Territory: Australia's first with reversing camera

The popularity of high riding SUVs has increased the risk of children being run over during reversing. Addressing a critical child safety issue that is unfortunately gaining momentum, Ford has fitted Australia's first reversing camera to an Australian model. This important new safety feature will be standard on the new SY Territory Ghia AWD and RWD and optional on the SY Territory TS AWD and RWD.

Barely visible beneath the Territory liftback's centre finishing strip, the Territory's new wide angle camera provides a full 130 degree view of what lurks behind. A large full colour image is displayed on the Interior Command Centre TFT colour screen inside the vehicle as soon as reverse is selected. It cannot be ordered on the Territory TX which does not have the ICC screen. 

During a demonstration this week, it proved uncannily accurate for the area immediately behind the rear bumper but not at the periphery where the lens distorts the distance. However, this peripheral view gives the driver useful warning of a child entering the vehicle's path. It would also be invaluable when hitching up a trailer or caravan for a solo driver. 

Its main drawback is the temptation to use it as the only vision check before reversing which has prompted Ford to issue strong warnings about its usage.

It is not a reversing aid according to Ford and is no substitute for a head check and mirror check before reversing.

Ford emphasized that its primary purpose was "to provide vision of the area immediately behind the vehicle that cannot be seen using mirrors or head checks."