2011 Ford Territory Reviews

The diesel variant for Ford's SUV was the last piece in the jigsaw. New After watching families shift from sedans to SUVs, Ford reacted by designing one of its own based on the components in the Falcon parts bin. The Territory was the result and Ford hoped to stem the flow of red ink by enticing buyers to buy its big

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.

Jenny Cerroti is looking to buy a second hand car to replace the one that was recently written off. She needs a biggish car, as she drives long distances with teenagers and their surfboards, and often tows a trailer. She likes the high driving position of a four-wheel drive, but it doesn’t have to be four-wheel

Fact: Children grow. Fiction: Parents can "make do'' with a small hatchback.SUVs rule Australian roads for a good reason. Parents -- and singles needing space for leisure pursuits -- have picked up and run hard with prairie-size family-hauler wagons.The SUV umbrella covers different types, from front-wheel drive to seven-seat all-wheel-drives, diesel engines to hybrids, built anywhere between Australia and Slovakia. Sizes range from the compact (3.7m) four-seater Suzuki Jimny to the seven-seater (5.1m) Audi Q7. Prices go from the Chery J11's $17,990 drive-away to the Audi Q7 6.0TDI at $257,200.SUVs have a lot of metal and are in demand, so you'll find that new examples aren't cheap. A quality used model may be the best answer. The three models here are all-wheel drive automatics with seven seats. You will save some money by opting for five-seat versions but as buyer demand leans to seven-seat models this will, ultimately, buoy your resale value.You probably don't need AWD, so look at the cheaper to run front or rear-drive versions. The Toyota has a higher mileage and is older. Toyota's reputation is based on reliability and, therefore, better resale.The Hyundai is one of the better diesels for performance and economy. The Territory is good value and the Ghia example is the top-liner -- it's perhaps more suited to heavier loads. As always, these are examples of what's available and variations will occur. After this, we'll talk about how many children you want.(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSDiesels are our preference in big SUVs. If you don't go bush, don't worry about 4WD. Check that the third-row seats are in working order2010 Ford Territory Ghia AWDEngine: 4.0-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 12.2L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSAussie designed and built wagon is a sensible -- and popular -- family wagon that'll pull a decent load while having space for the family. Even the third-row seats will accommodate two adults. Fuel consumption isn't up to most rivals but the Territory has comparatively cheaper service, repair and insurance costs. The Ghia has all the fruit -- leather, electronic stability control, six airbags, premium audio and DVD, rear camera and 18-inch alloys -- at a price that is about $20,000 less than new. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander AWD Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 7.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThis is almost a new car though it precedes the latest Santa Fe. It's possible to get the new 2012 shape for roughly the same price but the equipment level may be compromised. This 2011 example appears to be barely used and has the lauded 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that has plenty of urge yet miserly fuel consumption. It's also the top-line model Highlander that in addition to the seven seats -- also able to seat seven adults -- gets dual-zone climate control airconditioning, six airbags and stability control, Bluetooth with iPod connect, sunroof and leather upholstery.2010 Toyota Kluger KX-S AWDEngine:3.5-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 5-speed autoThirst: 11.0L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSSilly name but the package works. Kluger's pricing may be more than some rivals but resale is generally higher, as is demand. The KX-S is the mid-spec model and gets a good blend of features including rear airconditioning, 19-inch alloys, reverse camera, leather upholstery and six airbags with electronic stability control. Klugers have a very versatile seat arrangement that includes a removable centre in the second-row seats for a six-occupant cabin that also gives a walk-through function. Fuel economy is average though performance is brisk.

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.

New-age diesels in every size and price class promise more kilometres from every litre and more kilometres between refills, thanks to massive advances in efficiency and refinement.The days when diesels were black-smoke rattlers, and only favoured by farmers with a diesel tank to top-up their Benz or Peugeot, are long gone. The diesel-engined Ford Territory easily outsold the petrol-powered model during its first month in showrooms, reflecting the backlog of buyers who now put diesel first.But is diesel the right choice for everyone?Petrol power is also more efficient than ever in 2011, LPG is making a solid surge, especially with a new gas-powered Falcon on the road and a Commodore coming soon, and it still costs more to choose a diesel.At the most basic level, new-car buyers need to work out how quickly the extra cost of a diesel car will be recovered. If it takes three years and you plan to keep the car for five, that's all good. But if it takes seven years to make up the difference and you only plan to keep the vehicle for five, then ... So it's a horses-for-courses situation. The more you drive the more a diesel makes sense.Diesels generally have the advantage of lower fuel consumption, and many modern diesels can also get 1000 kilometres from a single tank, as well as a tougher engine to cope with the higher compression and better values at resale.Diesel is already the first-choice pick with some luxury brands, as BMW's diesel-powered fleet has outsold the petrol models through the first half of 2011 and Mercedes is also reporting record diesel sales on its C and E-Class cars.Most European-built cars have always had diesel variants and the 4WD and SUV classes have also been long-term diesel strongholds, but the move to maximise fuel efficiency means they're also appearing in baby and small cars in Australia.It's in these price-sensitive segments where choosing a hi-tech oil-burner can represent up to 15 per cent of the cost of the car. Buying a diesel Holden Cruze adds up to $4000 to the price and if you pick a Ford Focus with diesel the extra cost is around $4300.The good news is that diesel cars will maintain their price advantage at resale time, says Glass's Guide managing director Santo Amoddio."The only area where the diesels aren't strong is the manual four (cylinders)," he says. "In Europe it's the sensible way to drive but Australians have yet to embrace the idea of manual-powered small diesels, so the used values reflect that."Amoddio says diesels are a quick way to cut fuel use and CO2 emissions."There's a lot of talk about electric cars and hybrids but I think diesel is the way to go for private buyers at the moment in terms of costs of running and resale," he says. "That's especially the case in the medium in large SUVs. For example, we expect the turbodiesel Ford Territory to outsell the petrol model. It's probably two years too late to market but it's a good engine and will suit that application."The diesel engine in the Territory is up to a $5000 option but in this class people often believe they need the extra towing capacity of the diesel, yet then don't order the heavy-duty towing pack, which pulls it back to the 1600kg the six-cylinder petrol engine can haul.At Ford's claimed fuel use rates of 8.2 litres for the diesel against 10.6 litres for the petrol it will take about six years travelling 15,000 kilometres a year (assuming the same pump price for both petrol and diesel) to recover that five grand.The relative difference between diesel and petrol models isn't usually as big on SUVs as it is with the smaller cars.Choose diesel on a Toyota Prado and it's a $1000 premium, while Subaru's Outback is $2000 more with a diesel donk - but only comes as a manual - and the Mitsubishi Pajero is around $3000 dearer with an oil burner.Step up to the larger off-roaders and Nissan's turbodiesel Patrol is $3000 cheaper than the comparably-equipped petrol model, Range Rover offers $500 off its diesel Evoques and diesel is the entry option for Audi and BMW's SUV ranges.Diesel is even the preferred option for the Toyota LandCruiser despite its $10,000 dearer purchase price.The traditional argument that servicing costs are higher is also starting to lose momentum. Ford has capped servicing costs for the new Territory and the diesel is only $20 dearer at $290 for each visit to the dealer.It's a similar story with the Polo - over the first five services and/or five years the diesel is about $100 cheaper to maintain at $1910."If you know what you plan to do with the car it isn't hard to work out whether you should buy diesel or petrol," Amoddio said. "About five years ago diesels accounted for 1 per cent of passenger vehicles in Australia - now it's nudging 10 (per cent). It's the improvements in refinement that have driven that and we see that trend continuing."VW Polo ComfortlinePetrol (diesel)Price: $19,850, ($22,350)Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol (1.6-litre turbodiesel)Outputs: 77kW/175Nm (66kW/230Nm)Transmission: Six-speed manual (five speed manual), front-wheel driveFuel use: 5.5 litres/100km, 128g/km CO2 (4.7 litres/100km, 124g/km CO2)Weight: 1048kg (1115kg)Price after three years: $10,900 ($12,500)Percentage of new cost: 55 per cent (56 per cent)Annual fuel cost* $1152.30 ($979.21)Diesel saving of $173.09 a year means it would take 14.4 years to recover the $2500 difference in purchase price.Holden Cruze CDPetrol (diesel)Price: $22,240 ($24,990)Engine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol (2.0-litre turbodiesel)Outputs: 103kW/200Nm (110kW/320Nm)Transmission: six-speed manual (both), front-wheel driveFuel use: 6.4 litres/100km, 146g/km CO2 (5.6 litres/100km, 147g/km CO2)Weight: 1329 (1489)Price after three years: $11,100 ($15,100)Percentage of new cost: 50 per cent (51 per cent)Annual fuel cost: $1340.86 ($1166.72)Diesel saving of $174.15 a year means it would take 15.8 years to recover the $2750 difference in purchase price.Mercedes-Benz C-Class 250 AvantgardePetrol (diesel)Price: $67,900 (both)Engine: 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder (2.2-litre twin-turbodiesel)Outputs:150kW/310Nm (150kW/500Nm)Transmission: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (both)Fuel use: 7.2 litres/100km, 167g/km CO2 (5.1 litres/100km, 134g/km CO2)Weight: 1480kg (1587kg)Price after three years: $36,700 (both)Percentage of new cost: 54 per cent (both)Annual fuel cost: $1508.42 ($1062.54)The same price for both cars means a diesel Merc owner will pocket more than $445 a year in lower fuel bills.Ford Territory 2WD TXPetrol (diesel)Price: $39,990 ($43,240)Engine:4.0-litre six-cylinder (2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel)Outputs:195kW/391Nm (140kW/440Nm)Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (both)Fuel use: 10.6 litres/100km, 240g/km CO2 (8.2 litres/100km, 217g/km CO2)Weight:Price after three years: $22,000 ($25,100)Percentage of new cost: 55 per cent (58 per cent)Annual fuel cost: $2220.81 ($1708.40)Diesel saving of $512.41 a year means it would take 6.3 years to recover the $3250 difference in purchase price.Toyota LandCruiser 200 VXPetrol (diesel)Price: $88,414 ($98,664)Engine: 4.7-litre V8 (4.5-litre V8 diesel)Outputs: 202kW/410Nm (195kW/650Nm)Transmission: Five-speed automatic (six-speed automatic), four-wheel driveFuel use: 14.5 litres/100km, 341g/km CO2 (10.3 litres/100km, 273g/km CO2)Weight: 2610kg (2675kg)Price after three years: $53,900 ($60,200)Percentage of new cost: 61 per cent (both)Annual fuel cost: $3037.89 ($2145.92)Diesel saving of $891.96 means it would take 11.5 years to recover the $10,250 difference in purchase price.*Fuel costs calculated based on national petrol average last Friday of $143.5 a litre for petrol and $142.7 a litre for diesel. Annual travel of 14,600 based on Australian Bureau of Statistics' average for the national vehicle fleet.

We have tried the new Ford Territory and like it so much, we'd actually consider buying one if we were in the market for a new vehicle.It is available in a range of models and spec' - TX, TS, Titanium, in rear and all wheel drive models and straight six cylinder petrol and V6 turbodiesel engines - all with six speed automatic transmission. Petrol is rear drive only.We have driven the petrol and diesel rear-drive models and the diesel all-wheel drive. All are impressive on most fronts particularlty the diesel which challenges European medium large SUVs like the BMW X5 that cost twice as much.But which one would we go for? That would be the mid-spec TS rear wheel drive diesel at $50,240 because it offers the fuel economy of a diesel with strong performance and plenty of kit to keep you comfy and happy.The diesel is good for 140kW/440Nm - not a huge output compared with more modern turbodiesels but sufficient to give the Territory plenty of ooomph around town, on the highway and when towing.We don't need all wheel drive which adds a few thousand to the purchase price and also increases fuel consumption. The rear drive diesel Territory can crack into the 7s/100km on a freeway run - quite remarkable given its size and weight.But better still is the way it feels. Ford has done an excellent job of calibrating Territory's dynamics to the same level as highly regarded Euro imports. It has a good compromise between ride and handling and is an engaging drive for all but the most demanding driver.That means well weighted and responsive steering, strong brakes, firm suspension and good grip. The auto transmission seems perfectly suited to the 2.7-litre turbodiesel.Inside also impresses apart from the overuse of hard plastic surfaces, masked by different textures on the dash. Territory is comfortable and well equipped offering 30 storage options in the cabin and in the test vehicle's case, useable third row seats though there's minimal boot space with these seats in place. We found the two hand tailgate operation annoying.But Territory's interior is a good place to be - great audio, efficient aircon', power adjust driver's seat, reverse sensors, Bluetooth and plenty more. It even looks good on the outside and inside too.

We turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers.Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?This is Ford's new top of the range Territory diesel with rear wheel drive (also available with all wheel drive). The engine is out of Europe, the chassis is out of Falcon, the design and build is all Aussie.This is second from top of the range and goes for $58,240 but you get heaps of kit and really don't need to spend any more.Tick them off, heads on them like white mice. Toyota Kluger is probably the main one, Mazda CX9, Mitsubishi Challenger etc.This is the "new" 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 built in Europe and designed by PSA (aka Peugeot). Has seen duty in Jags, Land Rovers, Range Rovers Peugeots, Citroens and others. Has a Variable Geometry single Turbo (VGT) and is good for 140kW/440Nm - a lot less than Mercedes' 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel for example.Really well though not as good as the twin-turbo model and certainly nothing like the new version, upped to 3.0-litres last year. This engine has been around for yonks but is still a goodie. Has plenty of pull, a bit of lag off the line but is smooth, quiet and economical. A pleasure to drive aided by the slick changing six-speed auto transmission.Ford claims 8.2-litres/100km but we actually saw 7.1 on a freeway run and the average with mixed driving is hovering around 8.0 - very impressive for a 2.1 tonne SUV.Greenish aided by low fuel consumption but only rates 2.5 stars on the Federal Governments Green Car Guide. Is it safe? Gets five stars thanks to seven air bags, stability control, rollover mitigation and a host of other safety stuff. Has reversing camera.Superb, great leather seats, just about everything you could reasonably want or need when driving. Quality fixtures and equipment except for the hard surfaces that predominate around the dash and door areas. Wafts along like a limo. Has seven seats with folding third row, sliding middle row.Tailgate has opening glass, numerous storage options in cabin, DVD system in middle row. Climate control, clever satnav, interior command centre.Like it a lot, has a distinct European feel to the dynamics, corners well for a big, heavy "truck" responsive on the move, comfortable driving position. Women spoken to particularly like the driving position - high, light and airy.Yes, compared with similar models, right on the money. Best looker in the class, plenty of kit, seven seater with style. Has 18-inch alloys, attractive colour palette, six speed auto only.

With fuel prices ever rising, is Ford's new turbodiesel Territory the answer for active Australian families? Carbon taxes and natural disasters are in the news. Both will push petrol prices to record highs, analysts predict, putting yet more strain on family budgets.So, the arrival of Ford's new Duratorq turbodiesel is well-timed, even if it is years overdue. Ford claims the Territory TDCi uses 25 per cent less fuel than the straight-six petrol, and can drive 900km from Melbourne to Sydney on one tank. If so, it will save Australian families about $540 over a 15,000km year.Prices are up/down for the Territory range starting at $39,990 for the TX RWD with 4.0-litre petrol engine. The TS costs $46,990 and the Titanium, which replaces the Ghia, is priced from $54,990.The diesel engine adds $3250, all-wheel drive another $5000 and is only available with the Duratorq engine. Third-row seating is an option on all models. This raises the question: does the diesel make financial sense?  Keen to find out, Carsguide grabbed a Territory TS AWD and took a road trip.Spotting the 2011 SZ Territory in the parking lot at Ford isn't hard. The new styling takes inspiration from Ford's Kinetic global design language. Slimmer headlights and a horizontal grille sit on a reprofiled nose which adds 27mm to Territory's overall length.New alloys, a revised side-skirt and C-pillar give the side-profile a lift. At the rear, new taillights are similar to the next Focus, and the liftgate garnish has been removed. It is striking and fresh, though the front and rear themes aren't as cohesive as before.Leaving Melbourne on the Hume Highway gives plenty of time to enjoy the new cabin where the Territory's evolution is most obvious. The new dashboard and centre console from the FG Falcon create a more mature ambience. The update includes Ford's first touchscreen which integrates stereo, air-con controls and Bluetooth controls.The Territory has been a success story with 100,000 bought since 2004. And the elements that made the original Territory such a hit with families  seating for up to seven, plenty of luggage space, double-action tailgate  are all still here, some updated like the bin at the base of the centre stack which now has a tambour door styled after old-fashioned roll-top desks.Safety also steps up; a knee airbag joins front, side and curtain airbags for a total of seven. Electronic stability control now includes an anti-rollover program.The Territory's new EPAS electric steering system, which improves fuel economy by 2.5 percent, requires less effort at parking speeds, but can get caught short during three-point turns.It's clear that Ford worked hard to make the Territory TDCi quiet. The Duratorq donk is barely audible at 110km/h. That diesel clatter is apparent when overtaking, but in a subdued way.  The Territory TDCi's 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 may have 12 percent more torque (440Nm) than the 4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine (391Nm), available from just 1900rpm, but it's not as quick or as responsive.The product of a Ford/Peugeot joint-development back in 2004, it has been used to power Jaguars, Peugeots and Citroens in twin-turbo form.  The Ford Territory's single-turbo version produces the same 140kW and 440Nm as it did in the 2004 LandRover Discovery.The engine is slow to react from standstill and doesn't get going until 1800rpm. It is also doughy when called on to accelerate once moving.  The six-speed gearbox, standard on all models, is smooth, but reluctant to change down. The transmission's D-perf mode offers sharper responses more in tune with driver demands, but is likely to reduce economy, so I avoid it where possible.Towing capacity on RWD models is unchanged; 1600kg for unbraked trailers, 2300kg with the heavy duty tow pack. AWD models can tow up to 2700kg.The twin towns of Albury/Wodonga come and go, and a check of the trip computer reveals that fuel consumption is worse than expected. Our 9.5L/100km average is far from Ford's 7.2L/100km ADR82/02 highway claim.As an experiment, I slow down until the instant fuel reading stays under seven, which happens around 75-80km/h. Maintaining this speed would add 2.5 hours to our 7-hour trip. I've got a flight to make, so that's out of the question. Cruise control stays pegged to the speed limit.We pass the landlocked submarine at Holbrook then it's a quick stop at McDonalds near Yass (well, it is a road trip) before peeling off the Hume for the Federal Hwy into Canberra. We arrive in Canberra and promptly get chased away from Parliament House by the Feds while trying to take a photo.Territory's cruising comfort is confirmed. I have none of the aches and pains of seven hours in the saddle.  The fuel economy story is less positive.Our 9.4L/100km average for the 700km trip is well short of Ford's 7.2L/100km claim for AWD models, and even failed to match the 8.8L/100km combined cycle claim. There's just 2km left in the tank according to the trip computer, so we wouldn't have made Sydney on a single tank either.Verdict? Territory is as versatile and practical as ever, and even more refined. The Duratorq's quietness is top-notch, but low-rpm turbo-lag and its unresponsive nature isn't, and the real-world fuel economy we achieved on this easy long-distance drive was disappointing.Adding a diesel engine to the Territory range is the right thing to do, but should have happened years ago. With engines evolving so rapidly, putting 2004 technology in a 2011 family wagon is a case of too little too late.  Territory TDCi asks owners to give up too much of Ford's top-notch driving experience for too little fuel saving and dubious financial benefit.Mark Ewings, 38, of Torquay in Victoria is a father of three and has owned two Territorys in the last seven years.  "They're a brilliant wagon for a family, and the third row of seats comes in really handy. I'm interested to drive the new TDCi because fuel economy is, for my mind, the petrol model's only weakness."We threw him the keys to the Territory TS TDCi, an all-wheel drive model like his Ghia, and straight away he noticed differences."It's not as snappy, is it? Feels like there's a hole when I want to move off. Like it's thinking too long. Feels OK once we're moving, but I don't like that initial pause."Mark did like the Territory's newfound refinement. "It's definitely quieter than mine. I thought the diesel engine would be loud and crude like other diesels. It's not. It's really quiet."And the new steering system? "To be honest, it doesn't feel any different. I like my Territory's steering, and this one feels just as good."So, would he upgrade to a TDCi next time?"I don't know. It's a lot to ask an extra $3,000 when the fuel economy would take years to make financial sense. And I don't think I like the way it drives enough to wait that long."

The Ford Falcon wagon is dead. The Toyota Camry wagon is gone. Some like the Holden Sportswagon still survive, and there are loyal buyers in both the small-car and luxury classes, but the rising tide of SUVs has washed most station wagons out of showrooms.The distinction between the traditional sedan-based station wagons and Australia’s new favourite family freighter has become much more blurred in the past decade or so.However, there are still some important points of difference. And it's worth looking at some of the leading contenders on the rival teams to see what's happening and what works best for you.A sedan-based wagon is usually lighter than a similarly-sized SUV. This means better fuel economy and lower costs for servicing and tyres. It also sits closer to the bitumen, with a lower centre of gravity, so it’s more agile and stable, especially when cornering or in an emergency manoeuvre.However, you don’t enjoy the high-and-mighty driving position, with an unimpeded view of the road, that SUV drivers - and women in particular - cite as one of the breed’s major attractions.Who hasn’t sat in traffic, cursing the SUV blocking your vision? Booming SUV sales indicate more and more people are taking the view that, if I can’t beat ‘em, I may as well join ‘em.It’s a myth that SUVs are more space-efficient than wagons, however most mid-sized models - including the popular Holden Captiva and Ford's Territory - can come with a couple of extra seats in the back, a feature you no longer find in conventional wagons.Kids also love an SUV’s elevated seating position because they can enjoy the scenery, whereas many wagons have low seats and high side window sills, which, for nippers, can be like sitting in a hole.  So they get unhappy. And we know what happens then...Whether you choose a sedan-based wagon or an SUV - an Americanism for Sports Utility Vehicle, incidentally - the good news is that affordable family transport, with five star safety, can now also be an enjoyable drive.Among the wagons, the Commodore VE Series ll Sportwagon, priced from $41,990 for the 190kW, 3.0-litre V6 Omega, is a standout. It looks sensational - which, it must be said, is still a rare thing in wagon world.Recent improvements to drivetrains, including E85 ethanol fuel compatibility, direct fuel inection and a six-speed automatic - plus a flash new dash with hands-free Bluetooth and audi streaming as standard - have re-written the Commodore's technical resume to 21st century standards.Around town, the 3.0-litre V6 averages 12.6L/100km in official tests.  A big serve of additional grunt in the 3.6-litre V6 SV6 Sportwagon, plus tighter suspension, sports seats and other extras, justifies its $45,790 ask, and with a city average of 13.3L/100km, you’re not savagely penalised at the pump.Despite the Commodore's appeal, Ford’s Mondeo and the little-known Skoda Superb are the kings of outright space. Behind the driver’s seat, both are as big as the MCG.  Given their size, the fuel economy from their 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines is amazing.  The 120kW, six-speed automated-manual Mondeo, from $36,840, pulls like a train and averages just 7.7L/100km in town.The Skoda is VW engineering with a Czech badge, making  luxury wagon for half the expected price. The 125kW six-speed automated-manual Superb Ambition is $43,990, with a city average of 8.3L/100km and the 118kW 1.8-litre petrol turbo Ambition, at $40,990, offers respectable performance too, averaging 9.7L/100km.In the SUV showroom, Ford’s Territory, from $39,890, is still one of the best size/price/performance packages available - especially with the inevitable big discount ahead of the facelifted model - but the all-wheel drive’s 17.6L/100km thirst in town is a major disincentive.Later this month, a 140kW 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which averages 11.6L/100km, goes under the bonnet as part of a major upgrade. It will be worth a test drive.Kia’s Sorento, a classy, competent seven-seater with a brilliant 2.2-litre, 145kW turbodiesel, starts at $39,999, with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Around town, it averages 9.5L/100 kilometres. The five-seater Subaru Outback now has enough interior acreage to keep a family happy.  This blue-chip, made-in-Japan SUV starts at $38,490 for the 123kW 2.5-litre petrol (11.5-litres per 100 kilometres), or $40,490 for a 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel, in manual only, with a 7.7- litres per 100 kilometre average.Load Lugger ChecklistRear camera: All cars should have one as standard, especially wagons and SUVs. The Sorento’s is a brilliant design, integrated into the rearview mirror.Curtain airbags: Essential protection against a side impact. In a seven seater, they should extend to all three rows of seats. In the Territory, they don’t.Child restraint anchors: Should be on the back of the rear seat, not in the load floor, or the roof (as in the Outback), where the tether straps get in the wayCargo bay: Check that the extended floor is flat when you fold the back seat, and that you don’t have to push the driver’s seat too far forward.Row-three seats: In SUVs most are pretty small, suitable for little kids only, or short trips. Check access, which should be easiest from the kerb side.Protection: You need some way to secure gear, because in a prang even small objects behind the back seat become lethal missiles. Options include a solid load cover, a net, a roll out mesh barrier, that clips into the roof, or an aftermarket barrier.Want to go off road ... really off road?Try these:Jeep Grand Cherokee from $45,000. The new Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol is great value, but the diesel, due in June, will be a better drive. Hard-core off-roading made easy, and the all-new Grand Cherokee is much improved on the bitumen too.Mitsubishi Challenger from $45,000. Lots of Pajero bits in this, with lower starting prices and a competent, if rather coarse, 2.5 turbodiesel. Seven seats from $49,390, a huge cargo bay, and a locking rear differential.Toyota Landcruiser Prado from $55,990. It’s a Toyota 4WD, so it’s pricey, but you get bulletproof reliability, unbeatable resale values and smooth, but leisurely, performance from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel.