The Ford Territory is a mid-sized, crossover SUV designed and built in Australia which made its first appearance in 2004. Little time elapsed before it had achieved best-seller status, and it received Wheels magazine’s much sought-after Car of the Year Award in 2004.
In November, 2012, motoring.com.au reported that the 150,000th Territory had been sold. Encouraging cars news appeared back in August, with the revelation that Territories were to be exported to Thailand following its warm reception at the Bangkok Motor Show. Fiestas, Focuses and Rangers have traditionally traveled in the other direction. The reaction of the car industry to the Territory has been positive, with reviewers impressed by the quality of the drive and popularity among the general public.
Despite its considerable size, the Territory handles as if it were a sedan. It’s both a sophisticated and sporty urban wagon suitable for weekdays and the perfect vehicle for family getaways on weekends. Five or seven adults can be accommodated within. Four- and rear-wheel drive variants are available.
The 2012 Ford Territory resulted from a widespread update to its appearance, both in and out. As a consequence, the Territory appears bold and stylish, and maintains Ford’s kinetic design. Chris Svensson, Ford’s design director for the Asia Pacific and African regions, said that the Territory appears to move even when stationary.
The Territory is quite rugged. To the front is a new, tri-plane front end arrangement. The main grille is trapezoid in shape, and is one of the car’s most striking updated features. The front and rear lights now have a slim line appearance, with their projector beam technology being another of the Territory’s very distinguished features. The fender has undergone a redesign which has left it sculpted. A lower rocker, resurfaced door cladding, and bold wheel lips highlight the athleticism of this car.
The 2012 Ford Territory features an easy-to-navigate advanced eight-inch color touchscreen that either the driver or passenger can comfortably use. Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity allows almost any gadget to be attached. The Interior Command Center enables people in the front seats to control ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. At its base can be found a storage area, which is a new feature.
The availability of a diesel variant of the Territory sets it apart from the Toyota Kluger. Its engine is either 0.7 gallons for diesel or 1.06 gallons for petrol, and both deliver a generous degree of power and good acceleration. The mileage of 36mpg for diesel and 22.2mpg for petrol is startlingly low for such a large vehicle, and resolves the oft-heard grumble that this car guzzled fuel, which is a prime consideration for today’s consumers.
The wheels of the Territory follow the contours of tarmac, and the transition between gravel and dirt is barely noticeable. Braking is powerful and doesn’t fade. This latest Territory is almost free of wind noise and tire roar, resulting in a cabin whose quietness is better than its nearest competitors by quite a margin. In general, the Territory seems much costlier than it really is.
Powered windows and mirrors, a reversing camera, and remote central locking are present in all models, while the TS and Titanium versions boast sat nav. 5,950 pounds can be towed, causing one reviewer to jest that the Territory was able to tow a cruise ship. In terms of safety, there are emergency brake assist, traction control, hill descent stability control, a collapsible steering column, rollover mitigation, and airbags at the front and side and the driver’s knee.
The Territory makes less noise than the BMW X5 3.00DT and puts the engine of the Holden Captiva 7CX to shame. The Territory has been very successful in Australia and the new features of the latest model enhance a formula that was indisputably well-designed in the first place.
