Ford Territory 2005 News

"Traumatic asphyxia with associated visceral injuries resulting from low-velocity compression of the torso," is the Medical Journal of Australia's summary of the typical driveway accident injury. That's surgical jargon for crushed lungs, ruptured internal organs and young lives in the balance.Last weekend's tragedy when Wallabies rugby legend Phil Kearns ran over his 19-month-old daughter, Andie, in the driveway of their Sydney home was almost a textbook case in its combination of unpredictable child and heavyweight vehicle.Each wheel in an average sized four-wheel drive carries a load of about 500kg. "It's effectively no different to a steamroller," says consulting engineer Michael Paine. But if it misses the child's head, their chance of recovery is surprisingly high.A study published by the MJA in 2000 found "final outcome was recorded as satisfactory or good for 34 of the 41 survivors, with a full return to normal activities and no significant physical or psychological sequelae (effects)". Head injuries killed 13 of the 14 children who died in driveway accidents in the 12 years of the study, from 1988 until 1999.The NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People found that between 1996 and 2003, 31 children died in driveways. Of these, 19 deaths involved 4WDs.The MJA study found driveway accidents are a significant hazard, accounting for 12 per cent of child pedestrian injuries and 8 per cent of child vehicle deaths. It concluded that 4WD vehicles are more likely than passenger cars to run over children."Both 4WDs and light commercial vehicles accounted for a much higher number of the fatalities in our study than would be expected from their prevalence on the roads," it found.At the time of publication 4WDs and light commercial vehicles accounted for about 30.4 per cent of registered motor vehicles in NSW but were involved in nearly two-thirds of the deaths in driveway accidents — giving them a 2.5 times greater risk of fatally running over a child compared with other vehicle types.In a 2002 paper, consultant engineer and safety expert Michael Paine pondered why, and suggested several possible factors. They included the increased danger to children posed by the large wheels of a 4WD as opposed to a car, and the poor side visibility of many 4WDs: "The relatively poor field of view to the side due to the height of the driver, (means) that small children can approach the danger zone at the back of the vehicle without detection by the driver," Paine wrote."The diameter and cross section of their tyres is bigger which might be leading to a greater risk of them crushing a child in these situations," he said yesterday. "And while recent visibility studies have found passenger cars can have worse rear visibility than many 4WDs there's been no attention to visibility out to the side."But engineer and road safety advocate John Cadogan says 4WDs are an easy target. "They've become the de facto family station wagon so they do tend to be found in driveways and around children. I think that's why they're over-represented," he says.Demonising types of vehicles and owners avoids the main issue, says Cadogan. "The only way to be safe is to be diligent. For example, getting in your car or 4WD or any vehicle and taking off backwards down the driveway because you're late is a negligent act." Paine and Cadogan agree technology such as reversing cameras can play a part in reducing the risk of a driveway accident.Lexus and Land Rover offer reversing cameras on their 4WDs and Ford offers one on the Territory crossover vehicle. But aftermarket systems can be fitted to many other vehicles."You can buy an aftermarket reversing camera to fit most vehicles for about $500 installed," says Cadogan. When you think of the horror of running over your own child — because most drivers who run over kids are their parents — it would be money well spent.Cadogan says even devices as simple as extra mirrors are worthwhile — so long as the driver gets into the habit of using them."It really comes down to diligence."Other technologies, such as ultrasonic parking aids, are directed more towards protecting vehicle bumpers than detecting children. "They can be set up to be more sensitive but then they go off so often that drivers end up ignoring them. If you are in your own driveway the temptation is to think it's a false alarm rather than someone behind you," says Cadogan.Paine agrees."Vehicle devices can help but they're no substitute for adult awareness and supervision," he says. "You just can't leave a child near a vehicle that's likely to move."Awareness is the key, says Paine, citing a public education campaign conducted by state roads bodies that appears to be cutting the driveway accident rate."The number of cases has dropped dramatically in the last two years," he says.Cadogan says there are three steps parents can take to make their driveways safer."Firstly identify where your kids are and don't even move the car if you're unsure," he says. Secondly, he advises fitting a reversing camera or extra mirrors but cautions devices alone don't save lives. "And finally, write to your local federal MP and ask why there's no rear visibility standard for vehicles in the Australian design rules, because believe it or not, there's none."

The Territory Ghia all-wheel-drive and rear-drive model will come with the tiny camera mounted in the lift handle of the rear hatch.It will be an optional feature in the TS AWD and RWD model.TX versions will miss out because the camera requires the in-dash screen to display the images.Already the cornerstone of Ford's stunning revival of recent seasons along with the Falcon, the Territory becomes the first Australian-made vehicle to come with a factory-fitted reversing camera.Only a select few imported vehicles are sold in Australia with reversing cameras, including some in the Lexus range.The camera will make its debut in the first upgrade of the successful Territory; the SY model is booked to be released just after the Bathurst motor race next month.Prices have been held back until the early October release.A wide field of view is projected by the camera, which has an angle of 130 degrees and means the driver can see immediately outside the rear corners of the vehicle.The distance the camera projects immediately behind the Territory is about 15m.It becomes operational as soon as reverse is chosen, and the rear field of view is displayed on the dash-mounted screen.Active safety will be taken to the next step when Dynamic Stability Control becomes standard on premium model Falcons when the BF is launched simultaneously with the updated Territory.The Electronic Stability Program with DSC that was first featured in premium German saloons 10 years ago will now be incorporated into selected Falcons and the rear-drive Territories.It will come as standard equipment on the rear-drive Territory Ghia and optional on TS and TX rear-drive Territories.The latest generation Bosch System 8 DSC will also feature in an Aussie V8 sedan for the first time.Up to 10 calibrations of the DSC feature, an acclaimed anti-skid and slipping electronic function, have been devised for Ford's Falcon and Territory family.DSC helps drivers to regain control in the event of an emergency directional change or in the instance of unforseen grip changes on the road surface.And in a breakthrough for budget private buyers and safety-conscious fleet customers, garden variety BF Falcons will gain traction control across the petrol sedan, wagon and WR Ute range.More than 700 changes have been made to the SY Territory and BF Falcon range in what is already being hailed as a successful update.Ford is not prepared to disclose how much all these model upgrades have cost.But the investment, while certainly significant, has already been well received by the public.Feedback from a lot of customers suggests that the BF is a winning evolution that does not alienate existing owners, as it looks predominantly the same externally as the BA — and the same applies to the SY Territory.Looks are deceiving as the BF program has taken three years' work, with a big emphasis put on refinement for the new 6-speed sequential sports shift powertrain.More than 300,000km were clocked in testing and 140,000 litres of fuel used. That's a high consumption figure because a lot of the distance covered was with a wide open throttle and in first gear.Among other upgrades are performance brakes as standard on the BF XR6 turbo, XR8 sedans and utes and on Barra 230 sedans.Traction control is not available on dedicated LPG Falcons because the system relies on spark retard to control engine torque.

The new Falcon-based family fighter has just won the most prestigious award in Australian motoring, the News Limited Star Car contest.The family wagon has topped the national poll of motoring editors at Australia's leading daily newspapers, with four first-place votes and a strong show of high places.It finished well ahead of the second-placed Subaru Liberty, with the tightly focused Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII trailing in third. It is Ford's second victory in the eight years of the Star Car award, following success for the born-again BA Falcon in 2002.The Star Car judging was open to all new models launched in Australia in 2004, from bargain-basement city cars to high-priced sports cars and exotics.Judges rank their top six cars, with points awarded on a 10-6-4-3-2-1 scale, based on design, engineering, safety, value and how they compete against their showroom rivals.They rated the Ford Territory clearly ahead for 2004, both for its breakthrough place in the motoring world and its success with its target customers.``Ford took a $500 million punt during the depths of its AU-induced troubles. The result is the Territory, a brilliant concept that's been developed into a crossover so relevant for its time. It really does drive like a car,'' Mike Duffy, of The Advertiser in Adelaide, says.``Ford's Territory -- all-wheel drive or rear-drive -- is not only a competent, all-Australian wagon but also a credit to Ford Australia's design and engineering skills,'' Bruce McMahon, motoring writer at The Courier-Mail in Brisbane, and one of Australia's leading four-wheel-drive testers, says. ``This is a highly versatile, stylish and dynamic Australian wagon with widespread appeal.''James Stanford of the Herald Sun is also a fan: ``The Ford Territory is the right car at the right time. It's an affordable big crossover wagon with tons of torque that is fun to drive -- Ford showed it could be done. It uses more fuel than a Falcon, but most owners are willing to make that sacrifice,'' he says.But the voters were also enthusiastic about the Subaru Liberty, particularly the oddly named 3.0R B-Spec six-cylinder hero car at the top of the range. Two voters went for it and another added the turbocharged Liberty to the top of their voting cards.Keith Didham, of The Mercury in Hobart, says: ``The real surprise was the Liberty 3.0R B-Spec, proving, finally, that the Japanese can take on the Europeans and beat them in designing a true driver's car. Terrific 3-litre six, superb handling and well packaged with equipment for under 55 grand. Only fault is a lack of stand-out styling to differentiate it from the Liberty.''Kevin Hepworth, of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, says: ``How does Subaru do it for the money? The Liberty Spec B looks great, goes better and provides an extremely practical family option.''It wasn't just the Territory and Liberty that won votes. The judging panel scored points for everything from the giant Land Rover Discovery and BMW X5 turbo-diesel four-wheel-drives, to the baby Mazda3 and stylish new Peugeot 407.The Lancer Evo and Porsche 911 were obvious choices for driving enjoyment. Paul GoverTheTerritory is the most significant car of the year, as well as a great drive and an ideal design for Australian families and roads.It is a tribute to the tenacity of Geoff Polites in driving the $500 million project through head office in Detroit.Personally, I also enjoyed the all-new Porsche 911 and was surprised by the all-round strengths of the baby BMW 1-Series, particularly with a sub-$50,000 starting price.James StanfordThe Ford Territory is the right car at the right time. It's an affordable big crossover wagon with tonnes of torque that is fun to drive. It uses more fuel than a Falcon, but most owners are willing to make that sacrifice.The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII takes road-holding to a new level using technology straight of a high-speed rally stage.The new Odyssey looks cool, carries seven people, rides well and has great build quality and an excellent price (from $38,990).Kevin HepworthHow does Subaru do it for the money? The Liberty Spec B looks great, goes better and provides an extremely practical family option.The Lancer Evo is hard to beat in the bang-for-your buck stakes. It's superb fun at a price that will not make you choke . . . and space for four.If money is no object it is hard to go past the Porsche 911 Carrera S Tiptronic for sheer driving enjoyment.Mike DuffyFord took a $500 million punt during the depths of its AU-induced troubles. The result is the Territory, a brilliant concept which has been developed into a crossover so relevant for its time.It really does drive like a car.When kitted out with seven seats it matches the carrying capacity of a people mover, and with all-wheel-drive drive train fitted it is a true adventure vehicle for the family on the move. And model for model, the price is right.Bruce McMahonThe Territory is a credit to Australia's design and engineering skills. This is a versatile, stylish and dynamic wagon with widespread appeal.Land Rover has moved the goal posts further down the track with the handsome Discovery, a competent, seven-seat four-wheel-drive.The Liberty GT is a real alternative to higher-priced European sports sedans and wagons; a smooth and symmetrical approach to prestige motoring with punch.Keith DidhamThe surprise package was the Liberty 3.0R B-Spec, proving that the Japanese can beat the Europeans in designing a true driver's car.Terrific 3-litre six, superb handling and well packaged with equipment for less than $55,000.Ford deserves praise for developing the innovative Territory from the ground up. Handicapped by a thirst for fuel.Clear winner in the small-car class is the Mazda3, which has given the brand the edge it lost in recent years. Fine handling and performance.Neil DowlingJapan takes on the Euros with the Subaru Liberty GT, a rapid sports machine with stunning turbocharged performance and cabin versatility. Beautiful quality and a five-star safety rating trounces European rivals that cost twice the price.The Ford Territory is a great concept that comes at an affordable price, while the Peugeot 407 is a delightful French drive with superb comfort and a willing V6 engine. Paul Govercarsguide Melbourne1. Ford Territory2. BMW 1-Series3. Honda Odyssey4. Porsche 9115. Mazda36. Subaru Liberty 3.0R B-SpecJames Stanfordcarsguide Melbourne1. Ford Territory2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII3. Honda Odyssey4. Ford Fiesta5. Mazda36. Mercedes-Benz SLKKevin Hepworthcarsguide Sydney1. Subaru Liberty 3.0R B-Spec2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII3. Porsche 9114. Volvo S40 T55. BMW 530i Sport6. Ford TerritoryMike Duffycarsguide Adelaide1. Ford Territory2. Peugeot 4073. Mercedes-Benz SLK4. Volkswagen Golf V5. Subaru Liberty 3 0R B-Spec6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIIIBruce McMahon/ Gordon Lomascarsguide Brisbane1. Ford Territory2. Land Rover Discovery3. Subaru Liberty GT4. BMW X5 Turbo Diesel5. Ford Falcon GT MkII6. Holden Monaro VZKeith Didhamcarsguide Hobart1. Subaru Liberty 3.0R B-Spec2. Ford Territory3. Mazda34. Peugeot 4075. Honda Odyssey6. Honda IntegraNeil Dowlingcarsguide Perth1. Subaru Liberty GT2. Ford Territory3. Peugeot 4074. Mazda35. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII6. Audi A3