Tow Test: 2005 Ford Territory

For today's new car buyer there are passenger cars, compact SUVs, people movers, four wheel drives (4WDs) and all wheel drives (AWD) to choose from. I tested a Ford Territory AWD last year and at the time it didn't leave a lasting impression. This could have been because I had limited time to fully explore a vehicle's potential; however, after having spent three weeks with a Territory TX, I came to the conclusion that it is the type of vehicle that I could happily own.

Ford cars have been sold in Australia since 1904. Ford Motor Company of Australia was established in Geelong, Vic, as far back as 1925. Production of the Falcon began in 1960 with seven generations of Falcons produced since then. Today Ford Australia employs more than 5000 people. The assembly plant at Broadmeadows, Vic, opened in 1960 and is one of the most diverse in the Ford world. All Falcon, Fairmont, Fairlane, LTD, Territory, Utility and wagon variants are built on the same assembly line.

Territory types
The Ford Territory, available as a TX, TS and Ghia, is not a Falcon wagon with more ground clearance – it is an entirely different vehicle. While Ford would be first to admit that the Territory is not a desert-taming all-terrain vehicle, it has many of the attributes you'd expect to find in a top-of-the-range 4WD.

The Territory is also available as a rear wheel drive (RWD). The more adventurous, or anyone likely to travel along slippery surfaces, would probably opt for the AWD.

It seems to me that if a Territory is what you are looking for, you may as well go for the AWD as this has additional features, in regard to traction and hill descent that adds to safety.

The Territory appears much larger than its stablemate the BA Falcon, but there is very little difference between the two. The Territory is actually 60mm shorter than a Falcon sedan and 200mm less in length than the wagon. Territory's width is about 30mm greater. In the height department the Territory gains 270mm over the sedan but only beats the wagon by 230mm.

Onroad stability, both towing and solo, is enhanced by the longer wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) and the wider track (distance between the left and right wheels). While the front overhang is about the same as the Falcon's, the rear overhang on the Territory is 100mm less, allowing the towball to be closer to the rear axle, which is always desirable.

When it comes to interior space the Territory has many advantages over the Falcon. This is surprising considering the external dimensions are similar. In regards to front and rear headroom, leg room, shoulder room and hip room the Territory offers much more than the Falcon.

Check out the kerb or unladen mass and you'll notice a few differences. Whereas the six-cylinder Falcon weighs a little under 1700kg, the Territory registers around the 2000kg mark for the five-seater RWD and AWD and seven-seater RWD models. For the seven-seater AWD Ghia add another 100kg.

In comparison to the Ford Explorer 4WD, the Territory falls short only in ground clearance and approach and departure angles, the latter coming into play only when trying to negotiate gullies or dry creek beds with steep sides. The Territory's interior space is a clear winner compared to the Explorer.

Anyone familiar with the current model Falcon will feel right at home as the interior is not unlike the BA's. Many of the mechanical bits including the engine also come from the BA. The TX RWD has air-conditioning, CD player, trip computer, power driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls, 60:40 split second row seat, 12V outlets in front console, second row seat console and rear luggage area and power adjustable pedals. The last is a great innovation, making it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel irrespective of driver's size.

There is also Sports Shift automatic transmission (the Territory comes only as an auto), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control (TC) and Grade Control Logic (GCL).

TC reduces wheel spin and instability when accelerating in corners or on loose or wet surfaces. The GCL system can determine when the vehicle goes downhill and increases speed without the accelerator being pushed. If the brakes are then applied the transmission will downshift to provide engine braking to maintain the desired speed.

In addition the TX AWD gets Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Optional Hill Descent Control (OHDC). The DSC uses steering wheel input to determine where the driver wishes the vehicle to go when cornering or swerving. If the DSC senses that the vehicle is likely to stray from the chosen path (referred to as understeer or oversteer) brakes can be applied on individual wheels and if necessary power reduced to maintain the direction of travel.

OHDC is ideal for loose or slippery surfaces. It is activated by a switch on the dash. The ABS system then comes into operation, controlling the speed of the vehicle when descending a hill. The cruise control '+' and '-' buttons are used to select the appropriate speed.

Features added to the mid-range TS RWD Territory include Dual Zone air-conditioning, six-stack CD player with seven speakers, cruise control, side curtain airbags, overhead console, load area cargo shelf and 17-inch alloy wheels. As with the TX AWD, the TS AWD has the DSC and OHDC.

The top-of-the-range Territory Ghia has, in addition to all of the above, leather seats and steering wheel, six-way power adjusted driver's seat with memory, automatic headlamps on-off, electrochromatic rear vision mirror, fog lamps, cargo net and reverse sensing system.

And if all that is not enough you can choose from a long list of options including a cargo area liner, CD wallet, child activity organiser, dash mat, Day Tripper fridge, pollen filter and window shades.

On the road
The fact that my wife, who compares everything she drives to a Toyota Echo, enjoyed driving the Territory in both the country and city, is much more than a cursory endorsement. Two features that stood out were the adjustable pedals and seat that allowed a commanding but comfortable driving position without being on top of the steering wheel.

On the road, whether it's rough or smooth, the Territory feels very safe. Handling is excellent and body roll almost non-existent thanks to the excellent suspension dynamics. In the rough Territory takes bumps in its stride. Steering and braking is smooth and progressive and requires little effort.

Although there will be a few 4WD purists who will be critical of the ground clearance and the absence of Low Ratio for those steep hills, the reality is that the Territory AWD will take most drivers wherever they want to go, and do it in comfort. Often getting through some soft sand or mud has more to do with technique than the vehicle's capabilities.

It is probably the ride quality that sets the Territory apart from the Falcon. Not that it is rough, far from it. But it is firm. However after a few days it seems par for the course. And with several passengers on board, or in our case with the area behind the front seat filled to the brim after we dropped off the van, the ride came into its own.

Although, like the Falcon, the Territory has a towing capacity of 2300kg, in my opinion it is much better suited to this amount of load than the Falcon. Everything considered, I believe that the Falcon is much happier with 2000kg or less.

The Territory certainly didn't have any difficulties coping with our 1900kg Roadstar even though we encountered some of the strongest winds that I can remember.

To recap, the Territory has attributes like a long wheelbase, wide track and short overhang at the rear. And the kerb mass of 2000kg and firm suspension also help when it come to stable towing. The available power was more than adequate with overtaking manoeuvres being managed quickly and safely. Of course, the 380Nm of engine torque doesn't go astray.

Needless to say, we used a 250kg weight-distributing hitch. Ford had supplied one of its hitches but for whatever reason the hole in the receiver and the one in the shank didn't line up. So out came the well used Hayman Reese hitch, which matched up fine.

Murphy was on hand to make sure that we weren't going to come up with the goods in regard to fuel economy. The elements were definitely against us when we headed towards SA's south east.

As the Roadstar van provided by Donehue's Leisure was in Adelaide we had first to climb over the Mt Lofty Ranges. These are never kind to fuel usage. By the time we reached Tailem Bend the trip computer informed us that the engine had consumed fuel at the rate of 22.5L/100km (12.5 mpg), but I reasoned that from now on it was flat terrain and things would improve drastically.

On this particular day, however, the wind must have started picking up speed near the Antarctic before heading straight for the Coorong. It was the sort of day that, if you didn't have to be somewhere at an appointed time, you'd stay put. But we had arranged to be at the National Caravan Clubs Rally to get ourselves organised.

Even at 80km/h the fuel consumption wasn't any better than going up the Ranges. We probably could have gone a little slower but as most people appeared to be sitting on 80, it seemed like a sensible speed. It wasn't until we drove from Lucindale to Mt Gambier after the rally when the winds had abated somewhat, that we managed figures that indicated that the Territory could do better.

With the cruise control set on 90km/h, the big Ford managed 18.5L/100km (15.5mpg). Remember this is a four-litre petrol engine pulling along a combined weight of nearly 4 tonnes. I suspect that under average towing conditions the Territory would probably return consumption figures similar to a Falcon.

Once we dropped the van back at Donehue's Leisure in Mt Gambier it was a different story. At 100km/h consumption was 12.4L/100km (23mpg). And that was with near to 300kg of caravanning gear in the car.

It has been a long time since we used a car that generated so much interest as the Ford Territory. At the rally we were constantly asked about the vehicle. When it comes to caravanners the Territory seems to have hit the right note. It is not too big or too small, powerful enough for any towing load without being excessively thirsty, comfortable and spacious and looks great. You can't ask much more than that.

It is a worthy winner of the 2004 Australian Design Award and the Best Recreational 4WD. I wonder what the local dealer would offer as a trade-in for the trusty EF Fairmont?

The Broadmeadows Ford assembly plant conducts tours every third Friday of the month at 1pm. If you have a group of 15, other times are available.

Ring (03) 9359 8211 for further information, or visit www.ford.com.au

Ford Territory AWD
Engine:  4.0L DOHC VCT Inline six cylinder
Max. power: 182kW@5000 rpm
Max. torque: 380Nm@3250 rpm
Transmission: four-speed automatic with sequential Sports Mode
Length: 4856mm
Width: 1898mm
Height: 1714mm
Wheelbase: 2842mm
Ground clearance: 178mm
Kerb mass: 1995-2125kg (depending on model)
Rear Axle Load: 1530kg max
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Suspension: front – Virtual Pivot Control Link, rear – Control Blade IRS
Brakes: front – ventilated discs with twin piston calipers, rear – vented discs with single piston calipers
Fuel tank capacity: 75 litres
Fuel economy as per ADR 81/01: RWD – 13.1L/100km; AWD – 13.5L/100km
Towing capacity: standard towbar – 1600kg (max. towbar download 160kg heavy-duty towbar – 2300kg (max. towbar download 230kg)

Giddy Up Ghia

By Tony Allsop

The new Ford Territory is already one of the top-selling vehicles in Australia and several motoring organisations and magazines have named it Car Of The Year, but is it a good tow vehicle?

On paper it looks very good. The rear suspension is a beefed up version of the Falcon's, but the front suspension is entirely new, incorporating the advanced Virtual Pivot Control Link system with a front-mounted steering rack (forward of the front axle.) This works extremely well, giving a tight (11.4m) turning circle; it is also used by several Mercedes, Audi and BMW models.

Large 17in wheels are fitted to all models complete with ventilated disc brakes (322mm) to each wheel. Having many Falcon components should mean ready availability of spares, lower prices and, possibly, cheaper insurance.

Towing capacity is 1600kg with the standard pack or a respectable 2300kg with the heavy-duty pack with tow hitch and stabiliser bars supplied.

Although we drove both 2WD and AWD versions, for this story we chose the top-of-the-range Territory Ghia AWD.

Our test covered some 2000km on a Queensland run from Mackay to Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, including the Kuranda range, dirt roads on the Tablelands and then 400km towing our 16ft (4.9m), 1600kg caravan.

Our first impression after jumping out of our previous 4WD, a Ford Explorer, was that the Territory drove like a car. It was very smooth, quiet and noticeably more powerful. It sat stable and flat when cornering, and has that excellent turning circle. It also seemed cooler after sitting on the street in our hot north Qld summer, which equates to better insulation.

The driver's seat has electric adjustments and can be set in three memory positions; the steering wheel also has adjustments up and out while the foot pedals have a backwards/forwards electric adjustment. These positions should be good enough to suit almost everyone. Getting in and out was a breeze; both my wife Denyse and I were able to just slide in.

Ford has supplied heaps of extra bins and storage pockets, including water bottles, and a lockable drawer under the driver's seat was a winner with me. The rear door is a two-way system, with the glass section opening independently; alternatively, the whole door opens upwards. Split rear seats allow the storage of long items.

We found the 4.0 litre Falcon motor pulls strongly but sounds quieter than it does in the Falcon, in fact the Territory is a very quiet vehicle and the gearbox changes are hardly noticeable.

On dirt roads we found it reluctant to break away, mainly due to the safety equipment such as ABS brakes, and Ford's engineering features such as Dynamic Stability Control, EBD and Acutrac Plus.

An emergency stop on the dirt had us pulling up in an orderly straight line, as it should. Ford's sequential gearbox system adds to the driving possibilities, and the AWD has a lower diff ratio to keep driving performance up to the 2WD version's.

Ground clearance is an adequate 178mm, but keep in mind this is not a "go anywhere" vehicle.

The brakes need a bit of pushing initially, but then they stop you quite quickly; the Territory as tested weighs in at 2125kg with seven seats fitted. Steering was firm but not heavy, and it tracked true, even on the rough corrugations, which the suspension handled well. Our electric brake controller was fitted under the dash above my left knee, and was easy to see and control by hand if required.

On a wet day towing our van, there was no sign of breaking away on the slippery road. Vision was very good through the large front windscreen.

Cruise control was simple to use as was the computer program and dual-zone climate control air-conditioner, which Denyse loved. She also liked the comfortable leather seats and large rear storage area with the third row of seats folded down.

The Territory pulled our van up the few hills between Bowen and Mackay in third gear with power to spare (we towed in third gear as Ford recommends), and on a back dirt road I always felt in control of the car and caravan. The Territory ironed out the corrugations, giving a very secure feeling on the gravel road.

The heavy-duty tow pack sold by Ford includes a tow hitch and weight-distribution bars. Unfortunately the hitch has no height-adjustment holes as does the Hayman Reese one, and the HR hitch will not fit the Territory's square hitch receiver. Our caravan lined up perfectly though, and the hitch and bars supplied are lighter and shorter than our old HR ones, a plus for us.

While towing at the recommended speeds we felt no sway and would be quite confident in towing our van at speed limits throughout the country.

When descending hills, if I touched the brakes the Territory automatically changed down a gear, a feature I liked.

In fact the Territory pulled our van very well, better than previous 4WD vehicles we have tested and we were very impressed.

The downsideM
Yes, it is thirsty. Ford recommends towing in Third (Performance Automatic Mode as they call it) and not to use fourth gear, which means using the sequential gear system so you have to change up manually all the time. The gearbox will change down for you, but the driver has to change gears from First through Third after stopping. This may be a problem for "automatic only" drivers.

It is acceptable to tow in automatic (Drive) mode unless the vehicle is hunting through the gears, going up hills or labouring in top gear. Ford prefers a towing limit of around 1600kg if towing in Drive mode. This should give better fuel consumption and enable people to keep it in Drive when towing through towns or slow speed areas.

Keeping it in third gear we towed at 90km/h at 2600rpm; 100km/h brought the rev counter up to 3000rpm. Our overall average fuel consumption while towing at 80-90km/h was 19.8L/100km. On the highway, without the van it dropped to 12.8L/100km.

The car has done only 3000km, and Ford suggests it will improve after another few thousand kilometres.

I felt at least one more gear would help. This is a strong motor and gearbox and my feeling is that on a later model, Ford may well bring in a fifth gear.

Another small problem was a blind spot out of the rear window. Rear pillars are fairly large and created a blind spot for me.

A blind spot occurs also if the rear headrests are up, although as it's wider than the Falcon, my towing side mirrors, which attach to the mudguards, gave excellent vision; better than any other vehicle so far tested.

I feared the automatic sensors at the rear may have been a problem when reversing with the van hooked up, but you can turn them down or off by using the radio volume control.

Released in December was the Ford Territory Intelligent Bull Bar System, which is linked into the safety system, including airbags. This has been in development for two years and is made of black low-density polyethylene with an inner steel framework.

At the time of writing the latest warranty terms I saw advertised were five years or 100,000km, but an extended warranty up to six years/160,000km is available.

Overall I feel the locally built Ford Territory makes an excellent tow vehicle. The handling qualities, quietness and almost effortless towing pleasantly surprised me.

This is a smooth, comfortable AWD, let down possibly only by the fuel consumption and lack of a fifth gear.

Hopefully the fuel consumption figures will improve as the mileage creeps up.

For people who want the good, high vision of a 4WD, the comfort of a large sedan, the safety of an AWD, some offroad ability and good towing capability, but do not require a full 4WD with a low-range gearbox, this may be for you.