Ford Territory 2004 review

It's another $4000 and frankly from what we have seen so far the RWD model will go just about anywhere you are likely to want to take it.

Bear in mind too that traction control is part of the standard package and that is going to do a pretty good job of keeping those rear wheels from beating you home.

• 4.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine (same as in the Falcon) produces 182kW at 5000rpm and 380Nm of torque at 3250rpm. It's a handy thing, with plenty of punch when you need it and reasonable fuel economy the rest of the time.
• No talk of a V8 but there is a good chance we will see a turbocharged version of the vehicle in the not too distant future, a la the XR6 Turbo.
• Transmission is four-speed auto only, although like the Falcon it has performance and sequential options so you can change gears just like a manual. This is handy for descending hills or when towing, and especially handy in an off road situation – but otherwise just leave it in D.
• Ride and handling is a real eye opener. It's quiet, smooth and handles exceptionally well for vehicle with a high centre of gravity.
• Economy is rated at 13.1L/100km for the RWD model and 13.5L/100km for the AWD. Strangely, however, we seemed to get better economy out of the AWD Ghia, at around 13.3L/100km. Go figure?
• It's a much heavier vehicle than the Falcon wagon at 2005kg compared to 1684kg, so of course it is going to use more fuel.
• At 4865mm in length, Territory is significantly shorter than a Falcon wagon at 5053mm, and that combined with its greater height makes parking the vehicle much easier. It's 35mm wider however.
• Ground clearance at 178mm for RWD and AWD models is nothing to write home about, but the RWD model coped easily with the rough conditions encountered on our favourite stretch of fire trail. We ran it through the section we reserve for AWD offerings without incident, apart from a couple of bumps that is.
• The load area could be smaller than a Falcon wagon but we did not have the luxury of parking them side by side to check this out.
• Standard equipment includes everything you need and nothing you don't – airconditioning, two airbags, ABS, cruise, power windows and mirrors plus a CD sound system with steering wheel controls.