Falchoon I see red Member 5,758 Member For: 22y 1m 1d Location: nowhere in particular Posted 22/01/04 02:24 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 02:24 AM A lot is riding on Ford's TerritoryBy Toby HagonSaturday January 17 2004As far as momentous car launches go for this year, Ford's Territory must be one of the biggest. Built on the tried and trusted Falcon platform and using Falcon mechanicals and components, the Territory has a unique wagon body. The launch of the Territory is a drawn-out affair, encompassing the release of pictures - both inside and out - as well as motor show unveilings and various snippets about drivetrains and new equipment. Before the June 1 on-sale date, Ford will even be offering customers extended test drives to ensure the Territory gets the kickstart it needs from day one. The latest iteration of the mighty Territory roll-out was the somewhat risky task late last year of allowing journalists a drive of some of the pre-production models. Still sporting rattles and unfinished trim materials typical of cars at this stage of their development, the brief encounter nevertheless gave a taste of what to expect when the ``real" Territorys hit Victorian roads. Initial impressions were positive. One of the most noticeable pluses was to the driving position, which is higher than a Falcon's. But the dash layout, steering wheel and basic controls are either identical to the Falcon's or with slight variations on the theme. Still, that sits the driver above most road users, and the taller roof profile reduces the claustrophobic feeling some experience in a Falcon. The stadium seating - where those in the back sit higher again - also makes for a better all-round viewing experience, while the nifty folding third row of seats provides the flexibility for carrying extra kids. The Territory will be a relatively heavy vehicle - at around two tonnes - but it by no means feels like a beast to drive. The steering is light enough, and audible reverse parking sensors should take some of the guesswork out of parking. Using the same 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine from the Falcon - the 5.4-litre V8 simply doesn't fit in the Territory's more compact engine bay - there's a healthy 182 kW of power on offer, and there's never been a shortage of mid-range torque with this engine. The extra weight of the all-wheel-drive system and unique body naturally takes its toll on performance, ensuring a more lethargic take-off than that of a Falcon. But it's hardly slow, still accelerating with gusto, and even on gravel there's not a hint of wheelspin - at least in the all-wheel-drive model. And that's where the Territory line-up gets interesting, because the Territory will set an Australian first in becoming the first 4WD-styled wagon to also offer just rear-wheel-drive, for those chasing all the benefits of a tall, practical wagon without the weight of the extra mechanicals. The theory is that many buyers don't need the heavy 4WD architecture but still want all the other benefits such chunky-looking wagons offer. It's easy to see why Ford's getting excited about the Territory, and equally easy to understand why so many people are keenly awaiting its arrival. Some are predicting it is the start of a change to the type of family cars we'll be driving in the future. More than that, the Territory is crucial to the future of Ford Australia, which is why this $500 million investment must pay off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macktheknife Xtreme Xalted Member Donating Members 3,112 Member For: 21y 8m 12d Gender: Male Location: BrisVegas Posted 22/01/04 05:07 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 05:07 AM Supposedly, said Territory will be on display? the BrisVegas Motor Show next month.I'll be happy to provide the forum an in depth, smartie influence free, Macka appraisal. Eeerrr......long as it's the right........ahem............colour...........Ifyaknowhatimean.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F6 RAPID Formerly Turbo6 Donating Members 2,332 Member For: 22y 10d Location: North Brisbane Posted 22/01/04 05:43 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 05:43 AM Citric Acid Mack ????????????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falchoon I see red Member 5,758 Member For: 22y 1m 1d Location: nowhere in particular Posted 22/01/04 06:13 AM Author Share Posted 22/01/04 06:13 AM I'll be happy to provide the forum an in depth, smartie influence free, Macka appraisal. Smartie free....I'll believe that when I see it... :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KEN 24T Gandalf the Grey, Maiar of Manwë and Varda, Team HgAg/Sneaky Member 7,371 Member For: 21y 6m 19d Gender: Male Location: The Shire, Middle Earth Posted 22/01/04 07:41 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 07:41 AM Eeerrr......long as it's the right........ahem............colour...........Ifyaknowhatimean.......... Now let's not go there Mack ... people are getting bored with the whole ... well you know what ... so no more about which is the best ... well, you know ... and nothing about why we have the best ... well, you know ...... ok ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra potty trained Lifetime Members 1,938 Member For: 21y 8m 23d Gender: Male Posted 22/01/04 08:20 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 08:20 AM with all these cross/AWD/semi-off-road vehicles coming on the market .... does that mean they aren't going to fix the roads ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richdave SLOJAM, Gone but not forgotten Lifetime Members 1,841 Member For: 22y 3m 7d Gender: Male Location: Outer east - Melbourne Posted 22/01/04 08:26 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 08:26 AM The wife is keen. Waiting for the release so she can get a test drive. An I was hoping for another "T" or perhaps a GT..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercturbo Member 696 Member For: 21y 10m Location: Geelong Posted 22/01/04 10:53 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 10:53 AM The wife is keen. Waiting for the release so she can get a test drive. An I was hoping for another "T" or perhaps a GT..... Photos don't do the Territory justice, it is great looking in the flesh, I would tend to wait a tad with Territory, whole new model platform and all, there will be issues, despite what Geoff say's (what else could he say) I would wait for a year until the first round of issue fixes are implemented, I would hope the BA'S coming out now would start having less problems, TIME FOR A GT THEN! Good luck Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronmihe Upstanding Member Member 759 Member For: 21y 4m 14d Location: Canberra - ACT Posted 22/01/04 11:23 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 11:23 AM It did look good at the Sydney Motor Show even though it was like 100' away from everyone A. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RATT Member 230 Member For: 22y 2m 11d Location: Sydney Posted 22/01/04 11:24 AM Share Posted 22/01/04 11:24 AM A blood orange coloured Territory was driving through Fairfield Heights in Sydney yesterday and it is true, the photos do not do it justice at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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