2009 Ford Territory – First Steer
May 13, 2009 by David Twomey
It’s hard to know what to say about the 2009 Ford SY Territory Mark II, sure it looks a bit different and its got some more features as standard but beyond that, nothing has changed.
There’s one glaring omission and that’s the fact that while the vehicle has an excellent, and even slightly more fuel efficient, six-cylinder petrol engine, it has no diesel power plant.
So we were left wondering after the media launch this week as to why Ford took a couple of dozen automotive writers all the way to Coffs Harbor to show us a car that had changed little from its predecessor.
The secret it seems lies in the words “could” and “would”.
You see about six weeks ago at a briefing with Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela the big man told those present that he’s be able to “share some exciting powertrain news in regard to Territory” with us in about six weeks.
So putting two-and-two together quite a few of those present deduced that news would be the long-awaited and often discussed – even photographed by CarAdvice spy photographers at the Ford Proving Ground – a diesel-engined Territory.
So come yesterday where was this variant that could seriously save Ford’s sales of Territory in the medium SV market, well nowhere to be seen.
The explanation, according to Ford PR Manager Sinead McAlary lay in the fact that Mr Burela had said he “could share” not he “would share” that powertrain excitement with us.
Seems we, and the rest of the SUV buying motoring public will have to wait a little longer to be excited by a diesel powered Territory, or any other form of fuel for that matter, as the latest iteration of this vehicle also doesn’t include factory fitted LPG either.
At the same time Ford product development guru Russell Christophers told CarAdvice that no changes to the Territory power train were planned for quite some time, and intimated that there would not be a diesel powered Territory until an all-new vehicle emerges, probably some time next year.
At the same time Mr Chrishopers has conceded that about 50 per cent of sales in Territory’s market are diesel powered.
Ford has been suggesting a diesel powered Territory has been coming for more than two years, yet during that time it has sat and watched the sales of its once-class-leading SUV slip from the number one spot to number four.
Territory is currently struggling to make sales numbers and the once darling of the medium SUV market is now running fourth in the sales race, behind Toyota’s Prado and Kluger, and Holden’s Korean-sourced Captiva.
The Territory was a Ford Australia success story after its 2004 introduction, with its not overtly bush-bashing styling and urban friendly functionality, which included a highly successful RWD model.
From a peak of 23,454 sales in 2005 its sales have slowly declined to a total of 12,882 units in 2008.
Ford’s fight back is mild if nothing else, with no major mechanical changes, although some powertrain revisions have yielded slight fuel consumption savings.
Mr Christophers says the fuel economy on rear-wheel drive Territory models has been improved by 4.9 per cent or 0.6 litres per 100km. The Ghia and all seven-seat models had a 1.6 per cent or 0.2L/100km economy improvement.
“This is a fairly minor change that just freshens the product,” he said. “We will do something more dramatic when we do the new Territory model.”
A revised model line-up for the SY Territory MkII range consists of the TX, TS and Ghia models, in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, along with the Ghia Turbo AWD, the Territory Turbo model will no longer be offered.
These model changes mean the Territory now has the 190kW/383Nm, 4.0-litre, six-cylinder and the 245kW/480Nm turbocharged, 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engines, mated to either a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed ZF auto gearbox.
Major design changes include an all-new bonnet, with a complementary new front bumper, upper and lower grilles, new headlamps and a new fog lamp bezel.
Body coloured bumpers and door cladding, new body coloured door handles, new chrome belt moulding, revised tail lamps and body coloured exterior mirrors are also part of the new exterior package.
The interior of the new Territory has also received a significant freshening, with new seat materials, colour finishes and trim highlights on all models, along with the choice of two new interior environments on TS and Ghia.
Additional equipment and features are now fitted as standard on the new look SY Territory MkII range, further improving its competitiveness in the hotly contested medium SUV segment, as well as delivering a compelling value-for-money proposition for customers.
Territory TX now comes standard with side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors.
Territory TS is also fitted with the full body colour package, along with a reverse parking camera, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, and a third row seat as standard.
Ghia models also gain a third row seat as standard equipment, along with an Alpine rear DVD system, side steps, rear privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Ghia Turbo picks up the same list of additions and a new alloy wheel design (18-inch wheels are already standard fitment on the top-of-the-line Territory model).
The TX costs $1000 more and all other models an extra $500, while Ford claimed the extra standard equipment was valued at between $3600 and $6600, depending on the model.
So how does it drive, well just like the old Territory, because as we’ve already said, except for some engine calibration change, nothing in the mechanical package has changed, but having said that it is still a cut above its main opposition in refinement and overall quality, offering something closer to BMW’s X5, rather than its Japanes and Korean opposition .
The Territory is still a quiet, refined way to eat up vast kilometres of Australia, or a great way to lug the family, and all their bits and pieces around.
Yes, despite the cosmetic changes it is looking a little dated with some of the interior a lot more utilitarian and austere than the latest crop of 2009 offerings. The new interior trims are pleasant enough and make a change from the past but do little else for the Territory.
As before there’s a choice between four-speed and six-speed auto ‘boxes with the ZF six-speed being the obvious choice, although that’s not available to buyers of the RWD version.
The four-speed is adequate for the job but works a bit hard on twisty, hilly roads and when you are really pushing it.
The engines are strong and torquey and more than up to the job of hauling a two-tonne vehicle with as many as seven people on board.
Brakes remain as effective as ever and overall handling is very car-like for such a big vehicle.
This revision will simply keep the Territory humming along in the sales figures, but provides buyers will little incentive to change over before the arrival of a new Territory, maybe as soon as mid 2010.
Ford SY Territory Mk II prices
Model Old price New price (extra standard features)
TX (RWD) $38,490 $39,490 $3600
TX (AWD) $43,490 $44,490 $3600
TS (RWD) $43,990 $44,490 $4800
TS (AWD) $48,990 $49,490 $4800
Ghia (RWD) $51,990 $52,490 $6600
Ghia (AWD) $56,990 $57,490 $6600
Ghia Turbo $65,920 $66,420 $5600
Print it: 
Website Full Of Tossers…….you seriously need some help !!! Go and get a life ……..
ZF6, I have a life thanks, and it doesn’t revolve around idolising an inanimate object like this dinosaur of a car. Or persecuting others for not liking it. But thanks for your concern.
website full of tossers,
This is your method to attract attention? fair enough.
I never said i work for a rental car company and you are calling me a tosser? lol
I work in the auto industry, yes that affords me more experience than many keyboard warriors on here when it comes to ALL makes models, i actually drive them not just read reviews or have a biased opinion based on what i personally like only.
Vehicles to me don’t stir the ‘just’ the emotions like you and many on here.
Your rant is amusing however, you could think of a name to use though? or you like to hide?
spetty Says:
May 14th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
The realist.
“Let me guess,the hot chick in the Ford wouldn`t have a bar of you,but the fat chick in her mums BMW always waved at you.Don`t tell me you married the fat chick.”
I married the hot chick in a 335i coupe. Not too many hot chicks in rep mobiles from what I’ve seen, but plenty of men in cheap suits and obese mothers with three kids.
website full of tossers,
It appears you have changed your name, regular reader/poster i see.
If vehicles are simply forms of transport as you say, why do you troll caradvice.com.au?
Why waste your time!?
You’re contradicting yourself.
The Realist Says:
May 15th, 2009 at 10:19 am
I married the hot chick in a 335i coupe. Not too many hot chicks in rep mobiles from what I’ve seen, but plenty of men in cheap suits and obese mothers with three kids.
And whats REAL about that Realist!?
You pop up at the same time as ‘website full of tossers’ hmm interesting.
Geez seems to have ignited some nerves again with another Ford article.
I like others here love the Tezza and even if it is inanimate, I love the thing as it is a great car for carting around the kids and the pups and anything else. It is also a fantastic long trip vehicle. I have done many 1500+km trips and it’s bloody brilliant for overtaking and generally enjoying the roads here is OZ. Fuel consumption of high 11’s says to me what a great car I have for the kerb mass it is.
Those with passion for cars understand that if you love your vehicle or cars in general you will be passionate about it/them. Nothing wrong with that is there ?
Passion is good and I even still have a soft spot for my 1971 351 XY but that’s me. Go figure! But hey I love cars, especially Ford products!
This Territory upgrade, although much needed, is a bit of a non-event with just minor facial changes and a bit extra base kit. They really could have just left this until the next model upgrade in my opinion.
dlunn64,
Where’d you get the factory flash tuner from for the Territory for interests sake ?
Cheers :)
Westy where are you located in Oz……….I can put you on to a few here in Perth if you want!
WSFOT…..you are laughable and have no experience in the auto industry and yet try to tell us what is good and what isnt. Crawl back under your rock and dont waste our time with your totally useless and very very very much uninformed and unintelligent remarks.
Bavarian Missile (.)(.),
I am in Nth Qld…..so not really anywhere near Perth unfortunately. I would be jeen to hear where Dlunn64 got it from though.
Cheers.
Jimmy A Says:
May 15th, 2009 at 1:27 am
“(People) on this forum who claim to have driven both the Territory and Kluger on long drives are full of it, what do you guys do ???..take cars on 600km test runs ??? …give me a break”
Actaully over 750km in each over 22 days of similar pattern driving, over the same roads. It’s called hiring.
And I stand by my honest comparison between Kluger and Territory in an earlier post:
Kluger Vs Territory
Roomier?
OK probably is, but it is much harder to park – real experience, I haven’t checked the dimensions.
More power?
OK but NOOOOO torque to speak of – the engine screams just to keep up with daily traffic flow. No relaxed daily driver.
Way better on fuel?
Not my experience, in a real world test, in fact Territory was better. 11.7 Territory vs 11.9 Kluger.
Looks a hell of a lot better?
Very questionable and subjective. Personally I don’t like Toyota’s “bump” styling. For a newish car the Kluger (and Captiva for that matter) already look very very dated.
Better to drive?
Now we see that your only guessing (or you’re in Toyota la la land) because the Kluger handles like a bloated whale – this was the biggest deciding factor for me. Oh and BTW the Kluger has a terrible driving position.
Jimmy, I’m glad your happy with your Kluger, many are, but personally I just couldn’t deal with the poor truck like handling on a daily basis. Territory is a very “livable” car as a daily driver, but I was quite glad to hand back the keys to the Kluger, personally I found it’s just such a pain to live with.
typo….I said jeen but I meant ‘keen’ in my last comment.
The Territory is probably the best SUV to buy slightly used, thanks to the lousy resale. I am soon to get one as my high mileage hack, get a good LPG conversion and its probably one of the best drivers to take me and the family away.
You want quality, resale and longevity of design look elsewhere.
You can’t be the Territory for what it is, just let someone else wear the depreciation.
*LOL* I love the reaction you get on this website when people dont agree with your opinion.
Adam:
For a start, its non of your business what I do for a living – thats irrelevant to this discussion. I am certainly not in the car industry – I’m just a professional who takes the kids to school and then drives to work…so I’m an everyday standard “User” of my car.
Anyone who listens purely to motoring jurno’s and takes their opinion as “gospel” is an idiot – you seem to fit nicely into that category. Either that, or you are a jurno or a car dealer – but again thats non of my business either…
ZF, I know a parts manager at Ford (Broadmeadows) who told me about the rust. I didn’t believe it at first when I read reports – because as I said I dont listen to EVERYTHING jurno’s say, but when I heard it from this guy and his advice to “stay away” I then believed it.
Brett, you are entitled to your opinions about the things you compared – and thats fine, but please – dont feed me BS about the fuel consumption of these cars.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY A TERRITORY WILL DO 11.2litres/100km in the City cycle – even with some freeway driving, just like a Kluger AWD wont do 12.2 litres/100km – so dont try to quote figures straight from manufactures specs and pass them off as real life experiences…
The BEST I have done in my Kluger is 9.8litres in a trip from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance – with four family member and the car packed with stuff.
The WORST I have done is around 17.8 litres when I way hammering it for a week – because I wanted to push it and see “how much damage” I could do to my hip pocket in terms of the fuel bill.
I average on a weekly basis at around 14 litres, at 80% city/stop/start driving and 20% freeway – bearing in mind the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne has become a car park during peak times in the last 18 months. If I take it very easy I can get it down to 13 litres, but I start becoming annoying to other drivers with the gentle take-offs, so typically I dont take it that easy.
Now thats an honest opinion on Kluger fuel, the least that people can do is quote real figures for the Territory and stop deluding themselves their achieving rates at manufactures specs – which is never achieved.
And for the record, before I bought my Kluger in 2008 I have owned (over 20 years):
EAII, EBII, AUII, BA XR6 Turbo, and then Ford Escape(V6) – yes all Fords, because I am a Ford fan, my wife drives a Ford Focus LS. I just buy the Car thats best for me, my back-pocket, and the one that I’m most comfortable in – because ultimately I dont own shares in Ford or Toyota, and I know that I’ll lose less money in a Toyota anyday over a Ford at the end of 10 years – and their just facts.
Jimmy,
No sorry I don’t know the factory figures, i just quoted you real world figures achieved, with real world driving.
Both probably 50/50 hwy/city.
Territory 11.7 l/100km
Kluger 11.9 l/100km
No BS here.
I quess by now you’ve also gotten used to the crap handling and wet wether understeer – take care and enjoy.
BTW don’t expect too much resale from the Kluger with the hire car companies volumes on them. Time will tell.
Brett, I dont experience any of the symptoms you describe.
My Kluger is an AWD and I get excellent handling and grip around corners. So next time, dont skimp on $$ and try an AWD.
Still dont believe your fuel figures, thats garbage.
As for resale value – thats why hire companies are getting Klugers – because THEIR IN BUSINESS and want to minimise their losses after 2-3 years when they want to off-load them. In other words, they dont like getting 40% back on a Territory, and prefer the 65% of a Kluger. Basic maths and business accumen son.
Westy,
I don’t work on cars or anything like that but we had a phone call from the dealer 2 months ago just before the brake line recall to tell us that there was a new engine program that had to go into the computer on both of our ghia’s to and that they were calling it a recall as our cars weren’t adr compliant with the current program.
My wife’s car was near a service and we booked her’s in. Just before hers was to go in I pranged mine and they also rang to do the brake line recall. When her car was serviced they did the brake lines and the program – which i have been told that they Flash it into the ecu – and the code for it is 57GA and the old code (still on mine which i got back today) is 57BE. This is on the engine program sticker on the front pillar in the drivers door opening.
The smash repairers were really obliging and organised the new brake lines but I haven’t the new engine program.
Great to get my car back again – Shows up all the different hire cars i have had the last 6 weeks.
Jimmy, it was an AWD Kluger. I need a car to tow a caravan and a FWD Kluger was never a consideration.
Fuel consumption figures are real, measured at the pump (not dash readouts). Perhaps you drive in the city too much.
BTW fuel consumption was benchmarked against 10.1 l/100km for BFII Fairmont. Was supposed to be a Camry but hire car co couldn’t deliver.
Interested to know what your thoughts are on the other big problems that I found with the Kluger:
1) slightly nervous at highway speeds
2) terrible blind spots
3) damn awfull convex mirror on drivers side (becoming more common I know)
4) poor driving position – high bonnet but low top of window.
Jimmy, don’t think that this is idle critisism of the Kluger, it’s not. Kluger WAS genuinely on my shopping list, I tested it seriously – and found it wanting.
And I’ve owned more Toyotas than anything else, so I’m def not against the brand either.
Bret,
I can confirm my figures of our Tezza are about the same. I get around 11.5-11.9 depending on how much city/highway we drive. Have an AWD also. If I am purely highway I see 11 flat which is excellent in my opinion with 2 children, 2 adults on board (Sometimes two dogs as well!). Recently bought one of those Rhino rack pods for the roof and that knocks the mileage about and probably adds about 0.5l/100 average for me on the long trips. Your figures are about identical to what we get for what its worth. I think the ZF 6 speed auto helps a great deal there.
Dlunn64,
I will ask my dealer as we just had ours serviced today for 45,000 service. They did the recall for the brakes but there was another one on the list I can’t quite work out. They call it Calibration of PCM which is apparently for reducing the exhaust emissions. No mention of the factory flash so I will check out with the dealer what that might be and will check my sticker on the door. Cheers for the info.
Bret, to be honest, all cars have their quirks and its a personal feel. People need to feel confident in the machine they drive, else your more prone to “making costly mistakes” on the road.
Here’s what I think in terms of the quirks you have highlighted:
1) slightly nervous at highway speeds
Jimmy A> depends what you mean by nervous..but agreed the drive feels slight more vague than the Falcons I have owned in the past – especially the AUII and the BA (and I am guessing the Territory probably feels like the BA). By vague, I mean you dont get the road feel or vibration feedback that you typically get with Fords. The chasis “floats” which lends itself to a soft (and quiet) ride – similiar to Nissans (ie. 1999-2003 Pathfinders). I quite like this feel, I dont necessarily want to hear or feel to much of the Road – especially our Roads here in Vic.
2) terrible blind spots
Jimmy A> I always to head-checks, and in almost all situations I am aware of “who” is around me. I’m not a “sudden-change” driver, so no problem for me, but agreed the 160-170 degree view isn’t the best, but never is for these style of cars.
3) damn awfull convex mirror on drivers side (becoming more common I know)
Jimmy A> My BA had convex mirros, but the Escape I had didn’t. Having now gone back to Convex of the Kluger I guess doesn’t both me, but I dont trust the mirror – especially with distance.
4) poor driving position – high bonnet but low top of window.
Jimmy A> having driven EAII and EBII Falcons, I am used to high dashboards and high bonnets, thats a typical characteristic of Fords. I do notice the top of the windscreen is slightly low, but thats because of the lower angle of the windscreen. This also creates a damn annoying blind spot at around 30 degrees at the A-pillar – so agreed the low top of windscreen creates other problems. I remember this being annoying for around the first 3-6 months, but I think I’m used to it now and I dont notice it anymore. I’m only 176cm tall, and that probably lessens the effect, I’d had to know what it would be like if I was 182cm+…
I actually do alot of City/Stop/Start driving which explains my 14l/100km, and I’m no thrasher…
Pity they dont bring the Kluger Hybrid here, only sold in the US – but then again it would probably bee too expensive here.
before buying any ford products..please read this.
Ford Falcons with potentially faulty brakes will not be recalled, the carmaker says.
This is despite Ford recalling Territory models with similar problems.
Ford communications manager Sinead McAlary said they had investigated the problem and found only a small number of BA and early BF Falcons had problems with the rear brake hoses.
In March, Ford issued a recall on more than 83,000 Territory vehicles to rectify a front brake hose problem occurring on less than two per cent of the vehicles.
McAlary said they did not have an issue with the front brakes on the Falcon.
Related Coverage
*
imageFord Territory recall: Q&A
*
imageFord Territory recall
* Ford Territory for sale
“Seventy per cent of braking is done with the front brake and they still stop well on the (faulty) rear brakes,” she said.
Ford would not recall any Falcons but would continue to perform an update on the rear brakes of affected models when they were booked in for a regular service, McAlary said.
The issue was brought to the attention of Ford after owners reported the failure to Carsguide.how funny…ford is playing the game with innocent customers.mcalary..do you know you cannot drive your car with faulty brakes regardless of front or rear one..because it is UNROADWORTHY.it’s clearly ford doesn’t concerned for customer safety…just to save the face…no wonder smart people staying away from your products..and monthly sale results confirmed that.
All the Territory knockers out there are just talking dribble, All of the Top motoring journalists still rate the Big Ford ahead of its rivals and its a 5 year old design!.
Holden had to get the Captiva from korea because the local Adventra (jacked up commodore wagon) was a huge Flop. The Toyota’s are well built but feel and handle like boats compared to the Territory.
If it comes out in EGAS or diesel, it would double its sales!
JimmyA,
The simple reality is i drive all makes and models for a living, you don’t, that allows me to judge vehicles a little more accurately than you, how can it not!?
I don’t simply rely on motoring journos, thats why we have test comparisons, to help rate vehicles against eachother, not just simple, biased opinions of one owner, like yourself.
Bashing or insinuating that motoring journos aren’t the be and end all is simply a weak argument, try again.
The territory is simply rated better for on road handling dynamics, practicality and performance over the ‘newer’ kluger, simple.
You prefer the klugers quieter drive and softer handling not to mention the fuel consumption being the same between the two.
And, you would be flat wrong in why hertz use klugers, corollas and rav-4 purely on higher resale values, try the resale value of corolla vers mazda 3, resale values of aurions, yeah no better than an XT falcon or omega VE commodore. want me to list more?
Toyota is chasing market volume just like Ford and Holden, pure and simple.
For someone who doesn’t know the auto industry, you claim to know more than you actually do.
Reserching the net doesn’t make you an expert.
I’ve just read all the banta and back and forth. Quite amuzing. I also think it amuzing the passion both the fans and Ford bashers write with. I have never owned a Territory or a Kluger or Captiva or any other soft roader-SUV. If I did it would be the Territory for the fact that it is the most Australian car on the market today. Call me a patriot… We do live in the 53rd state of America tough… Also the power and torque figures speak for themselves. Class leading torque by a long way and comparable power to the Kluger and yes, I am compelled to believe fuel consumtion figures stated by some of you. I can’t be bothered scrolling up to read who said what. But I will say this,
Ford gets a bad rap in the media over fuel consumption. The Falcon gets better fuel economy than a Commodore and now has equal best in class against the Aurion. Yet, 0.1 litres over 100km is nothing. In the real world it makes bugger all difference. The difference is in the way they are driven. I know with the SUV class the Territory in all reviews (Even the Melbourne Herald Sun Cars Guide, which is edited by a self confessed Holden die hard who makes it a concious effort every week to bash a ford for something), has been compared to a X5 and rates well above the competion in it’s price bracket. Given that is it is by a vast majority that it wins shows some consistency. Perhaps Ford Australia can make world class vehicles after all…
In my opinion… (I feel age and the wisdom that comes with age may be lacking), it would not matter which bagde the Captiva wore. I know it’s a Daewoo and need I say more.
Toyotas have a reputation for reliability. I drove A Hi-lux for four years on some of the worst roads in Australia and extensively off road for a job. Reliable and take a pounding. Hill climbs and some pretty scarry stuff.
What I want to see is an AWD Territory with a lift kit and a set of Mickey Thompson Baja Claws going off road and proving what I already suspect given the one review I did read comparing it to Kluger and GMH Crewman. In the article they said the 2WD Territory was almost as good as the competition.
I put it to anyone who reads this. Go and take the cars bush bashing and see who gets there and who comes home in one peice.
I had an EA Falcon once and I took it off road a lot. I was very mean to it and it coped very well with abuse. Bottomed out a lot but I couldn’t break it. Did jumps and everything. Two weeks for a full set of tyres without doing any burnouts was the best I did. VERY hard driving. It was on gas and I got 13 to 14 litres on gas with a 5 speed manual.
I now have an FG XR6 6 speed manual. Evidently the worst fuel economy of the non-turbo I6 Falcons. I have a spread sheet of every expense, Kms travelled etc. So far I get 10.4 average over 17,000km. I can report that the 200km/h speed limiter comes on very soft and it sits there very smoothely. It gets there quite quickly I think. Not that I do it often. It took 15,000km for the gearbox to wear in and second gear is still a little bit stiff.
In closing
SOMEONE, PUT A SET OF BAJA CLAWS ON A TERRITORY AND SEE WHERE YOU CAN GET!!!!! Until then you don’t need AWD. Just get a Falcon and have a world class car that should be available in LHD and sold all around the world. This’ll get some hackles up!! lol… The only truly Australian car, apart from the Territory, is the Falcon. Just do the research if you don’t believe me…
Dlunn64,
Not sure if you will see this or not but checked out the PCM version and we were updated from BB to BC. I will query them about why we weren’t put up to BE if that’s your version but it was just part of our service. I have noticed we are getting better economy ever since the service however so thanks again for letting us know about the flash update.
Cheers.
Yeah looks a lot like American Suburbia. Gross, gtfo
Well I pick my new Terri up tomorrow afternoon SY MKII TX AWD, in Harmony.
But can anyone in Ford please tell me why I cant get the fog lights? Ford are clearly manufacturing them.
Im very annoyed that I ordered the new car with Fog Lights and the day after I paid for it the Ford dealdership advised that Fog lights arent available. Not Happy Jan.
The dealership are refunding the cost of the lights, but not the installation cost, the installation should have been done at the factory.
Can anyone at Ford who knows the answer to this please shoot me an email. As i specifically asked for and was promised foggies & covers.
Otherwise i cant wait till tomorrow when i pickup the new limo.
Regards Lee
captain@trekkair.com
Just got my new SY Mk 2 TX AWD today.
This is my second one and to be honest, like mamy on this forum, I find it hard to go past for function, form and comfort. All this, and I’m not even a Ford man at heart. I’ve had turbo and V8 Commodores and a Honda Accord Euro (easily the best built and handling of the 8 cars I’ve owned). My last TX AWD Territory had done 83K in 22 months, was still on the original tyres and the average fuel consumption was showing 11.1l/100km. Most of my driving is on the highway to be fair. The only servicing was the brake hose recall and oil changes. In terms of plusses, the car eats the kays, eats up all the luggage my wife can pack (it’s the kids!) and handles snow, mud and heavy rain with confidence. On the minus side, like Lee says, why didn’t I get the fog lights I ordered -there is clearly a spot for them? And one other penny pinch I noted, the oddment bins in the rear cargo area don’t have lids anymore – damn accountants. As for the driving, I’m not sure if I’m making it up, but I reckon the ride feels marginally better in the new TX.
As regards the Kluger – never! Not because of anything more than for some reason I don’t make a Freddie name association – I think camel toe! Why?
Our Territory has been great. 75,000km now, nothing has gone wrong, no rust in the tailgate, or elsewhere. 4 new tyres at 60,000km. Front brakes squeaked, and had an air hose blown on them, problem solved. Rubber hoses to front brakes replaced on recall, they were in perfect condition upon inspection. Servicing CHEAP, because Australian made, and parts philosophy is “value for money.”
Fuel economy 10.5-11.5L/100km. Believe it. (6 speed auto)
Some people above want to drive a Kluger, for reasons the hip pocket may perceive, that’s fine. Good on them. Being raised in Toyota offroaders, all I can say is “enjoy the handling!”.
For me, the handling, comfort on long trips, fantastic touring ability, towing capacity, build quality, reliability of drivetrain and electrics, innovation of interior have been highlights, And the 7 seat option when needed.
Will I buy another – yes. When? Exterior/Interior at 2nd generation, dedicated multi point LPG available (now THAT is a proposition). For other people it’s a diesel, so let that be an option.
And yes, 5 years on it is competitive in its class.
As for this refresh – the most significant thing is the tan coloured interior. Wonderful, it does wonders for the car. Develop it well, if you can Ford Australia.
Forgot to mention the TORQUE. The inline six in Territory is light years ahead of the petrol V6s it competes with. Is yours scrambling and revving to find gears?
Seriously, it’s an Australian Wonder. There’s not too many of these left now, after 20 years of shipping our manufacturing overseas. National icon.
I’d love Ford to go the other way, too. 3.0L NA and Turbo versions of it in a 1400kg vehicle, WOW. Do to the 3 series what the Territory did to X5. (”Build an X5 for Falcon bucks”)
:)
have you check the ball joints yet?these dinosaurs are unroadworty mate.comparing your dinosaur to X5?your dinosaur should not be on the road because of safety concerns.JUST WAIT FOR ANOTHER RECALL FOR BALL JOINTS AND RUST.GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY FIXING YOUT CARP FOREVER.
Holden and Ford just do not get it so leave them struggle with their 4.0L engines while the rest of the world especially European cars will move on and kill them completely ….. GM is gone so Ford will be the next one …..
Ball Joints fine, “Sick of Bogans”.
No rust either. And yes, I am aware of these problems in Territories. The most I can bring to these online forums is my own experience, which has been fine with the Ford. My “dinosaur” is equally as ‘triassic’ as the BWM X5, for the design briefs are similar! Indeed, BMW copied the Territory front suspension design for the latest X5!
Honestly, I am sick of wankers. Or Australians that cringe at their own country. Your underconfidence is shattering.
“Sick of Bogans”, you cannot spell, or punctuate. You are much more likely to be the illiterate, uneducated, “bogan” type than I am. Your educators failed you.
Sick of Bogons – Butty,BMW copied the front suspension design from the Territory for there second generation x5.
Well written Jack!!!!