Ford Territory Reviews

It's called the TS and it is a level of equipment, comfort, safety and driving ability most people could live with and afford.It seems odd that this vehicle which had such a long gestation period should finally be released in only base and luxury models without a mid-spec to satiate the masses.Now it's arrived, it has staked its claim as an equal proportion seller, according to Ford chief Tom Gorman.Like all Territory models, the TS comes in five and seven seats, AWD and RWD, powered by a Barra 182 4-litre six-cylinder engine, sequential sports shift automatic transmission, and those handy (footsy maybe?) electronically adjustable pedals.What the TS adds is better driveability, thanks to the Ford Acutrac handling system with Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension and the Falcon's Control Blade IRS.The TX is no slouch in the handling stakes, but the TS drives even better. Close your eyes – no don't, but if you did, you would swear you were driving a family sedan, not a big off-roader wagon. That's a big tick in the box for primary safety.TS also adds to its secondary safety levels sharing the Ghia's claim to be the only Australian-built vehicles with locally manufactured side curtain airbags.I had the TS for a week of pavement pounding rather than bush bashing, but if that's your thing, the AWD has an optional hill descent control.After my week with the TS, plus two weeks driving the TX through Victoria and three days with the TX and Ghia on our Car of the Year testing last year, the only complaint I can raise is that the TX seats look like a 1970s velour couch with ugly orange contrast stitching.The TS velour and cloth seats are much more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.Creature comforts are also improved with dual zone climate control airconditioning, a premium quality sound system with six-stack CD, and cruise control with convenient switches on the steering wheel.Outside, the TS sports spunky five-spoke alloy rims and accent coloured bumpers.For all this you pay an extra $5800 over the base model. You would need to fork out an extra $4700 for the Ghia for such luxuries as auto headlights, a touch of leather on the steering wheel and gear shift, bigger wheels, power seats, fog lamps, reverse sensors and a few other bits and pieces.Plus there are numerous optional gadgets, trinkets and bells and whistles you can add to this highly versatile vehicle to mould it to exactly what you want and need.That is just one of the many reasons it has deservedly won a host of awards: Wheels Car of the Year; the recreational four-wheel-drive section in the Australian automobile clubs' Best Cars; two categories and the outright award in The Courier-Mail Queensland Car of the Year Awards; and the News Limited Star Car for 2004.

Not only is it the most-popular Australian-made SUV but Ford president Tom Gorman claims it has become the top-selling SUV of all, including established imported models.The vehicle that last week was named News Ltd CARSguide Star Car of 2004, this week was awarded the Wheels magazine Car of the Year title. It has been selling at more than 2000 a month without overt discounting.It is not a tall, cumbersome 4WD but it does give driver and passengers a view point higher than conventional cars.Territory all-wheel-drive has traction control and reasonable ground clearance.A sump guard is offered as an option for owners heading for rougher ground. Although it does not have a low-range set of gears, the traction control works a treat in getting it through tracks most Territory buyers would think bold enough.Extreme grip, such as steep downhill slippery slopes, is limited by the vehicle coming only in automatic, having no low range and tyre treads designed more for bitumen use.Perhaps for that sort of terrain, a full-bore serious 4WD would be better.The Territory is designed more as an all-round vehicle. It has reasonable dirt track, sand and light mud ability yet is very much at home on the highway where it's refined, quiet and where the six-cylinder engine hums along at 2300rpm at 110km/h. The 182kW engine has good power for highway overtaking and hillclimbing. Long-distance trips can use as little as 12l/100km of fuel or 15l/100km for suburban driving.The spare wheel is difficult to get at, meaning an owner needs to be conscientious to check its tyre pressure.But the rear glass opens separately to the tailgate allowing smaller items to be put in or out.Particularly applauded are the many storage areas in the cabin, including the generous-sized map pockets and large bottle holders.Territory all-wheel-drive allows holiday exploring off the bitumen to enjoy lookouts or find a scenic picnic spot away from the main roads.TERRITORY at 1898mm wide is 3.5cm wider than a Falcon station wagon. But at 4856mm long, it's about 20cm shorter than the Falcon wagon. With a fairly tight turning circle and a 1676mm height, Territory can use multi-storey car parks.TERRITORY can be ordered as a seven-seater (five seats is standard). Luggage space is good, but not as good as the longer Falcon station wagon.FORD Territory AWD starts at $42,990 for the TX, the new mid-range TS is $48,790 and the luxury Ghia $53,290. In each case, these AWD prices are $4000 more than the rear-wheel-drive versions.THE four-litre, six-cylinder engine of 182kW and the four-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode are standard on the Territory and come from the Falcon. There is no manual-transmission Territory.

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.

How times change. On my recent visit to Blinman, South Australia, the Saturday night line-up outside the pub resembled the yard of an upmarket four-wheel-drive dealership.It's easy to be cynical of the 4WD trend. Often these leviathans go no further off-road than where I took that faithful old dual-cab 14 years ago.But, driven properly, they have minimal impact on national park access tracks. By maintaining traction, 30 big 4WDs do less damage to a rutted track than one wheel-spinning 2WD. They can also convey a family and its camping equipment and provisions in comfort.The great divide between the 4WD segment and the rest of the motoring public is being broken down by "all-wheel-drives". Even Australia's major car makers have joined the trend, which is why I found myself in Ford's top-spec Territory Ghia AWD a week after it hit the market.Initially, I thought I would become Joe Cool and have rugged outback types running out of the mulga to shake my hand and say "that's a Ford, well done mate". But the reaction of the bloke at the first fuel stop in the southern Flinders was typical.As the dusty Territory glided up to the pump, he walked outside, slowly circled the wagon, sniffed, then returned to his cash register.Oozing understated European-style and features, this all-Australian-made newcomer ensures the family wagon will never be the same again. It uses a surprising amount of Falcon parts, including engine, drivetrain and some cabin components, but is in a different class. The top-shelf Ghia is priced from around $53,000 (depending on options) and includes anti-skid brakes, traction and stability control, leather trim, CD stacker, three-position-memory on the driver's seat, and reversing sensor.Options include a third row of seats to make it a true people mover, and satellite navigation.It's a lot of car for the money and it could even challenge some similar vehicles in the imported luxury AWD market.Frankly, though, I struggle with some of this new technology. The sat-nav can direct you to a street number in a city but I'm someone who lives in terror of the children altering the settings on my television/video.On beautiful Angorichina station, I spent an hour trying to program the sat-nav. When I asked it for the five nearest cities, it replied: "No cities within 50km."I gave up when a commercial jetliner suddenly appeared in the skies above us. One member of our party jokingly suggested I may be interfering with a civil aviation satellite.Call me old fashioned, but I also question the headlong rush by some manufacturers to have electronic sensors on everything, particularly on vehicles designed to be used on rough, unsealed roads.While the Territory handbook stresses this Ford is not an extreme off-roader, typical Flinders Ranges conditions of vibrating corrugations and water crossings are a test of electronics.The Territory was totally reliable in three days of dirt driving and developed no body rattles. The cabin was dust-free but dirt collects around the lip of the rear hatch and falls on to the unfortunate person who opens it.The day after fording a river followed by an overnight thunderstorm, campsite observers noticed water pouring out of the front left mudguard when we drove off in the morning.Those campsite observers all owned large 4WDs and tended to look down on the Territory.The Territory will never find people trading down to it, rather it is aimed at owners of 2WD wagons or people movers looking for a slightly upmarket allrounder with similar load space.Certainly, the Territory is undemanding to drive if you are used to big cars.It came into its own on fast dirt roads. It was unaffected by corrugations, didn't show any signs of body roll in corners and its suspension soaked up washaways without a hint of drama, despite its near two-tonne weight.It took just 10 minutes in a 4WD ute to realise the extent of development of four-wheel-drives.I was being driven back to pick up the Territory from the start of a bushwalk. The ute felt extremely skittish and uncomfortable over corrugations that the Ford had earlier sailed over.It was a bit like the previous night at the Parachilna pub. The public bar of the Prairie Hotel was much as I had remembered it when I last had a beer there 14 years ago. The difference was a $500,000 avant-garde accommodation wing out the back.Yes, the Outback has changed and new vehicles have been developed to conquer this territory.

People want to know what it costs, how it drives, the quality, the comfort and, most important, if they should buy one. The quick answers are: from $38,990, like a car, classy, comfy and yes.It's just a pity we didn't pick up the commission on the half-dozen deals we've closed. Then again, we've had reports of dealers slashing the price and that's about the worst possible news for Ford.The wagon is far better than just another cut-price 4WD. In fact, we'd recommend it ahead of almost every 4WD we've tasted lately, even the BMW X5, our soft-road benchmark.The Territory does just as well for a lot less money, though there is no way of putting a price on the BMW badge.But that gives you an idea of how we feel about the Ford that's going to become the blueprint for Australian family cars in the 21st century.It is certain to shaft Ford's Falcon wagon and will lead the way as Holden and Toyota – and hopefully Mitsubishi – create high-rider wagons based on their locally made family cars.This is our first true test of the Territory and we decided to start at the bottom, driving the basic rear-wheel-drive Territory TX with five seats.From here you can go all the way up to the AWD Ghia with seven seats and all sorts of options, from waterproof seat covers to a DVD system.The rear-drive starter car sets the direction and will be a huge seller. And it could mean the death of the traditional wagon.The Territory comes with only a six-cylinder engine and automatic, though eventually there will be an XR Turbo version.And customers have the choice between traditional rear-wheel drive and an all-paw system with open differentials.No crawler gears or transfer cases or limited-slip diffs because the system uses reverse application of the anti-lock brakes to force drive to the wheels with the best grip.There is an old saying in motoring: "If a car looks right, it is right."It definitely applied to the AU Falcon, which was disastrously wrong, and it applies to the look-right and feel-right Territory.The Territory even looks stylish and compact, despite running taller and wider than a Falcon.On the road, it drives most like a Fairmont Ghia and that's a big wrap. It is quiet and comfortable.Best of all, for the many women who will find themselves in the driver's seat, the view is great. And it's the easiest four-wheel drive we have parked.What's not to like? We're still not convinced by the four-speed automatic, even with its touch-change manual mode, but that's just because it lags behind the rest of the vehicle.And the fuel consumption can run away if you work it hard, although we managed a respectable 13.7 litres/100km during our test. And that's about it.A lot of people asked about the difference between the rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models. The quick answer – and the cost-effective one – is that most people should stick with two-wheel drive.It makes the car lighter and easier to drive and, really, very few 4WD owners ever go anywhere where they really need the grip.Ford says about 70 per cent of Territory deliveries will be four-wheel drive. But we are convinced that, if people used their heads, it would be round the other way with $4000 left over for extras.Our basic TX only came with $1860 from the options' list, picking up good-looking alloy wheels and cruise control.The cabin is Falcon-style comfy – although the steering wheel sits lower and needs a different setting – and there is plenty of space in the back. Our tester didn't have the third-row seats, which are a touch cramped, but there is room for youngsters and a little luggage.We loved all the storage spaces, from the cupholders in the doors to the hidden compartments in the boot, and the design of the luggage holder which turns into a shelf for barbecues. All very clever.How does it rate against its rivals? We've already given the all-wheel-drive car the nod over the Holden Adventra and Toyota Kluger and the rear-drive car rates the same way.For people who like the look of a four-wheel drive, with the high-rider seats and space and general heft, the Territory is a clear winner.Why, then, does the Territory TX rear-wheel drive only rate 18 out of 20? Because we have to leave ourselves some margin for the arrival of the Territory turbo.