2004 Ford Territory Reviews

Ford Territory is arguably the best vehicle ever designed by Ford Australia. Indeed some even say it may be the best automotive design in Australia bar none. Territory is based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components, particularly in the powertrain, but many parts are unique to the big wagon.

Ford Territory is unique in being an Australian-designed and built SUV. Every other vehicle in this market segment is an imported design that may or may not have been adapted to suit Australia driving conditions.Launched way back in May 2004, with a major makeover in May 2011, the Ford Territory showcases the immense talent of Australian automotive engineering.While it’s getting on in years, it looks to have some life left in it yet. Older models are holding their values well, particularly with smart buyers who are more interested in Aussie practicality than in Euro prestige.The Territory SUV is based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components, particularly in the powertrain, but quite a few other parts are unique to the wagon.Seating in Ford Territory is for five or seven people according to the number of rows of seats installed. The third row of seats isn’t too bad for adults, with good head and reasonable legroom.However, a more realistic passenger load is four adults and three children. Luggage space with all seven seats in place isn’t expansive, but the Territory is hardly on its own in this regard.Fascinatingly, the Territory SUV isn’t nearly as large as it appears, being significantly shorter than a Falcon station wagon. Indeed, it surprises many who learn that it’s not even as long as a Falcon sedan. Thus the Territory is easier to drive and park than many expect. Good handling and ride comfort are major features of the Territory, it’s well-suited to Australian roads and also meets the tough needs of keen Aussie drivers. The big Ford has precise handling for a big wagon and rides better than many European 4WDs that cost far more.Ford Territory uses major components from Falcon’s six-cylinder drivetrain, including a turbocharged variant of the engine from July 2006. There's no V8 option as Ford feels the big sixes have been developed to the stage where they virtually replace the eight. Territory with a petrol engine isn't the most economical of vehicles, though things have improved over the years due to advances in engine technology. The six-speed autos are noticeably better than the four-speeds.Automatic transmissions are used on all models. The auto had four forward speeds on all models until October 2005, when a six-speed was introduced on the upmarket models. The automatic six is the only transmission installed in the turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel Territory.The big news in the face lifted territory was the long-overdue option of a turbo-diesel engine. The diesel is a 2.7-litre V6 diesel and runs a single turbocharger. It uses the latest thinking in variable-vane turbines, as well as high-pressure injection to produce maximum power of 140 kilowatts. Torque of 440 Newton metres is produced between 1900 and 2500 revs.Interestingly, Jaguar and Land Rover use diesels from the same engine family as the Territory unit.Territory is sold with two-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The sales split has generally been in the region of 60/40 in favour of the 2WD model, proving that most buyers of 4WDs are in reality looking for a practical wagon, not an off-road vehicle.Electronic aids improve traction off-road in the Ford Territory 4WD variants so they can handle virtually anything the adventurous family demands. In particular, there are hill-start and hill-descent assistance features and these take much of the scariness out of extreme slopes.Though there's good under-bonnet and under-vehicle access, this is a modern vehicle that’s complex in its mechanical components. So unless you are an expert it’s best to leave all but the simplest of repairs and maintenance to the professionals. Spare parts for the Territory are generally favourably priced and we haven’t heard of any recurring complaints about availability.Virtually every town of any significance has a Ford dealership, and many private garages will have a mechanic or two who was trained in a Ford workshop. Insurance is usually towards the bottom end of the scale, but some companies may take exception to turbocharged engines so ask around before settling for one insurer or the other.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe big Ford wagon is built to a reasonably high standard in Ford's Australian factory at Geelong. We do see the occasional problems so be sure to get a professional inspection.Check the engine starts up easily and idles smoothly and quietly.Make sure the automatic transmission works quietly and doesn’t hold onto gears, or change gears too often when it really should be holding the one ratio.Ensure that the brakes work properly with the ABS system pulling the Territory up in a straight line.Possible leaks at front brake hoses were the subject of a voluntary recall in March 2009. Check with a Ford dealer or the company's head office to see if the work has been done.Take the wagon for a run on rough roads to see if there are any rattles or squeaks as cabin parts move. Even the rear-drive models are sometimes used to explore bush tracks and the like.Look at the condition of the body, especially on an AWD in case one has been taken into off-road territory. Signs of the latter damage are generally at the bumper corners, the underneath of the door sills and on the underbody. Also look for tiny scratches in the body side where it has been squeezed through bushes and the like.Visually check the condition of the interior as kids can do a lot of damage when they get bored.CAR BUYING TIPPeople movers suffer more severe interior use and abuse than just about anything this side of sanitary collection vehicles. Check the condition of all areas inside a Territory carefully.

Ford’s decision to build an all-new car in the Territory was one of the bravest made by a car company involved in the local industry. Thankfully for those involved it proved an exceptionally good decision, but had it gone wrong it could easily have spelt the end for Ford in Australia as we know it.The decision is credited to Geoff Polites, then the boss of Ford Australia who had brought the company back from the brink after suffering an alarming sales slump through the years of the controversial AU Falcon.Polites made a number of brave decisions while heading Ford, his gamble to invest heavily in BA instead of doing a simple cosmetic makeover of the AU being the first. That one worked a treat and the Falcon is now back in the game, and it can only be assumed that it gave him the confidence to push ahead with the Territory.The Territory shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone listening to Polites at his monthly briefings when he took every opportunity to talk up the success of SUVs. He could see that private car buyers were turning their backs on the traditional sedans and wagons and buying more and more four-wheel drives instead. From there it wasn’t a huge step to make the decision to build one of his own.MODEL WATCH The formula Ford followed for building the Territory isn’t a new one. SUVs have been a regular part of the automotive diet for several years, and Ford has built plenty of them in other parts of the world.One difference, a bold one at that, is that Ford decided to build a two-wheel drive version as well as the traditional four-wheel drive wagon. Polites recognised that many SUV buyers really just wanted a high riding, roomy station wagon for the perceived benefits of being able to see the road better and weren’t interested in going off the black top.Apart from the drive train the Territory didn’t have much in common with the Falcon, it was fundamentally a new car from the ground up.It rolled on a longer wheelbase than the Falcon, but was shorter in length and was much taller. Its shape was neat and clean, its lines uncluttered and purposeful, overall it was a neat looking wagon that fitted the new genre perfectly.Inside it was roomy with comfortable accommodation for five in standard form, but up to seven adults with the optional third row, and plenty of space for everything a family needs to take with them when venturing out in the big wide world.There was a host of natty little storage bins, cup holders and pockets to take small bits and pieces that might be needed while on the road, and the list of standard features was comprehensive.Mechanically the Territory was similar to the BA Falcon. It had the same 182 kW 4.0-litre double overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine for power, the same four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift and the choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.While it rode higher than the Falcon the suspension was similar, the Territory boasting independent front suspension with the Falcon’s control blade independent rear. Brakes were disc front and rear with anti-skid electronics, traction control and grade control for offroad safety.The TX paved the way to the new Territory, but it still had plenty of standard features an owner could boast about. There was air-conditioning, trip computer, adjustable pedals, power windows, cloth trim, CD player and remote central locking. For more there was the TS, which also came with dual climate control air, cruise, rear cargo shelf, velour trim, six-CD stacker and alloy wheels. Step up to the range-topping Ghia and you also drove away holding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, seated on leather trimmed power driver’s seat looking into an auto dimming rear view mirror.IN THE SHOP Being barely two years old the Territory is still in its infancy so there’s not much to report from the field. Few will have been driven off road, certainly the two-wheel drive cars will have stuck to the black top, but it’s worth checking underneath four-wheel drives for any damage that might have been sustained by driving off road. When Cars Guide tested one shortly after its release the fuel tank guard was damaged from grounding in a rut on a bush track and a section of the rear bumper was dislodged when caught on the road while attempting a steep climb.There’s plenty of choice on the market so it’s well worth being choosey and walking away from a car that shows the signs of offroad use. They’re also used as family cars so look for damage to trim and interior fittings caused by kids bored during the journey. Being favoured for family transport look for dings and dents from the daily shopping centre car park grand prix.Some owners are concerned about the fuel consumption and looking to convert to dual-fuel. Ford doesn’t offer a system, but there are aftermarket systems available to convert the Territory to dual-fuel to save on running costs. Later reports are that the Territory suffered failure of the front suspension lower control arm ball joints, and there are a number of worrying reports of brake hoses failing.IN A CRASH The concern with high riding cars is that the higher centre of gravity means sloppier handling, but the Territory rides and handles quite well with no obvious problems because of the higher ride. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS anti-skid and brake force distribution electronics, power steering and independent suspension make an impressive primary safety package for crash avoidance. All models boast dual front airbags, but with side curtain airbags the TS and Ghia offer superior secondary crash protection.LOOK FOR • car park dings and scratches• underbody damage from offroad usage• good visibility from high driving position• clean simple styling• room for up to seven• generally reliable engine and gearbox• can be converted to dual-fuelTHE BOTTOM LINERoomy reliable wagon with proven Falcon mechanicals makes the Territory an attractive family package.RATING 75/100

Ford's SUV plans had one difference to most other companies, and it was a bold one at that – they decided to build a two-wheel drive version as well as the traditional four-wheel drive wagon.They recognised that many SUV buyers really just wanted a high-riding, roomy station wagon for the perceived benefits of being able to see the road better, and they weren't interested in going off the black top.Apart from the drive train, the Territory didn't have much in common with the Falcon. It was fundamentally a new car from the ground up.It rolled on a longer wheelbase than the Falcon, but was shorter in length and much taller. Its shape was neat and clean, its lines uncluttered and purposeful. Overall, it fitted the new genre perfectly.Inside, it was roomy with comfortable seating for five in standard form, but up to seven adults with the optional third row, and plenty of space for everything a family needs to take with them when venturing out in the big, wide world.Mechanically, the Territory was very similar to the BA Falcon. It came with the same 182kW, 4.0-litre, double-overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine for power, the same four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift, and the choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.While it rode higher than the Falcon, the suspension was similar – the Territory boasting independent front suspension with the Falcon's control blade independent rear.Brakes were disc front and rear with anti-skid electronics, traction control and grade control for off-road safety.Few will have been driven off-road, certainly the two-wheel-drive cars will have stuck to the black top, but it's worth checking underneath four-wheel drives for any damage that might have been sustained by driving off-road. When CarsGuide tested one shortly after its release, the fuel tank guard was damaged from grounding in a rut on a bush track, and a section of the rear bumper was dislodged when caught on the road while attempting a steep climb.There's plenty of choice on the market so it's well worth being selective. Be sure to look for damage to trim and interior fittings caused by kids bored during long journeys.Being favoured for family transport, also keep an eye peeled for dings and dents from shopping centre parking.Some owners are concerned about the fuel consumption and looking to convert to dual-fuel. Ford doesn't currently offer a dual-fuel system, but there are after-market systems available to convert the Territory to dual-fuel to save on running costs. The concern with high-riding cars is that the higher centre of gravity means sloppier handling, but the Territory rides and handles quite well with no obvious problems attributable to the higher ride.Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid and electronic brake force distribution, power steering and independent suspension combine for an impressive primary safety package for crash avoidance.All models feature dual front airbags. But with side-curtain airbags, the TS and Ghia offer superior secondary crash protection.

But this Territory TX certainly did and the verdict is in – it's Car of the Year material.I picked up the bright green Territory from the Ford Motor Company plant in Melbourne, loaded in four large suitcases and my nuclear family and set off for the Victorian Alps for a few days of skiing, followed by a figure-eight journey around the state.In all that time, we did not encounter one problem with the all-wheel-drive vehicle.However, first impressions weren't favourable. We thought we had stepped back in time to a 1970s lounge room with beige velour upholstery and contrast orange stitching. It was certainly comfortable, more so than leather, especially when you are slipping into a car in below-zero temperatures.Front row has ample leg room, fully adjustable seats and pedals that are quickly adjustable for reach to accommodate the tallest or shortest driver. Just depress the button on the steering column and the pedals move up or down.And the teenagers seemed comfortable in the back – they slept for much of the journey without complaint, so that's a solid testimony.Their slumber also was aided by the low cabin noise; something you don't expect from a low-spec wagon. Apart from a low amount of wind noise from the A pillar, transmission noise was non-existent and road noise at a minimum on the 60 per cent profile 285mm tyres.Fully loaded with four large suitcases and passengers, the Territory felt a little "tippy". However, after adjusting the 17-inch tyre pressures for the extra load, handling improved remarkably and we were able to keep pace with lighter sedans even along the twistier stretches of road.Despite the full load on board, I found the straight six a willing powerplant that required little need to kick down a ratio on the dependable auto box.Out of the blocks there is a launch feel in the electronic throttle that takes a little bit of getting used to. Steering felt sharp, but a little light at speed, and the turning circle surprised for this size vehicle.Dashboard, centre console and instruments are Falcon functional, if a little austere.The speedo was the most accurate I have come across recently, being about 3 per cent conservative. With the $660 optional cruise control set at 110km/h, it registered as 107km/h on the overhead radar warning on the Hume Highway.I could only find one small complaint after two weeks with the Territory – the key and remote are separate. It tends to clatter around in your pocket and on the keychain when the key is in the steering column.Surely it's time for an all-in-one key fob like the Commodore, but one that folds away neatly like many Euro cars.Critics of the Ford Territory say it guzzles fuel. However, spirited driving across some steep and winding roads with a full complement of passengers and luggage revealed a reasonable average of about 13.5 litres of normal unleaded fuel per 100km.And a 75-litre tank ensures a range of about 550km. From the airport up the flat and straight Hume Highway 181km to Benalla took 24.47 litres at 13.5 litres per 100km. Here petrol cost $1.08.9 a litre.From Benalla 332.5km to Omeo across the winding Great Alpine Road used 48.9 litres at 14.6l/100km and cost $55.212 to fill up at $1.12.9 cents a litre.From Omeo near the end of the Great Alpine Rd across 434km of largely flat highway driving to the next top-up at Yellingbo in the Yarra National Park required 54.9 litres at 12.6l/100km. Petrol cost $1.04.6 cents/litre.I didn't get a proper "mileage" readout after our trip down the Princes Highway and 458.5km across the Great Ocean Rd to Port Campbell because I only poured in 22.6 litres after baulking at the bowser price of $1.18.9 cents a litre.After that, I lost interest in economy figures. But daily driving with lighter loads and less commitment to getting to your next destination before all the motel rooms have been let should yield much better economy figures.

It is an interesting question given the amount of research and planning that went into the Falcon-based all-wheel drive wagon, but like a shark it needs to keep moving forward.The answer, we'd suggest, is not much after clocking up more than 1000 quality "kays" behind the wheel of Territory on one of the great Australian 4WD treks – the famous Gibb River Road between Broome and Kununurra through the Kimberleys in outback Western Australia.This, close on the heels of two weeks behind the wheel of two- and four-wheel drive versions of the car around town.It wasn't quite the Territory, the Northern Territory that is (and boy did Ford cop flack for not launching the car there), but it was damn close.The Gibb River Road is a good test of any vehicle, let alone a so-called soft roader such as Territory, with hundreds of kilometres of hard, unforgiving corrugated dirt road.However, the wagon managed to soak up the bumps and odd patch of bulldust with nary a protest.While a procession of Patrols and LandCruisers moved warily forward, the Territory flew across the corrugations, remaining poised and confident at speeds of up to 140km/h.There was none of the bone jarring ride that you normally associate with 4WDs either, although it did start to drum badly above 120km/h.As well as all-wheel drive the wagon boasts stability control which helps straighten it out when traction is lost in corners.The only scars from four cars – one flat tyre and a bolt that worked loose on the lower mounting point of a rear shock absorber.And we still speak in hushed tones of the moment the car became airborne after hitting a hump in the road at close to 120km/h.The Territory hardly missed a beat.But getting back to the question at hand...A little more ground clearance wouldn't go astray, say another 20mm.That would give the wagon close to a regulation 200mm and help lift the nose clear of larger rocks and other obstacles.Because with just 178mm to offer, there is little margin for error, especially exiting dips in the road and traversing rocky sections.Ford might worry that this will compromise the car's excellent road manners, but it should at least be offered as an option.There's also room for a centre differential lock, to lock the distribution of torque 50:50 between the front and rear wheels – especially handy during dirt driving.At present torque is biased 65:35 towards the rear wheels which Ford says customers prefer.A sports model with Ford's oh so sweet turbocharged six would also be nice, but we're sure that one is already in the pipeline.We'd also like to see consideration given to a diesel model that would offer better fuel economy and stronger performance for towing a van or boat.A diesel could find a ready market in rural areas where the fuel is widely used.Many farmers require a family car with all-wheel drive for getting in and out of muddy properties after heavy rain and for this reason Subarus remain popular.After that, any changes are largely nit picking.The Territory is a good thing and one that offers a more versatile package than a family wagon or full blown 4WD.We clocked up some 1300km during the course of our three-day trip which took us from Broome to Willare, then on to Barnett River Station and El Questro wilderness park before reaching Kununurra.Fuel economy ranged from a low of 13.1L/100km sitting on the blacktop to a high of 16.9L/100km hammering along the dirt.It gives the wagon a range of about 400km, enough to make it between fuel stops.For those considering a trip down the Gibb be prepared to pay through the nose for fuel which costs up to $1.58 a litre in parts.Diesel was even more expensive at $1.73Ford has hit on a successful formula with Territory and should be wary of straying from that formula.Sales have been strong and the TS version should help things along.The mid-spec TS models offers many of the benefits of the higher grade Ghia, except for leather upholstery.

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.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.

All-wheel drive adds $4000 to the price of the wagon but you also get some other goodies thrown in, chief among them stability control.The rear wheel drive model makes do with less sophisticated traction control.Our test car was the top of the line all-wheel drive Ghia with all the bells and whistles.The most obvious difference between the two cars is that the Ghia has coloured coded bumpers and mouldings.It gives it a chunkier look and some people commented that they liked this, but we prefer contrasting trim.Alloy wheels are also standard but there is nothing wrong with the way the steel ones look.Inside, the Ghia gets leather and all the trimmings, including dual zone climate airconditioning, extra adjustment for the power driver's seat and side curtain airbags plus an upgraded trip computer and premium sound system.It all adds up and an all-wheel drive Ghia is going to set you back $53,290 before on road costs, compared with $38,990 for the entry level rear wheel drive TX.A mid-spec TS model will soon be available, but Ford is going to have trouble filling the orders it has first.Although Territory is selling its socks off, we have not seen many on the road probably because dealers are still awaiting delivery.Latest industry figures show Ford has sold 4099 of the wagons so far this year, almost 1700 of them last month.The most surprising thing about the heavier, equipment laden Ghia is that it returned better fuel economy than its lighter, rear wheel drive stablemate – about 14.3L/100km compared to 14.7L/100km – and over roughly the same test route.On paper at least the rear-wheel drive model is supposed to get slightly better fuel economy, at 13.1L/100km compared to 13.5L/100km.The all-wheel drive model is targeted at people who are more likely to go off road with their vehicles.Having said that, the rear wheel drive wagon is going to take you just about anywhere you're likely to want to go without getting the car scratched.Where all-wheel drive really comes into its own, however, is in the wet, where its value cannot be overstated.It's a full time system which distributes torque 62 per cent to the rear axle and 38 per cent to the front, with a rear wheel bias that Ford says is favoured by customers.Add in stability control or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as it is called, and Territory offers impressive levels of ride and handling, particularly for a vehicle with a high centre of gravity.DSC draws on the he services of the car's traction control and ABS brake systems to monitor and check wheel spin at each corner.Throw it at a corner and you will be surprised at how unflustered it remains.After taking the rear-wheel drive model paddock bashing, we saw little point in taking the all-wheel drive over the same ground.However, we hope to report further on Territory's off road prowess, with some Outback testing coming up in the next couple of weeks.

There are, apparently, lots of similarities highlighted by each item's ability to do anything in any situation.Though the analogy was directed by Ford at the interior of the car – which has heaps of knicknacks – it serves as a plausible definition of the whole package.For here is a locally bred wagon that drives like a car, looks like a wagon, hauls like a truck and can be specced up to go off the road like a proper 4WD.Those not wanting to get the paintwork dirty can opt for a 2WD version – incidentally the one you're going to read about here.This is the Territory Ghia which, at a shade under $50,000, equates to a Fairmont Ghia sedan and comes with similar features, the same mechanical package but better versatility.Ford says the 2WD Territory was intended for people wanting the ride height and versatility of a 4WD, but who didn't want a 4WD.In that vein, the Ghia works a treat. It's big – but is shorter than a Falcon – and not overly tall, though the view from the leather seats is commanding.It seats up to seven, with an optional third row that pops out of the cargo area to give seating for two people.The ride is very compliant, the noise levels well suppressed, the performance is sparkling and the steering is excellent.But the fuel economy is rotten. Even babying this baby around town saw the fuel consumption fail to get better than 14.5-litres/100km.On the open road it slips down to 11 and 12, but it's still thirsty and certainly on par with the expensive drinking habits of its V8-engined Holden Adventra rival.An all-wheel-drive version will drink about an extra 1l/100km, placing it in the same league as a Landcruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Land Rover Discovery – all having V8 engines and a full low-range transfer case.But it's not all about thirst.The Territory does everything asked of it. A Swiss army knife, in fact.The seats are comfortable, there's an excellent array of storage bins and cupholders, high quality materials on the inside which add to a sense of being well built, and big glass areas to improve the view for the kids.It is an excellent high-speed tourer with commendable road-holding that is pleasantly low on bodyroll.The steering is one particular aspect that inspires confidence.User-friendly stuff includes the Ghia's steering wheel-mounted volume and cruise controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, big centre bin, expansive leg and headroom, and the rear tailgate that opens in two modes – full hatch or glass only.Above all, it invites the owner to take it somewhere – anywhere – on the weekends. Take the kids to the hills, drive to a country town for a Sunday coffee, go on holidays down south. Just go.

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.