Ford Territory News

The new model will be offered in two all-wheel-drive specification levels - Territory Turbo, and the more luxuriously appointed Territory Ghia Turbo. Both will be powered by Ford's 245kW turbo engine. "Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo build on the many fine attributes inherent in the original Territory and then adds additional performance," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman. Enhancements introduced on the recently released SY Territory range will also feature on the Territory Turbo, including a slick shifting six speed automatic transmission as standard. "Our design engineers had a brief to create a Territory Turbo with enhanced performance but not to compromise functionality and versatility," said Mr. Gorman.

2005 saw another record year for vehicle sales in Australia with 608,000 passenger cars being sold. While there has been an overall increase in sales, there has been a change in the types of cars people are buying. There has been a shift away from large cars with sales down by 15.7% and a move toward small cars, with an increase of 18.6% over the previous year. There was also an increase in the SUV/4WD market of 4.2%. Although high fuel prices are a contributor to the move towards smaller cars, Melissa Pye, Managing Director of W Communications Group believes that it is the influence of women that is driving these changes. "Women buy just as many cars as men, but have the power of veto in about 80% of cases. The shift away from traditional large family cars and station wagons to SUVs is a testament to this. Women are looking for the safety and functionality that SUVs offer in a more contemporary design. Look no further than the Ford Territory which is extremely popular with women with sales increasing by a staggering 72% over the previous year" said Melissa Other models that were class leaders include Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Getz, Kia Carnival and Toyota Prado, all popular with women. Mazda experienced an increase in market share and was the 4th highest selling passenger brand in Australia. "Mazda has appeal to both men and women. They have a marketing formula that is working very well at the moment. Great looking products with features that appeal to both men and women, competitive pricing and advertising that empowers women, without disempowering men!" says Melissa.

Little wonder, then, that Kia's Carnival, at $29,990, has proved to be such a hit: it offers considerable value for money for anyone willing to make a few sacrifices to save$10,000. Kia is now taking aim at a slightly more affluent sector of the market with its new, more powerful and larger Grand Carnival, priced from $36,990. The Korean giant plans to sell both the old, sub-$30,000 Carnival and the new model side by side for the foreseeable future as it attempts to increase its market share. The people-mover segment is fast becoming one of the most competitive in the vehicle industry, and makers have even tried to sex up their image. Most successful has been Honda's new-generation Odyssey, which is far more car-like in both appearance and dynamics than its predecessor. Ford has come up with a winner by offering soft-roaders such as the Territory with an optional third row of seats. With a bewildering array of choices in the market, Sunday CARSguide looks at five vehicles for the masses.   Chrysler Voyager PRICE: $55,990 to $71,990 GOOD: Space, and lots of it. The 3.3- litre V6 offers a handy 128kW of power. The Stow 'n' Go option allows you a wide variety of seating and cargo options, and sliding rear doors make for easy access. BAD: All that interior space makes for a very big exterior. The Voyager feels a lot like a delivery van, and has an interior reminiscent of the early 1990s. When behind the wheel, you can't help feeling you're heading off to the local Dunkin' Donuts shop somewhere in middle America. VERDICT: This is one for the "size really matters" crowd. Extra size and power can't prevent the Voyager feeling distinctly old-school. It's also expensive. Speaking of old school, did I mention the column shift?   Mitsubishi Grandis Price: From $39,990 GOOD: The Grandis has excellent interior space. functionality and style. Its tip-and-tilt seating system is one of the easiest and most useful around. Priced from $39,990, it also offers reasonable value for money. BAD: The somewhat aggressive exterior styling may not be to everyone's liking. Its height means it can't quite match the Honda Odyssey for on-road dynamics and feel. The 2.4-litre four puts out 121kW and has to work hard with a full load. Some dashboard controls are fiddly and set too far away. VERDICT: If you don't mind the looks, you should definitely test-drive the Grandis; it's a genuine rival to the Odyssey, and at a competitive price.   Honda Odyssey Price: $38,790 to $45,290 GOOD: The most car-like MPV, the Odyssey has great on-road dynamics. Its interior and exterior build quality is superb. BAD: The Honda is not alone among modern cars in having the emergency brake on the floor, but it's an annoyance — even if it does allow extra space for the centre console. The test Odyssey had an acute case of reflected glare on the dashboard. VERDICT: A quality product that is quite rightly considered the leader in the people-mover stakes. The Odyssey's 2.4-litre, in-line four makes the most of its 118kW and is reasonably frugal, but fitting the 140kW engine from the outstanding Accord Euro would make things even better. The rear seats are best suited to pre-teens.   Ford Territory Price: $39,490 to $56,320 GOOD: The new ZF six-speed transmission fitted in the AWD version of the Territory is a huge leap forward for Ford. Its AWD system is one of the best, and the Territory proved sure-footed during a three-hour trip along the freeway from Sydney to Newcastle in a torrential downpour. The Territory can go places the other four in this comparison can't,, but it's not a fair dinkum off-roader. BAD: The six-speed tranny and AWD are expensive options, as is the third row of seats. The four-litre, six-cylinder motor delivers a healthy 190kW, but driven with enthusiasm, it gulps down considerably more juice than Ford's claimed 12.2 litres per 100km for the RWD and 12.8 for the AWD. Again, the third row of seats is strictly for pre-teens. Interior fit and finish are good by local standards, but can't match the Japanese. VERDICT: Most versatile of the five, but you pay handsomely for AWD and a six-speed gearbox. Though not the best vehicle for transporting seven people, the Territory wins points for its across-the-board potential and would suit a family of four or five who need two extra seats on occasion.   Kia Grand Carnival Price: From $36,990 GOOD: It's obvious why the base-model Kia, at $29,000, is Australia's best-selling people mover. For $7000 more, you can now get what is effectively a completely different vehicle. Interior and exterior remain bland, although the Grand Carnival wins points for the functionality of its eight seats. An enormous rear luggage space is achieved by placing the spare wheel under the centre of the vehicle. The sliding rear doors are generally easier to access than those on the Odyssey, the Grandis or the Territory. A big improvement is the new 3.8-litre V6, which increases power from 132kW to 184 and torque from 220Nm to 343. BAD: Engine problems with the earlier base model dented the Kia's reputation and hurt re-sale values. This will have flow-on effects to the Grand Carnival, despite it being a different vehicle. It's still clearly built to a price, with dynamics and general feel below that of the other vehicles in this test; in particular, the steering felt indirect. The new engine has loads more power, but you pay at the bowser, with Kia claiming a best-scenario fuel consumption of 12.8 litres/100km. Like the Odyssey, the Kia has a foot emergency brake. VERDICT: Money talks, and the Grand Carnival is a bargain buy that will garner healthy sales. The Odyssey and Grandis are better vehicles overall, but the Kia scores points for size and power.   The winner ... HONDA'S Odyssey remains the one to beat. Although the Grandis runs a close second, the Odyssey outsells it by almost six to one. The Territory is a genuine option if you want to get a little way off the beaten track. The Grand Carnival is good value despite the price increase, and the Voyager is for those who really value their personal space. Most prices quoted in this story exclude dealer delivery and statutory prices

Darren We had a Mitsubishi Lancer and Daihatsu Terios when our first child was born (we chose these mainly due to low fuel consumption). We used the Terios as our family car & were so desperate for more room we went out and looked for a cheap second hand station wagon or compact 4wd to replace it. We got a great discount on a brand new Ford Escape (over $8500 off retail) and simply could not turn this down. We couldn't even find a second hand one at this price! We are extremely happy with our purchase and are so impressed with our new car that we now want to replace our Lancer as well for another brand new compact 4wd. We are hooked. Keith I Up sized from a lancer to an outlander both mitsubishi's an the extra room is fantastic and it is a lot quieter on the road Leanne We have recently gone from a vt commodore sedan to a v6 adventra. We are both really happy with the car, its a pleasure to drive. I didn't want a 4wd ( brick as i call them ). It has proven itself quite apt in all road conditions. Hubby took me bush bashing & it went to places i wouldn't dare take the sedan with no problems at all. This car is the best of both worlds. My husband is happy & so am i :) Will I have owned a SB barina, a TS astra, then a XC barina. One year ago I upgraded to a Honda Jazz VTi-S as we now have a baby. I enjoy not being stressed about petrol prices when I watch 4WD and large car owners screw up their faces in anger and look over at me as I drive off again whilst they are still filling up their thirsty cars. Large cars just don't make any sense anymore, people need to take another look at what they drive now. Lee Yes. To a new Commodore Equip for $32,500 plus $2,000 free fuel and $4,000 off the price with my Holden Card from Westpac, I'm stoked, what a deal! Patrick Just traded my Ford Falcon on a new Holden Adventra V6 and couldn't be happier. The comfort, power, equipment and build quality are a big improvement, but what is really surprising for a vehicle this size is the fuel economy, very impressive. Michael We upsized our second car from a Hyundai Accent, to accommodate our two teenage children. We chose one of the most overlooked cars on the market, the amazing Suzuki Liana hatch. This car is like a compact people mover and yet is still nimble and economical. We are so pleased with the room, that we often use it in preference to our main car, our excellent roomy Toyota Avalon. The reason for this is the lighter steering and ease of parking the Liana, plus the extra seating height. Bill Nope. Downsized. We have 2 kids and traded a VT Commodore on a Mazda6 Hatch. It has more legroom than Commodore, but a bit less width which doesn't matter with 2 kids. More boot space even without taking into account the fold down seats. The Mazda is more fun to drive, has great fuel economy, is much better built. It meets our needs perfectly, and shows that a good family car doesn't have to be boring (Take note, Toyota) and doesn't need to be 2.5 tonnes of clumsy 4WD! Geoff my wife has updated her hyundai elantra gls which was an excellent car to a hyundai tucson. tucson is perfect for us. she loves it and so do i. great vehicle and highly recommended. Peter We upgraded from a Subaru Forester, to a Toyota Prado, and just recently to a Ford Territory. The best by a country mile-safer, most comfortable, best handling, most useable space etc etc. R Got a Land-Cruiser. 7 good seats with Head restraints, Lap-sash belts, Easy access. Best people mover on the market, and can go places on holiday

"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 Gover TheTerritory 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 Stanford The 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 Hepworth How 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 Duffy Ford 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 McMahon The 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 Didham The 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 Dowling Japan 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 Gover carsguide Melbourne 1. Ford Territory 2. BMW 1-Series 3. Honda Odyssey 4. Porsche 911 5. Mazda3 6. Subaru Liberty 3.0R B-Spec James Stanford carsguide Melbourne 1. Ford Territory 2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 3. Honda Odyssey 4. Ford Fiesta 5. Mazda3 6. Mercedes-Benz SLK Kevin Hepworth carsguide Sydney 1. Subaru Liberty 3.0R B-Spec 2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 3. Porsche 911 4. Volvo S40 T5 5. BMW 530i Sport 6. Ford Territory Mike Duffy carsguide Adelaide 1. Ford Territory 2. Peugeot 407 3. Mercedes-Benz SLK 4. Volkswagen Golf V 5. Subaru Liberty 3 0R B-Spec 6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII Bruce McMahon/ Gordon Lomas carsguide Brisbane 1. Ford Territory 2. Land Rover Discovery 3. Subaru Liberty GT 4. BMW X5 Turbo Diesel 5. Ford Falcon GT MkII 6. Holden Monaro VZ Keith Didham carsguide Hobart 1. Subaru Liberty 3.0R B-Spec 2. Ford Territory 3. Mazda3 4. Peugeot 407 5. Honda Odyssey 6. Honda Integra Neil Dowling carsguide Perth 1. Subaru Liberty GT 2. Ford Territory 3. Peugeot 407 4. Mazda3 5. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 6. Audi A3

The choice, price, equipment, security, safety and quality is better in 2004 than it has been at any time in the history of the car Down Under. It sounds like a big call, but it's not. Australian cars have been getting better and better for more than 15 years, and apart from such blips as the AU Falcon, improvements have delivered never-better showroom deals. Sales of the big Aussie sixes have fallen a bit, mostly because families have migrated into four-wheel-drives, but the cars themselves are world-class machines. And with starting prices just past $30,000, or even less at the moment for a Mitsubishi Magna, they are also world-class bargains. The real proof of the improvements is the growing number of Australian-made cars being shipped overseas. The Toyota Camry is a huge success in the Middle East, Holden is building support for its Chevrolet-badged Commodore exports, the Monaro-turned-Pontiac GTO is finally starting to fire in the US and Mitsubishi even had a short-lived run with Magnas in the US. It should only take time, and the next all-new models in late 2006, before the all-wheel-drive Ford Territory and Holden Adventra, and perhaps even the work-and-play Crewman Cross8, also set sail overseas. Picking the best of the best from the local crop is tougher than ever. The Mitsubishi Magna is a good car, and a worthy family friend, but only runs fourth in today's rankings. It beats the Toyota Avalon, which is looking more and more like a taxi-only champion, but cannot match the all-round strengths of the Camry, Commodore and Falcon. The Ford, Holden and Toyota have all been updated this year. Taking a broad sweep through the locals, we rate the Falcon first. It's a close call, but in most cases it's the one we'd recommend to our friends and family. And the Falcon-based Territory is a winner. It's a Falcon with attitude and a high-rider cabin for families. The latest Commodore is a top car, and the new Alloytec V6 does a good job in the VZ model, but it doesn't ring our bell. We love the sporty V8 SS, the Caprice and the HSV hero cars, but Holden is just a couple of points behind in the overall scoring. The Camry? It's a classy car, and ruthlessly efficient in almost every area, but doesn't have the personality or punch of its rivals. That's why Toyota is pushing the Sportivo model, and working on a 2006 model that will have more personality than any previous Camry. Our ratings look at the individual star cars, some of the class champions and give an overall ranking of the Australian heroes of 2004. 1. Ford Territory RWD Lowdown: The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is the first local to fill the gap between family car and 4WD. A Falcon wagon in disguise but more than a short-term fix. Verdict: Heavyweight off-roader that drives like a Falcon, with a friendly turning circle and punchy six. The rear-drive TX is the best value and drops the all-paw drive most people will never need. Plus: Light and easy to handle, with a big wagon body. Minus: Not as capable as a LandCruiser in the bush. Comes as a six-cylinder auto only. Rating: 18/20 Former boss Geoff Polites had to sell the project in Detroit to win $500 million to make the $38,990 car in Broadmeadows alongside the Falcon. The Territory should ensure the Falcon's survival by giving a double-edged return on future investment. 2. Holden Commodore SS Lowdown: The best-value sports sedan on Australian roads. It has even forced HSV to rethink its Commodore performance cars, and is first choice with police pursuit drivers. Verdict: The one to have when you want an Aussie V8 muscle car with real driving enjoyment. Plus: Punchy 5.7-litre V8 with sporty handling, but still with Commodore comfort. Minus: Not as refined as an XR Falcon. Rating: 17/20 If any car sets the standard for performance motoring in Australia, it's the SS Commodore at $50,990. It is more raw than an XR Falcon, but delivers the sort of stonking punch owners expect when they dream of a hot lap at Mount Panorama. 3. Ford Falcon XT Lowdown: The starter car in the Falcon family reflects all of the BA update work at a value price and with plenty of gear. Verdict: Tough but surprisingly refined. Punchy 4.0-litre in-line six has the edge over the Commodore's hi-tech Alloytec V6. Plus: Elegant styling with a rugged and well-proven mechanical package, plus good-value equipment. Minus: A bit rugged in some areas, fuel economy not great. Rating: 17/20 When Ford decided to dump the Forte from the AU family it knew the BA base model had to hit all targets. The XT does the job well from just $34,255 with aircon, airbags, CD sound and electric mirrors. Ford has also stopped painting Falcons yellow to discourage their use as taxis. Ford Falcon GT 18/20 Price: From $61,000 Engine: 5.4-litre quad-cam V8 The born-again GT is very quick and very refined. The loudest thing about it are the racy stripes being chosen by most owners. But when the going gets tough, it's going and gone. Ford Falcon 17/20 Price: From $34,255 Engine: 4.0-litre inline six The latest BA looks surprisingly elegant over the unloved AU basics, but it's the solid mechanical package and punchy performance that gives the Falcon a narrow edge over the Commodore. A six-speed manual gearbox is new in the BAII but the rest of the deal is more about value. Ford Territory 17/20 Price: From $38,990 Engine: 4.0-litre inline six Rated as a complete range, the Territory is very good but not quite great. The four-wheel-drive package costs an extra $4000 but you cannot get a V8 or manual gearbox. Still, a better choice for anyone looking at an imported 4x4. Holden Caprice 17/20 Price: From $69,650 Engine: 3.6-litre V6 The long-wheelbase flagship has benefited from a makeover that gives it sharper styling and more driving enjoyment than the Statesman. Needs a V8 to do its best work, but the best choice for Australians who want everything in a local car. HSV GTO Coupe 17/20 Price: From $78,690 Engine: 6-litre V8 The latest Z-Series Monaro from HSV has moved the bar on local muscle. The bigger V8 developed for the US Pontiac GTO is a welcome addition and restores bragging rights to the hot Holden shop. A bit raw but very quick. Ford Fairlane 16/20 Price: $55,500 Engine: 4-litre inline six Reversing the Holden deal, the Fairlane is better than the LTD. It has been tweaked for drivers but still feels a bit old and clunky compared with the Caprice. Holden Commodore 16/20 Price: From $33,160 Engine: 3.6-litre V6 The VZ Commodore update brought the new Alloytec V6 and a considerably more refined car. But the value is not as good as a Falcon's and you have to pay extra for the power-up engine and five-speed automatic. That's enough to push it back behind the Falcon. Toyota Camry 15/20 Price: From $32,000 Engines: 3.0-litre V6 Still operates like whitegoods on wheels, as efficient as a fridge with similar personality, and that's its greatest strength and weakness. Needs more visual punch and driving personality, which Toyota promises (once again) is coming with the new model in 2006. Mitsubishi Magna 13/20 Price: From $33,210 Engine: 3.5-litre V6 The unloved local was done no favours by its nose job in 2003 or questions about Mitsubishi's future in 2004. Still a good car, but looking very dated. Mitsubishi is doing great deals to get cars moving, but the all-new 2005 Magna can't come too soon. Toyota Camry Sportivo 12/20 Price: From $38,500 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 The Sportivo is proof Toyota wants a performance car, but also proves how far it is off the pace. It has a wonderful chassis and a spirited V6, but not nearly enough muscle or impact to compete with HSV of FPV. Toyota Avalon 11/20 Price: $30,990 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 The plain Jane of the Aussie car family. Nice enough, but bland and boring. Has never delivered the promised challenge to the Falcon and Commodore and now doing very good business as a taxi. That says it all. Mitsubishi Verada 11/20 Price: $42,950 Engine: 3.5-litre V6 The Verada highlights the shortcomings of the Magna range, despite impressive equipment and a refined cabin. It comes in only one body style, doesn't have enough style for the luxury class, and takes a heavy hit on the second-hand scene.

Eventually, every serious Australian carmaker will be running a vehicle like the Territory down their assembly lines, all aiming to use a "blue sky scenario" to fill a growing gap between traditional big-six family cars and the motoring needs and dreams of the 21st century. Holden has already had a dabble with the Adventra, and Toyota is working on a Camry-based all-paw family wagon, but Ford is there first. It spent $500 million and four years to hit its target, after winning approval for the program direct from blue-oval headquarters in Detroit, with a vehicle that's built side-by-side with the Falcon at Broadmeadows. It has done an impressive job of pumping and fluffing the BA Falcon into a flexible family machine that looks like a four-wheel-drive, drives like a car, can carry seven people and still costs less than $40,000. If you want all-wheel-drive it is available for $4000, but Ford has also built the Territory with a traditional rear-drive package, which it says will be the first choice with about 40 per cent of customers. The importance of the Territory is obvious, even if its father – former president Geoff Polites – was promoted to Europe weeks before its unveiling. "It is critically important to us," says Polites' replacement, Tom Gorman. "We want to get two home runs in a row. It shows our ability to do something beyond a large family car." The Territory is shorter, taller and wider than a Falcon but still has obvious ties to the family Ford. It has the same six-cylinder engine and (outdated) automatic gearbox, the same dash and the same basic mechanical package, though Ford has developed an all-new "virtual-pivot control link" front suspension system and the all-wheel drive package, which uses intelligent control of the anti-skid brake sensors to force drive to the wheels with the most grip. But everyone sits higher by more than 150mm, the tail end is much more flexible and the list of gifts in the Territory includes twin airbags with an optional side-curtain system, aircon, CD sound, electric windows and power seats with power-adjustable pedals. There are more than 30 storage compartments and the seven-seat cabin, complete with a fold-flat rear bench, costs $1500 with fabric trim and $1700 in leather. There is a massive list of options that includes everything from a $175 fridge and a $100 waterproof seat cover to a $3285 DVD entertainment system. What the choices mean is that it's easy to build a Territory Ghia all-wheel-drive with a price tag of more than $50,000, even if the TX starter price is $38,990. There are also plans, not yet confirmed by Ford, for a sporty Territory with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine from Ford Performance Vehicles. It should be out before the end of the year. There are no plans for a manual version. "The punters told us they don't want a manual. It's not even on their radar," product development vice president Trevor Worthington says. The on-sale date for the Territory is June 1, though the advertising buildup will begin soon and vehicles will be available at dealerships for test drives from mid-May. Ford has set its sales target at 2000 vehicles a month but admits it can, and will, build more than 2400 Territorys if the vehicle goes as well as it hopes. And it is easy to get enthusiastic about the Territory, even with all the build-up hype and the competition it will face from the Adventra, the Toyota Kluger and all the other potential rivals. It is easy to argue that the Territory is the most-significant Australian-developed car since the original Holden 48-215, if only because it is the first genuine local response to the influx of imported four-wheel-drives. It also offers the benefits of all-wheel-drive, with only rear-drive if you want, and it can be an affordable people mover without the stigma of driving a bus. The Territory is heavy, it is thirstier than an equivalent Falcon, and the automatic gearbox needs to be replaced, but there is plenty to like. On the Road We expected the Territory to be good. We didn't expect it to be as good as it is. It tackled a huge range of roads and tracks in New Zealand, and did it with the comfort of a passenger car. A little nicer than a BA Falcon, to be honest. There was little to pick between the two and four-wheel-drive versions, and we would advise most people to pass on the all-wheel-drive pack unless they intend to get serious in sand or dirt. The Territorys we drove had the sort of minor glitches and squeaks you expect from pre-production vehicles, and we're reserving final judgment until we get a production car on home ground. But the only real shortcoming was the four-speed automatic gearbox. It is nicer than the auto in the rival Adventra, but still off the pace for this sort of vehicle and a new contender. One big advantage over the all-paw Holden is the Ford's driveline refinement, which comes thanks to dynamic balancing of the driveline. It also has the sort of cabin flexibility you usually expect from a people mover. What's to like about the Territory? Almost everything, from a tight turning circle to suspension that makes driving enjoyable on twisty roads but also defeats all sorts of bumps without rattling your teeth. The Territory, like all the best big vehicles, shrinks around you after a few kilometres and leaves you to get on with enjoying the ride and the view. We'd have preferred to turn the benchmark new Ford into the Outback, but the run on the South Island gave us everything from a suburban shopping centre to country runs and testing tracks over rocks, stones and grass. The Territory was stopped only once, when an all-wheel-drive model needed a longer run-up on a grassy hill. There will be a fuel penalty to Territory ownership – about 2 litres/100km, taking consumption to a claimed 13.5 litres/100km from 11.5 for a Falcon – but the increased flexibility will be compensation enough for most people. It's easy to gush after a few days, particularly with beautiful scenery on near-deserted roads. But the Territory deserves a gush and will be a hit. No question.

It may have been the plains and alps of New Zealand's South Island rather than the Red Centre of Australia but roads are roads and good cars are good cars