- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.0T, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
245kW, 480Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 14.2L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2006 Ford Territory Review
2006 Ford Turbo Territory Ghia: Family SUV or FBI Special Operations Vehicle?
- Speedy!, Impressive Acceleration!, Versatile and Classy in Black., Huge Boot!, Dual Climate Controls
- Zero Connectivity :(, Thirstier than a Camel!, No USB port.
Black on black rims with after-market gangster style window tint, the 2006 Ford Turbo Territory Ghia (TTG) could be mistaken for a FBI Special Ops Vehicle. Understated enough to blend with urban landscapes, but flashy enough to impress nearly 10 years post manufacture.
Since 2006 when this model was made, Ford designers haven't really changed the overall look of the Territory, choosing to modernise later models' shapes with small tweaks to grills and lights. Much like Porsche maintains the familiar shape of the 911, so too does Territory maintain its overall look.
Although this 4.0L, 6 cylinder, turbocharged petrol model has ridiculously appalling fuel consumption (nanna driving 14-16L/100km; hard fanging 19-21L /100km), making you feel personally responsible for the world energy crisis, there are many bonuses to this particular model Ford.
The TTG's interior rivals other SUV's that typically sport more luxurious reputations, even entry-level models of the Porsche Cayenne series. In 2006 the TTG was Ford's premiere model and sitting in the drivers seat, you can feel the majesty!
From fancy-pants leather seats, with factory optional third row for hanger-on-ers, to overhead storage for eye-catching Raybans! Plenty of legroom, compartment thingys, and gauges! Notably missing auto-syncing for mobile phones, digital speedo, and USB ports found in newer cars, and please ignore the tacky plastic dash.
The driver's seat has electric controls, adjustable across three planes: vertical, horizontal and tilt! Coupled with the fully adjustable steering wheel that both kisses your belly button AND lifts so high your fingertips turn white. Add an adjustable brake pedal for vertically challenged drivers and the result – the TTG suits drivers of all shapes and sizes. PLUS if you can't find the perfect driving position for longer road trips, then obviously you haven't spent enough time playing with the buttons! Just remember to save your settings with the memory feature on the seat frame.
NOTE: If the steering wheel does make-out with your belly button while driving to the corner shop, then maybe bypass the snacks and head straight for the gym! But don't go to the beach! You can't take your TTG to the beach! No driving on beach sand! Never Ever!
Remember the AWD Ford Territory IS NOT the 4WD Toyota Landcruiser.
With a quick glance the ‘A' in AWD looks like the ‘4' in 4WD! Very clever marketing automotive industry! But seriously! Did you know AWD actually means “All Wheels Dig-in”?
But I digress…back to the interior features.
The huge back seat allows napping between appointments at work, and with dark tint, no one will find you either! Actually folding the back seat into its forward position creates so much flat space you'll think you bought a van! Easily enough room to sleep out, transport sandy surfboards, or help move your friend's sofa. Soaked wetsuits and soggy towels fit nicely in the waterproof secret compartment under the reversible boot floor. And by accident, I discovered the centre console keeps cold drinks cool!
Handling is remarkable. Especially in a straight line, with a quarter full fuel tank, no passengers, empty boot, and a lead foot! Don't allow the lack of launch control to dissuade you! The TTG's 245+ kW of power and six-speed automatic transmission definitely leaves ‘em guessing back at the traffic lights! Mechanic said something about having the car ‘chipped' and ‘adjusting the cold air intake'??? Just minor after-market mods!
Caution though when attacking large circular freeway on-ramps. Body roll and centrifugal force from a two-tonne-plus car cornering at high-speed causes the walls of the 235/55 standard tyres on the 18-inch wheels to buckle under pressure. Eventually you'll also need to replace the suspension bushes that deteriorate from such excitable driving. Oh, and the brake rotors warp pretty easily too!
The super noisy reversing camera makes parking in tight spots super easy. (Now I miss those annoying beeps when reversing older non-lingual cars.) High SUV clearance means you can also jump kerbs to reach uniquely ‘royal parking spots', the ones that make other people think “Who-do-they-think-they-are parking there!”
Lastly, can you handle refuelling exclusively at 95 high-octane pumps?
Must you leave traffic intersections first every time?
Love your car masquerading as Family SUV by day and FBI Special Ops Vehicle by night?
Then get your butt into a 2006 Ford Turbo Territory Ghia!
Just remember in your mobile phone settings to name your phone “FBI Special Ops Vehicle”!