- 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 Turbo review
It's thirsty work taking on the world's best at their own game - but worth it, writes BILL McKINNON.
Sure-footed thing
Ford's new Territory Turbo gives the company a credible competitor to high-performance V8 German four-wheel-drive wagons - Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Porsche Cayenne - at about half the price.
The entry level Territory Turbo costs $53,990; the Ghia is $65,490. Both are full-time, high-range 4WDs and, unlike the naturally aspirated Territory, there's no rear-drive version.
We took the Ghia on a 3000km test through north-west NSW, via Moree, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Bourke, Coonamble and Coonabarabran.
Anecdotal evidence from a few Territory owners suggests that while mechanical reliability is OK, fit and finish is patchy; bits and pieces in the cabin can occasionally fail or fall off and the car is quick to develop an assortment of squeaks and rattles.
Our test route, which included long stretches of punishing, high-speed dirt roads littered with potholes, corrugations and bulldust, would soon expose such problems.
The 4.0-litre, 24-valve, six-cylinder (from the Falcon XR6 turbo) produces 245kW of power at 5250rpm and 480Nm of torque at 2000rpm - 29 per cent and 25 per cent respectively greater than the naturally aspirated engine.
The six-speed ZF automatic gearbox, also from the XR6 turbo, is recalibrated for smoother shifts.
Suspension is basically unchanged: independent four link at the front (with larger springs) and trailing arm at the rear. Traction and stability control systems have been tweaked for less aggressive intervention on the Turbo.
Brakes are twin-piston front calipers (from the BA GT Falcon) with larger discs. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard.
No slouch in its standard 190kW, six-speed form, the turbocharged version is a rocket. It launches from rest to 100kmh in only 7.2 seconds. Our clock shows that's a couple of tenths quicker than the 5.0-litre, 225kW V8 Mercedes M-Class, just under a second quicker than the 5.7-litre, 240kW V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee ($70,990) and nearly two seconds quicker than the 4.5-litre, 250kW V8 Porsche Cayenne S.
We haven't timed the 4.4-litre, 235kW V8 BMW X5. BMW claims 7.0 seconds to 100kmh but the German factories have some of the most optimistic stopwatches in the business.
Such figures suggest explosive performance from the Territory but in most situations it's relaxed, refined and effortless in its delivery. There's no sensation of turbo-lag or off-boost weakness at low revs. However, when you want the performance you paid for, it arrives without delay. Put your foot down and the Territory Turbo takes off.
So does fuel consumption, which compares to a V8 4WD and is similarly wide-ranging, depending on how you use your right foot. Absolute best on the highway is 11-12 litres/100km. We averaged 14-15L/100km. The tank holds only 68 litres, so we were filling up every 400km or so. In town, you're doing well to stay on the right side of 20L/100km.
The six-speed auto (used also in the BMW X5) easily absorbs the extra torque without loss of refinement. Kickdown is immediate and the adaptive programming is more accurate than most in interpreting your driving style.
As with other bitumen-oriented 4WDs, the Territory's open-road handling is greatly improved if you raise tyre pressures by 10 per cent or so above the manufacturer's recommendation, which we did on the test.
It is confident and stable on bitumen or dirt. Roadholding at speed on severe corrugations is brilliant. Body movement is properly controlled and the grip is secure.
The Territory has direct steering by class standards. Wider, lower profile tyres enhance steering feedback and precision.
Ride is firm, yet compliant and comfortable at all speeds, even with the raised tyre pressures. We have had occasional complaints from rear seat passengers about discomfort, though. The brakes have adequate power and excellent fade resistance. Pedal feel can be inconsistent.
Inside, the layout is unchanged from the naturally aspirated Territory, though the trim is darker. Extra bling in the Ghia includes high-gloss black dash trim and tacky fake metallic instrument surrounds.
The base model gets air-conditioning, power-adjustable pedals, front airbags, sports front seats with fabric and fake suede trim, power windows and mirrors, anti-lock brakes, stability control and a single CD player.
Move up to the Ghia and there's leather upholstery with pretty silver stitching, a reverse park camera, curtain airbags, dual-zone air-conditioning, in-dash six-stack CD and a power driver's seat with memory.
The driver's seat is heavily bolstered, supportive and good for a 1000km day. Long travel, reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and adjustable pedals make it easy for drivers to tailor their driving position precisely.
Contoured, leather-wrapped steering wheels are fitted to both models.
There's generous head and legroom in the middle seat, a firm, long cushion that's wide enough for three and a flat backrest. The Ghia's seat has 110mm of travel. Three child restraint anchors are fitted to the back of the seat.
The roof-hinged tailgate can be opened entirely, or the window only. The cargo area is large, with a square floor that's low and easy to load. It can be extended with the 60-40 split middle seat to a flat two metres, without compromising front seat travel. Extra storage is under the floor.
A solid cargo cover, net (in the Ghia), 12-volt outlet and side bins are provided. A full-sized spare on an alloy wheel is mounted externally under the rear.
We hammered the Territory Turbo across some of the nastiest tracks in north-west NSW but failed to induce any quality or durability problems. Nothing came loose or fell off. Dust sealing was outstanding. The car finished the test as tight as when it started.
Fit and finish is relatively rough, though, with some big trim gaps, burred edges and inconsistent alignment. That's a Ford Australia manufacturing characteristic, equally evident in the Falcon.
In other respects, the Territory Turbo is world class. It goes, handles, steers and rides as competently and enjoyably as the big dollar German V8 4WDs. At the price, it walks away with value for money and performance prizes in any luxury 4WD contest.