New Ford Territory diesel: first drive

There’s familiarity yet much needed improvement when it comes to driving Ford’s new ‘SZ’ Territory range.

Interestingly, Ford chose a very different location to introduce the biggest update to the Territory to the media than the one for the original of what was in 2004 Australia’s first locally produced purpose-built SUV; instead of New Zealand the drive kicked off from Parliament House in Australia’s capital.

Settling into the supportive and comfortable seats was a reminder of just how friendly the Territory is – both for the driver and the clan.

The higher-riding seating position is complemented by controls that fall easily to hand and good adjustability to the driver’s seat.

Those in the rear have generous leg room, while head room is plentiful all around, giving a spacious feel to the cabin that belies the seemingly more compact external dimensions. There’s also a much more up-to-date look to the interior.

A smoother-looking dash and controls borrowed from the Falcon on which the Territory shares major components creates a more cohesive and modern feel inside – all without detracting from the numerous storage options and thoughtful design of one of the country’s most popular SUVs (or four-wheel-drive-style wagons); more than 107,000 Territorys have been sold since it went on sale in 2004.

Special mention goes to the large centre console, beside-the-seat storage in the front, generous glovebox and new sliding cover that conceals the centre binnacle under the audio and ventilation controls.

The new digital screen on top of the dash is also handy, displaying audio and ventilation information close to the driver’s line of sight.

On the base model Territory TX the display is monochromatic and more basic in its operation, while still providing the essentials, including Bluetooth connectivity.

In the mid-level Territory TS, though, the full colour screen is also touch sensitive and programmed with intuitive menus. The ability to sync a Bluetooth-enabled phone or iPod – including displaying phone and music information on the screen – is also a bonus.

Materials are also a step up, right down to the chromed rings around the speaker grilles and the lighter tones. The only exception is the harder dash plastics that look good from a distance but aren’t as tactile as some, including the Falcon.

A third row of seats continues as an option on the base model Territory TX (it’s standard on TS and Titanium models) and folds neatly into the floor; five-seat Territory TX models continue with a handy reversible floor and underfloor storage. Getting into the boot is also easy thanks to the split tailgate that allows just the glass to be raised for smaller items.

The sixth and seventh seats are best left to kids and, on one car we drove, were prone to squeaking – it was like a budgie was stuck in the car.

That was the only standout negative with the four new Territory models we drove, though.

From the outset the Territory asserts itself as a user-friendly machine, with a tight turning circle, good vision and good slow speed maneuverability.

But now to the crucial issue – the new diesel engine that must make up for lost time and lost sales.

The new 2.7-litre turbo diesel V6, borrowed from former Ford-owned 4WD brand Land Rover, hesitates momentarily off the line but then reassures with a solid surge.

It’s no sports car in its pick up – the revised 4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine feels quicker on initial take-off due to its higher revving nature and top-end power – but the diesel is strong and hearty.

Throughout the narrow-ish rev range it’s well endowed and good at hill climbing and building speed. The new Territory diesel (called TDCI) is also adept at overtaking, using its prodigious pulling power to good effect.

The standard six-speed automatic is also smooth and intelligent, decisively yet slickly selecting gears and often pre-empting the driver by sometimes holding gears on a winding road or downshifting on descents.

More impressive is the refinement of the diesel engine. Listen carefully (or wind the window down) and there’s a mild clatter, but it’s well muted and smooth, even at higher engine revs.

Indeed refinement is an area where the Territory has taken a decisive leap. It’s impressively quiet and relaxed at country touring speeds, with only mild noise from the tyres – most noticeably over sharper bumps or road joins.

Body control, as with the previous model, is excellent through corners and over bumps, especially for a high-riding soft-roader that still weighs more than two tonnes.

At slower speeds there’s some fussiness to the ride that manifests itself on bumpier roads, but the trade off for the new Territory is a feeling of control and solidity.

The new electric power steering system (which uses fractionally less fuel than the hydraulic system it replaces) feels accurate and well weighted, further adding to the feeling of control.

Bigger brakes also felt reassuring on a punishing downhill run littered with tight corners and hairpins.

A well tuned stability control (Ford calls is DSC, or dynamic stability control) dabs the brakes here and there to control the car when it’s pushed harder. But even on dirt it’s well tuned and a handy assistant.

Needless to say our brief sample of the updated new SZ Territory reminded us of how competent a car the Territory has always been.

Sure, it’s not as rugged off-road as some – in previous tests we’ve established that ground clearance isn’t great – but it will comfortably tackle dirt roads or a trip to the snow while ably handling all the city can throw at it.

Current Territory buyers will welcome the freshen up and honest diesel engine, while the families flocking to SUV wagons will appreciate the thoughtfulness and ease of use of the Territory package.

It’s not as cheap as some competitors – the Holden Captiva, Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sportage are the most obvious contenders – but the premium holds up for those who want a superior driving experience that doesn’t sacrifice functionality and practicality.