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By
EWAN KENNEDY
24 October 2005
Ford has introduced an uprated version of its
award-winning Territory. As is the way with Australian Fords at present,
the changes are in important mechanical areas, rather than just cosmetic
touchups. So the latest Territory has an improved engine, a six-speed
automatic in some models, as well as very interesting new safety
features.
The only changes to the Territory's body are to
further strengthen it. This will not only improve handling and
offer increased safety, but also to make for a quieter, more
refined ride.
Ford's Territory now used the uprated
straight-six engine that we have recently reviewed in the BF
Falcon. Power has been increased to 190 kilowatts and at the same
time the engine has become quieter, more economical and uses less
fuel. This new engine uses a sophisticated electronic throttle
(fly-by-wire) system that assists in giving the engine better
throttle response.
The biggest news sits just behind the engine
where a new six-speed automatic transmission is installed. At this
stage the six-speed is only sold with AWD versions of the
Territory. This unit was originally developed for Jaguar by auto
specialist ZF. Ford owns Jaguar these days and Ford in Australia
has done well to get access to this ultra-smooth unit. The
rear-drive models have an improved version of the previous Ford
four-speed auto to keep costs down.
Dynamic stability control will assist drivers in
keeping control of their vehicle if they, or another road user,
makes a mistake that could lead to loss of traction in an extreme
circumstance. It’s standard on all but the rear-drive Territory
TX and TS variants and is optional on them.
An excellent safety feature is the fitment of a
rear-view camera to many Territory models. This not only lets
Territory drivers keep an eye out for dangers such as toddlers,
bikes and garden tools, but can also assist in reversing up to the
towing hitch of a caravan or the like. It will be standard on the
Ghia variants and optional on the TS models. However, as the
entry-level Territory TX doesn’t have a suitable viewing screen
inside the vehicle the rear-view camera can’t be installed.
Ford Territory has been a huge success on the
Australian market virtually from day one. It generally outsells
all other SUVs in Australia, partly on price, but chiefly on its
sheer practicality. You will be hard pressed to find another
vehicle with a cleverer interior as far as passenger and oddments
stowage is concerned.
This recent raft of changes will do it nothing
but good on the sales front, particularly if buyers find that
engine/transmission changes are cancelling out a lot of the recent
hike in fuel costs.
Models and recommended retail prices for Ford SY
Territory:
Territory TX RWD $39,490
Territory TS RWD $46,330
Territory Ghia RWD $51,820
Territory TX AWD $43,990
Territory TS AWD $51,330
Territory Ghia AWD $56,320
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Marque Publishing Company
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