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Tim Britten15 Mar 2015
REVIEW

Ford Territory 2015 Review

The Territory feels like it's been around forever. So will we miss it when it's gone?

Ford Territory TX TDCi (RWD)
Road Test

That the final, barely perceptible Territory facelift struggles to bring any real sense of new-ness to the big Ford SUV is understandable. But this doesn’t mean it is no longer a relevant force in the marketplace.

As ever, the capacious, capable Territory remains a viable prospect for those seeking a big family wagon that embraces a long road trip as comfortably as it does a family-load of passengers and luggage around town.

And, in TDCi diesel form, it’s also economical enough to extend distances between fuel stops – something you sadly couldn’t say about petrol-fired versions – and punchy enough to feel relaxed and capable on a prolonged cruise.

People say the Territory’s styling is beginning to look a bit long in the tooth but, particularly in its most recent form, it still has a clean, well-balanced look about it that shows how well crafted it was in the first place. A new grille identifies the latest version with a subtly cleaner look than before, but that’s about it.

Same goes for the interior. Virtually no changes were made with the facelift model introduced at the end of 2014 and, true, the Territory could be considered a bit stodgy in a marketplace where edgy style and bewildering technology are the norm. But it is comfortable, pretty well put together and has most of the stuff today’s buyers expect.

Ford’s latest SYNC2 infotainment system that extends the range of voice-control functions and brings other features such as emergency assist, is a technological plus. So are the 8.0-inch touch-screen, reversing camera, front parking sensors, climate-control air-conditioning and digital (DAB+) radio that are standard gear across the range, including the $36,990 (plus on-road costs) entry TX petrol version.

Base Territory TX models don’t get sat-nav, but the SYNC2 system does bring some self-tracking abilities because it is able to display coordinates showing the vehicle’s current location on the colour screen.

And let’s not forget about the thoughtfulness that went into making the Territory a handy family conveyance in the first place. Cubbies and small storage spaces abound, with a large, lidded central bin, sizable door pockets supplemented in the front by additional storage areas alongside the seats and, in five-seat versions, a handy, secure storage area underneath the rear floor.

Roof rails, plus a handy split tailgate that makes for easy loading of any objects, large or small, are standard and there’s also the optional third-row seats that extend accommodation to seven passengers.

The introduction of a diesel variant in 2011 did a lot for the Territory too. In fact the 140kW/440Nm 2.7-litre V6 oiler has been embraced so warmly by Ford buyers that it now accounts for more than half of all Territorys sold, which is no surprise given it can extend the cruising range by 200km or so over an equivalent petrol version.

After 10 years on the market, the Ford Territory has acquired an almost familial status, and taking a diesel-engined, rear-drive five-seat TX model away for a holiday break proved why this model has been such a stalwart for Ford in Australia.

Our entourage included three adults, one small child and all the gear a family normally packs for a week at the seaside – including a mountain bike – yet it didn’t really challenge the Territory’s full capabilities.

However, while the external underslung spare wheel undoubtedly helps free up the load area, changing an already-grimy wheel in dirty conditions is not so pleasant a prospect.

Our trip down to the Otway ranges on Victoria’s west coast was peaceful, comfortable and not too demanding on the bank balance. Although we’ve done better in diesel Territorys, our overall 8.9L/100km fuel figure was pretty reasonable given the load we were toting and the number of short trips taken once arriving at our holiday destination.

The Territory is so familiar that it’s no wonder it brought few surprises. We were impressed though by the easy-connect Bluetooth system and the general user-friendliness of SYNC2, as well as the sharp-resolution rear-view camera display.

As with many current generation SUVs, all-wheel drive is not the most sought-after option. At $5000 above the price of a regular diesel TX Territory, about the only real advantage of AWD, for most people, is a greater towing capacity, which goes from an already-handy 2300kg for a braked trailer to an impressive 2700kg.

Official consumption and emissions figures suffer – albeit not dramatically: The AWD diesel TX quotes 8.8L/100km and 241g/km against the rear-drive version’s 8.2L/100km and 217g/km.

Stack this alongside the Territory’s well-sorted ride-handling balance, and the fact it drives more like a conventional family sedan than many similar-size SUVs, and its success on the marketplace comes as no surprise.

Come the time of its demise, we are sure going to miss the Ford Territory.

2015 Ford Territory TX TDCi (RWD) pricing and specifications:
Price:
$40,240 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.7-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/440Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 217g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked: Not so much:
>> Spacious interior >> Less refined than some
>> Long-distance comfort >> High, heavy tailgate
>> Thrifty-ish diesel engine >> Exposed, underslung spare

Also consider:
>> Holden Captiva (from $30,490 plus ORCs)
>> Hyundai Santa Fe (from $38,490 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Sorento (from $38,990 plus ORCs)

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Written byTim Britten
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