Ford Territory TX 4X2 2006 Review

7-day Test

After early CarPoint testing raised doubts over whether the Territory could deliver the offroad escape promised in the launch advertising, it was easy to dismiss its extra weight and frontal area over existing Falcon/Commodore wagons as an unnecessary extravagance under rising fuel prices.

Following a 700km workout in the latest base Territory without all-wheel drive that took in the city grind, mountains, coast and bush tracks, I came away with an acute understanding of why owners would be happy to wear any fuel premium.

It was on a tight and dangerous mountain road filled with holiday traffic, most of which was towing a camper or trailer, that I encountered the most compelling argument for the Territory.

After the test Territory effortlessly passed several traffic jams generated by late model four-wheel drives struggling to get within 20km/h of normal traffic speed, I ended up behind another Territory further up the road. This one was packed with kids, the load area filled to the brim and it was towing a large pop-top caravan with four bikes attached to its roof. Because its female driver was making light work of the corners and hills, I had no need to pass. Such was her pace, the traffic that had followed me through the overtaking lane gradually fell behind.

It has taken Ford until now to crystallise why the Territory exists after more than 50 per cent of buyers have rejected the AWD versions. Its latest ad campaign is spot on when it no longer generates unrealistic expectations.

The Territory can make a nasty side effect of Australia's recent prosperity bearable. In an increasing number of families, the chances of both partners getting into a family car together with their offspring for a holiday are zilch.

Usually it's the women who are left to round up the kids, luggage and trailer/camper/caravan/boat and set up the family escape ready for a husband to join them when he can finally get away. The Territory is perfect for this role. I have several mates who have quite happily encouraged their wives to buy whatever they have wanted for this challenging and potentially dangerous task.

The question is whether the base model Territory with rear drive is up to the job. The short answer is yes, possibly more so than the all-wheel drive versions with one or two provisos.

It cuts a neat middle line between a lighter and flimsier people mover and a cumbersome offroader while doing enough of both to keep most owners happy.

Because the deletion of all-wheel drive saves you $4500 and 80kg, the TX is surprisingly well-equipped at the price while generating a weight and price margin to cover the full side airbag and third seat options without straying too far over $40,000. It is also much shorter and taller than comparable Falcon/Commodore wagons with short overhangs, perfect for the urban jungle.

The commanding view for both driver and passengers makes it a more relaxing and safer long distance proposition, a factor that makes it popular with women.

The downside? Although Ford's latest six now packs V8 punch, the base Territory is no lightweight at 1995kg. The weight and extra air resistance noticeably blunts it compared to the Falcon. It never rolls along as effortlessly as the Falcon and the engine always seems to be working. It's not helped by a heavy throttle action that doesn't always feel connected to the engine; a ploy sometimes used to make you use less fuel.

The latest four-speed auto, although dramatically improved over earlier efforts, reminded me why I once hated autos with a passion. The Territory's extra weight means it has to constantly slip and change to cover the lack of ratios.

It will also give you an occasional jolt as it spans the gaps -- it is simply out of kilter with the latest refinement boost. It forces the Territory to drive more like a four-cylinder auto with quite obvious downshifts and extra engine noise as soon as you need to access any real grunt. Thankfully SY upgrades have isolated the engine noise but you are left in no doubt why it uses more fuel.

When Ford's latest six-speed auto would lift the RWD Territory's performance and fuel economy more than any Falcon, why isn't it offered even as an option? If you can transform an XR6 with the six-speed auto for a paltry $1250, why not the Territory 4X2?

When Ford won't offer a manual Territory, the four-speed auto has no place in any Territory given today's fuel prices and its multi-purpose family application.

Our testing which covered regular 15km city commutes and a long weekend getaway delivered an overall fuel figure 11.5litres/100km based on several tank fills. Around town that increased significantly but throw in easy highway cruising and this average is achievable.

Given the crash protection and rugged construction for up to seven occupants, this figure is reasonable. The only glitch was a fuel gauge that took over 10km to register full again.

For an entry-level model, the TX cabin drew favourable comments especially trim quality, seats and rear legroom. The hard dash plastics are not as inviting as the Falcon but consistent with its usage even if the lighter colours -- especially the door trims -- mark easily. A luggage liner that protected the doors and side panels when the seats are folded would be a useful option.

Unlike the base Falcon, there are cubby holes everywhere and multiple power sockets throughout the cabin. Full steering column adjustment and electric pedal adjustment are welcome features when both parents and teenage learner drivers will be driving family Territory examples.

On sealed roads, the steering can feel numb and more remote and the handling more cumbersome than the Falcon; a product of the extra height and high profile tyres. Yet it comes together on rough surfaces where ride and isolation from road shock are exceptional. Headlights are outstanding but the feeble single horn is not good enough for remote roads.

When the Territory's key reason for existence is an all-road getaway vehicle, the test car's $660 cruise control option becomes a credibility issue when it should be standard.

I could take or leave the extra colour-coding of the bumpers when the standard steel wheels expose any Ghia pretensions.

Following early build problems with the Territory and unrealistic expectations generated by the launch hype, some owners were left frustrated and disappointed. The latest SY upgrade has given even the base model a clear focus that now makes sense.