

We have 3 young rugrats and l would be seriously interested in a V8 FPV version of one of these. The extra space and especially large cargo area really appeal. l could compromise from a Falcon provided the thing had some grunt and good handling. It sure doesnt lack anything as far as luxuries go.

Pity Brendan that Ford dealerships havent picked up their act though. Still have to deal with the same clowns

[Cobra]

I priced out the Territory that I'd consider .... $68,000 rrp

The downhill assist is an option !!!! only about $900 ... wtf!!??

The rear seat (third row) is so high that it is guaranteed to make the occupants carsick !!!!

oh well .... I feel like a Richmond footy club member now

[rs2000]

Additional info from me (Brendan Dennis)

I logged onto the Ford Web site and signed up for a test drive. I received a call from my Local dealer a few days later (Much better experience than in the past I must add) I asked about the overnight test drive and they mentioned that they did not know anything about "Overnight Test drives". They asked me to email them with any info I had re this perception... I will be sure to email them this write up... As there clearly seems to be a understanding out in the Public that "overnight Test drives" are available with these pilot cars that the Dealers have been given... I will let you know how I go...

I must admit that for the next car the wife is keen on this and I could go over to Territory next time (As log as it has a GT40 TURBO attached!)

Regards

Brendan Dennis

it's funny that you mentioned this. I also have expressed my interest for the overnight test drive....(jefferson ford) the salesman rang me to confirm which spec model territory I was interested in and preceded to book me in for a supervised drive (wtf) I mentioned that ford is offering o/night drives, his reply was " better speak to my sales manager as this is the first I've heard of this".

anyway I have been booked in for the o/night drive on 17th may.... ... :roll: :roll:

[slikxr6t]

oh well .... I feel like a Richmond footy club member now

Harsh, BLKXRT, very harsh :lol:

[plonky]

The Territory gets a HUGE wrap from Mike McCarthy and John Carey in the latest Wheels magazine.

Considering those two guys are pretty 'grumpy' but have a wealth of car evaluation experience I would consider that the Territory must be a mighty fine car for them to publicly praise it.

Now all it will take is for some contrary view from some other journo and the others may follow suit.

After all, the AU was a pretty well made and engineered car and the some of the people that were influential in how the car was received were magazine writers (as well as Ford management, Ford Sales and the reliance upon Fleet sales)

I really hope the Territory takes off but there is an immediate fault with the car and that is the non availability of a higher powered version of the Twin Cam Six especially for the luxury versions. If the Twin Cam can already produce 182kw I don't think there would be too much problem with Ford developing a 200kw version.

[twinxrs]

Wow, it really does sound like Ford got it right, which is just as well because this release must be a near make or break deal for Ford Australia.

We have 3 young rugrats and l would be seriously interested in a V8 FPV version of one of these. The extra space and especially large cargo area really appeal. l could compromise from a Falcon provided the thing had some grunt and good handling. It sure doesnt lack anything as far as luxuries go.

Pity Brendan that Ford dealerships havent picked up their act though. Still have to deal with the same clowns

Sorry Mondie, I think that you're out of luck looking for a V8 Territory...

During the FoMoCo tour last year, Geoff Polites mentioned that due to space constraints, there is no chance that they will be able to fit a V8...

But he did admit that here was some serious thought given to dropping the XR6T donk in there !

Geoff said that this sort of project would probably be handled by FPV - will we see a Territory with the F6 engine ?

[Adam]

Fordtech just sent me a SMS to tell me he's got his Territory evaluation vehicle! I'm taking it for a spin later! I'll let you all know what I think!

[ZAP]

I think it is funny how the Aussie cars are always compared with the BMW/Merc or the Toyota/Mazda. We are still years behind the rest of the world (except the USA/russia) as we cannot deliver a complete package. By this I mean from the time you look at the car, the brochures you receive, the followup from the sales person, the way you are treated, the ordering process, the after order process, the delivery, the aftersales followup, the service department, the ongoing relationship management, the notification of new models and special invitations to events, the way the car company presents its models.....here in australia we suffer from N F I when it comes to the complete package. All you need to do is spend 10 mins on this or the Expensive Daewoo forums and find out the problems that are occuring on a regular basis. Most people are not happy with anything except the car. We feel we were not treated as a valued client by the dealer and Ford, we think the service departments are full of apprentices (they are) and cannot be trusted to do anything except basic servicing and then the car company releases Series 2,3,4,5 of our cars that have minor changes and causes our cars to drop faster in value.

I bought my wife a new Kluger CVX with most options last year and it was a pleasent experience. I was treated well, they followed the sale through, I was kept informed and the car is great. We have had no warranty problems and we are happy with the purchase.

Already I am pi$$ed off with my T purchase and I do not even have the car yet. It is 3 weeks alte and will be another 3 weeks until I see it apparently.

The dealer is a lying moron and they have no concept of service. I only bought the T because it was a T not because it was a ford or the dealer was recommended, it was only for the Car. I just hope my car is build right and I do not need to get angry with the service department.

I think it is very arrogant to compare the new territory to the Kluger or X5 as they may be in the same catagory of cars, but no where near the same class. When Ford and Expensive Daewoo get the rest of their act together they can start to compare with the euro and asian car makers.

[Adam]

That's all well and good but not everyone gets treated like that. Despite the problems I've had with my ute the dealer has always been good to me.

All the aside we're talking about the quality and driveability of the Territory vs other vehicles in it's class as a motor car, nothing more, nothing less.