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The Territory has met with early success in showrooms around the nation. But what's it like on the road? We look at the Territory Ghia rear-wheel drive model and form an early opinion. Firstly though, let's look at the concept. Everyone knows that many car buyers have switched to four-wheel drives. There are many reasons for this conversion. Some want the commanding view of the road, others want the flexibility of the numerous seating options that are offered on some sport utility vehicles (as they have become known). Some, presumably, simply want to visit a petrol station more often! Others want or need the off-road capability on offer. But not many need the off-road capability that a 4x4 provides. Ford realised that there is a market for a car that considered the various aspects of this booming market segment, without forcing folks to buy an uneccessary and unwanted four-wheel drive system. Ford determined early, that the attractions of all-wheel drive were not cost effective for those who don't need the all-wheel drive system. Thus a rear-drive Territory was always part of the plan. The concept for the new Territory goes back to 1999. In the meantime, Ford has freely teased the market with early Territory talk thus building up the market in anticipation of its release. The Australian car market is running at record levels. Ford's timing could not have been better! Now the Next Car team puts the rear-drive Territory Ghia (5-seat version) to the test. Behind the wheel, you quickly understand why Ford has been upbeat about the Territory. It fulfils its design critea perfectly. The commanding view from the driver's seat, the comfort level, the ride quality on both sealed and unsealed roads, the versatility of the interior and its manners all add up to a package that has been well considered and very well planned. The pricing of a new model is important. And Territory pricing is very pleasant in my mind. Prices currently begin at $38,990 for the rear-drive base model, which is known as Territory TX. The Ghia rear-drive model begins at $56,965. A third model, the TS will be available soon. It will fit between the two existing models. Prices, of course, exclude the traditional add-ons. All Territory models are equipped with the familiar 4.0 litre six from the Falcon, together with a 4-speed automatic transmission with floor shift. All models have ABS and all RWD models have traction control. The best aspects of the Territory Ghia include the driving position, the comfort level, the ride qualities, the opening glass panel on the tailgate and the attractive styling. The colour choices are very good. Ford do a great job in colour selection. The Territory handles unsealed roads very well. In fact, it seems so much at home on unsealed roads it made me think the Territory would make an ideal basis for the next generation Falcon utility. On sealed roads it's exceptionally comfortable. It feels like a conventional car, except when cornering. It goes around corners and roundabouts like a SUV, so forget about any notion of the Territory being a modern day sports car. The fact is it's a modern day SUV and handles well for its class, but that doesn't make it comparable to a sedan. |
Click the image for a larger view The standard features of the Territory Ghia include: What I don't like about the Territory Ghia can be summed up in one word ..... nothing! But be aware, the Territory Ghia weighs 2 tonnes and as such it has the fuel usage of a 2 tonne vehicle. Ford rate the fuel consumption at 13.1 litres/100 km. There's just one more thing to say about this particular car. I like the Territory Ghia ..... and I like it without any qualification!
Stephen Walker | |
