An Antipodean SUV: The Ford Territory

The Ford Territory is a crossover SUV of medium-size that was devised and constructed in Australia and first appeared in 2004. Before very long, it was a best seller, and it was declared the Car of the Year by Wheels magazine, a much-prized accolade. Come November, 2012, it was reported by www.motoring.com.au that 150,000 Territories had been purchased.

The Ford Territory is good enough for the Australian Federal Police. Photo: Highway Patrol Images

In August, 2012, came the heartening news that Territories would be exported to Thailand after the car was received warmly at the Bangkok Motor Show. It had been traditional for Fiestas, Rangers and Focuses to travel in the opposite direction. The automotive industry has responded positively to the Territory, and a review for the Ford Territory will generally tell of a car well-beloved by the common man.

The Territory behaves like a sedan despite its generous size. It's a sporty and sophisticated urban vehicle well-suited to weekdays yet also the perfect car for weekend family getaways. Between five and seven adults can be comfortably accommodated within. There are four- and rear-wheel drive versions.

The 2012 Ford Territory is the product of a wide-ranging redesign of its countenance, inside and out. Consequently, it's stylish and bold and in keeping with the kinetic design of Ford. Chris Svensson, the design director of Ford for Africa and the Asia Pacific, said that the Territory seems to be moving even when it's standing still.

The Territory is rather rugged. To the fore is a new-fangled, tri-plane architecture. The main grille has a trapezoid shape that constitutes one of the most easily-noticed features of this car. The lights at the front and back are now slimline, with their projector beam technology one more of the Territory's most notable features. The bumper has been redesigned and is now sculpted. Bold wheel lips, a lower rocker and resurfaced door cladding enhance the car's athleticism.

Within the 2012 Ford Territory is an advanced and easily-navigated eight-inch colour touchscreen that can be operated by either of the people in the front seats. USB, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity permit the use of virtually any gadget. The Interior Command Centre allows front seat occupants to control air conditioning, ventilation and heating. At its foot is an area for storage, a new addition.

The fact that there is a diesel version differentiates the Territory from the Toyota Kluger. The Territory can have either a 2.7 litre diesel or 4 litre petrol engine, with both delivering a goodly amount of power in addition to fine acceleration. Mileage is 10.6 litres per 100km for the rear-wheel drive petrol Territory and 8.2 litres per 100km for the rear-wheel drive diesel version, with four-wheel drive yielding even better results. These figures are shockingly low for a vehicle of this magnitude, and answer the common complaint that the Territory guzzled fuel, a primary consideration in the economic climate of today.

The Territory's wheels follow the contours of the road, and the change from gravel or dirt to tarmac is hardly noticable. Braking has power and fades not. The latest Territory is virtually free of tire roar and wind noise, making the cabin quieter than those of the car's closest competitors by a great degree. Generally, the Territory feels more expensive than it truly is.

All models have remote central locking, powered windows and mirrors and a reversing camera, while the Titanium and TS models also have sat nav. The four-wheel drive Territory car can tow 2,700kg while the rear-wheel drive can manage 2,300kg, leading to one reviewer joking that a Territory could lug the QE2 behind it. For safety, there are airbags to the front and side and driver's knee, rollover mitigation, a collapsible steering column, hill descent stability control, traction control and emergency brake assist.

The Territory is quieter than the BMW X5 3.00DT while its engine puts the Holden Captiva's to shame. It has enjoyed huge success in Australia. The latest features of the newest model improve a formula that was already extremely sound.