The Territory's TDCi powerplant has given the Australian Ford a new lease of life, adding a surfeit of torque, impressive refinement and enhanced towing ability. Exactly what the Territory needed.
- Impressive towing ability from torquey turbo diesel
- Improved styling, higher-quality cabin
- Enjoyable to drive
- Trick sat-nav in high-spec model
Since its last update in 2006, Ford has been quietly working away on this latest iteration of the Territory, a facelift model that now includes a 2.7-litre turbo diesel engine option. That’s good news for anybody who’s in the market for a large seven-seat crossover.
The TDCi engine is a Ford-Peugeot product formerly used in some Jaguar and Land Rover models – not the latest three-litre version but still a fantastic powerplant, smooth and refined.
It’s particularly good news for those considering a Territory for recreational and/or towing purposes. Not only does the new engine give the vehicle vastly improved long-haul ability and a theoretical 1000km range, but if equipped with all-wheel drive and the factory approved heavy duty towing pack, the Territory TDCi can haul 2700kg. The rear-drive versions still manage 2300kg. All models are limited to 1600kg on a standard towbar.
As before, Territory is available in base TX and mid-grade TS specifications. The flagship Ghia has been renamed Titanium; that’s the model we tested and it comes absolutely loaded with equipment, although it also comes at a high price. At $69,990 it’s as costly as the previous Territory Ghia petrol-turbo.
You can get a TDCi cheaper: both the TX AWD and TS RWD are $59,990, while the step up to a TS AWD will cost $64,990. The least expensive Territory is still the TX petrol RWD, at $49,990 (you can no longer have a petrol model with AWD).
You don’t have to stare very hard at the Territory to see that despite the crisp new frontal styling, it’s a facelift rather than an all-new model. However, there have been some serious changes underneath to accommodate the TDCi engine, including a new front subframe. The AWD system now features a predictive torque transfer function and all models now have fuel-saving electric power steering.
The new steering set-up has not affected the Territory’s driver appeal: it’s still a hugely enjoyable vehicle to pilot, especially considering its 2167kg kerb weight. It’s responsive and rides extremely well – the perfect long-distance machine for the family, especially if you’ve opted for the Titanium with its roof-mounted DVD player. As ever, the cabin is crammed with useful storage areas and the seats are superb.
Cheap cabin materials blighted the previous Territory; the new model is much improved. The architecture is new and all but the base TX versions get a next-generation Interior Command Centre (ICC) that includes a colour touch-screen. Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are standard across the range. The Titanium also gets a slick new satellite navigation system that has the ability to suggest the most environmentally friendly route. It’s a great system, although you need to spend the big money on the Titanium to get it: the Sat Nav is not even available as an option on other Territory models.
Yes, Territory is back. Not that it ever truly went away, but it’s now a tempting option for those who do want class-leading driving characteristics and don’t have shares in an oil company.
See the Ford Territory for sale on Autotrader.
Specifications
Towing capacity 1000kg unbraked/2700kg braked (Ford heavy-duty towpack)
Power 140kW @ 4000rpm
Torque 440Nm @ 1900rpm
Transmission Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy 9.0 litres per 100km
Length 4883mm
Width 1898mm
Height 1716mm
Seating capacity Seven
Photography: Supplied