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08/04/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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Initial sketches for the Ford Territory SUV were made way back in 1999, yet so far-seeing was the work done at that time that the latest Ford Territory for 2011 should still be selling well several years into the future. This longevity shows the depth of Australian automotive engineering and why it is held in such high regard in many countries.
We have already covered the new Ford Territory in detail following press briefings in February (styling) and March (technical) and have finally been able to spend time behind the wheel. Quality time in four different models covering a convoluted route from of Parliament House in Canberra, down to the coast at Batemans Bay, then back.
The big news is, of course, the option of a turbo-diesel engine, something that has been called for for years because the original petrol engine was a gas guzzler. The diesel is a 2.7-litre V6 diesel and runs a single turbocharger. It uses the latest thinking in variable-vane turbines, as well as high-pressure injection to produce maximum power of 140 kilowatts. Torque of 440 Newton metres is produced between 1900 and 2500 revs.
There was more turbo lag than we anticipated from this relatively new engine (Jaguar and Land Rover have been using diesels from the same engine family for about four years now) but once the Ford powerplant is up and spinning at its best it’s a delight to sit behind. There’s heaps of grunt and the engine is happy to rev to about 4000 rpm.
At idle there is some diesel clatter, especially when it’s stone cold, but after that it’s almost as quiet as a petrol engine when heard from inside the car. Our initial running saw fuel consumption in the nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres range. That included some hard driving in hilly terrain so day-to-day travel should see that improve significantly.
Territory’s petrol engine now has pretty much the same specifications as the FG Falcon. When running on standard 91 octane unleaded petrol its maximum power is 195 kW. Torque is 391 Nm at 3250 rpm. If you use super unleaded, 95 octane, these engine outputs increase to 198 kW and 409 Nm.
There’s something about the silky feel and smooth sound of a straight-six engine that we just love. In its latest iteration the Ford petrol six is, if anything, even better than before. It’s responsive, smooth and quiet. On similar roads to those we covered in the Territory turbo-diesel the petrol consumption was in the range of 11 to 12.5 litres per hundred kilometres. About 25 per cent more than the diesel.
The diesel costs $3250 more than the petrol, it would take a long time to recover that amount on fuel savings alone, but keep in mind you do get a fair bit of the extra initial cost back at trade-in time. Note also that all-wheel drive is now only available with the diesel engine.
All Territory engines now sit in front of a six-speed automatic transmission.
Towing capacity of Territorys fitted with the diesel engine has been raised to 2.7 tonnes, that of the petrol unit remains at 2.3 tonnes.
New Ford Territory feels completely refreshed in the way it rides and handles. Body roll, which wasn’t too bad in the original Territory, has been flattened out for improved passenger comfort. The handling has been sharpened up and this big SUV holds the road at speeds far higher than are likely to be attempted by average drivers.
Noise and vibration suppression is excellent and Ford Australia says it has measured Territory as being quieter than upmarket European SUVs of similar size. Indeed, Ford did consider bringing along some Euro imports for us to compare with Territory, but decided not to do so. It will be interesting to hear the findings of our colleagues in the specialist 4WD magazines when they carry out extensive comparison tests.
Ford Australia’s new Territory is an exceptional machine that provides exactly what many Australia buyers are looking for in a family car. There’s space for seven (though the two in the rearmost seat had better be on the small side), is moderately priced and is a real pleasure to drive. We can’t see it being anything but a success in the sales race.
The complete Ford Territory range, with prices (excluding government and dealer charges) is:
TX RWD 4.0-litre petrol: $39,990 (automatic)
TS RWD 4.0-litre petrol: $46,990 (automatic)
Titanium RWD 4.0-litre petrol: $54,990 (automatic)
TX RWD 2.7-litre turbo-diesel: $43,240 (automatic)
TX AWD 2.7-litre turbo-diesel: $48,240 (automatic)
TS RWD 2.7-litre turbo-diesel: $50,240 (automatic)
TS AWD 2.7-litre turbo-diesel: $55,240 (automatic)
Titanium RWD 2.7-litre turbo-diesel: $58,240 (automatic)
Titanium AWD 2.7-litre turbo-diesel: $63,240 (automatic) |
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