Ford Territory TS 2004 review

But somehow the Ford Territory wagon – at least the all-wheel-drive, top-of-the-range version I've just been driving – does a superb job of hiding its real self.

There is the way it feels much lighter than the scales say it is, like it has found how to cheat at WeightWatchers.

There is the genuine refinement with which it drives, regardless of it being a descendant of a Falcon with just a six-cylinder engine.

Explore the 2004 Ford Territory range

• Ford Territory TX 2004 review
• Ford Territory Ghia 2004 review
• Ford Territory TS 2004 review
• Ford Territory 2004 review

And it manages to handle with the ease of a normal car – a well-behaved car, at that – rather than like the big, high-set wagon it actually is.

No wonder the new Territory is proving incredibly popular.

It succeeds because Ford created it by using the best parts from the trusty Falcon, and either improved other things or grafted on new bits.

For example, its suspension is a step ahead of the current Falcon. For example its interior is packed with handy cubbyholes and clever thinking, hopefully a taste of Falcons to come.

Pity that the Territory's interior plastic trim – and there is a vast expanse of it on the dashboard – looks on the cheap side and lets the side down.

It strikes one of the few jarring notes in the Ghia version's otherwise upmarket cabin.

And though the Territory trots along happily, the petrol bill gives the game away.

The one I drove averaged 13.8 litres per 100km, a thirsty 20.5mpg, and that was when driven gently, loaded lightly. Expect a greater thirst if pushed hard, a sobering thought in this era of petrol at $1 a litre.

But overall, the Territory seems to provide exactly what a lot of Australian buyers want: a convenient wagon which is effortless to drive, but looks and feels sufficiently different from the everyday Falcon.

In contrast, Holden's equivalent, the all-wheel-drive Adventra, looks rather like a dressed-up Commodore, capable though it is.

The Adventra has failed to reach Holden's sales targets by so much that $4000 has been lopped from the original price. Next comes a V6-powered version, likely to be in showrooms first thing next year, senior Holden executives say.

Ford, too, is busy. Another Territory, the TS, with an equipment level between the entry-model TX and the Ghia, has been added this month.

There has been plenty of speculation that a turbocharged version also is on the way – indeed, Ford is mad if there isn't – but the corporate lips remain sealed.

A sportier, more powerful Territory probably would be a fine thing.

The existing one's road manners are so good that it feels like it would handle more power happily.

Hop in – a slight step up, but not so high to be a chore – and the Territory turns out to be not at all 4WD-ish to steer.

Maybe just slightly roly-poly initially, then you get over that sensation, and realise it is riding and handling with car-like aplomb.

Some of this poise is due to the fact that the Territory does not have as much ground clearance as its more-off-roader rivals (good for keeping the centre of gravity low, so helping stability; not so good if you want to tackle rutted tracks or gibber-strewn trails). This not-so-tall stance means it is in no way an expedition vehicle to challenge the likes of Toyota Prado or Mitsubishi Pajero. No big deal, since it is difficult to imagine many buyers caring.

Overall, the Territory feels more nimble than the Holden Adventra, and more of a go-places machine than the Toyota Kluger.

It is always well-mannered, quiet and smooth, feeling solid yet light to operate.

As well as the all-wheel-drive models, there are rear-drive versions – same height, engine, transmission, body etc – which cost $4000 less.

Ford says that so far sales have been split 50:50 between both types.

But personally, if buying a car in this price bracket I'd want the all-wheel-drive version.

That extra grip just might keep you out of trouble, and anyway, the extra cost is likely to be recouped at trade-in time.

The Territory family starts at $38,990 for a two-wheel-drive TX.

The new TS is $44,790 with two-wheel-drive, $48,790 with all-wheel-drive – that is $4500 under the top-line Ghia.

Having so many offerings has allowed the Territory to shoot to the top of the sales charts in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) category.

But it wins only because both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive versions are being counted.

Until now, only all-wheel-drive vehicles were thought of as SUVs.

If a rear-drive Territory can be classed as an SUV because there is also an all-wheel-drive version, it isn't much of a stretch to call a Commodore station wagon an SUV.