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Ford Territory (Australia)

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Ford Territory
Overview
ManufacturerFord Australia
Production2004–present
AssemblyAustralia: Campbellfield, Victoria
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size SUV
Body style5-door wagon
PlatformFord EA169
RelatedFord Falcon (BA)
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L Barra I6 (petrol)
4.0 L Barra I6 (turbocharged petrol)
2.7 L Duratorq V6 (turbocharged diesel)
Transmission4-speed automatic (SX; SY RWD)
6-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic (SY AWD; SZ RWD)
6-speed Ford 6R80 (SZ diesel)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,842 mm (111.9 in)
Length4,856 mm (191.2 in)
Width1,898 mm (74.7 in)
Height1,714 mm (67.5 in)
Curb weight2,015–2,045 kg (4,442–4,508 lb)

The Ford Territory is a crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) built by Ford Australia that was introduced in April 2004. It is based on the EA169 platform introduced by the 2002 Ford Falcon (BA), and its internal project codename was E265. Winner of various automotive awards since its introduction, the Territory was the first SUV to win the coveted Australian title of Wheels Car of the Year in 2004, courtesy of car-like handling and great practicality.

Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations were available for the Australian market. AWD models have an optional Hill Descent Control system, using the anti-lock braking system to control the car's motion downhill.

Reflecting its SUV design, seating capacity in the Territory is for either five (two rows) or seven (three rows) passengers. All seating rows are arranged in a "theatre style", whereby the first row is the lowest and the last row is the highest. The middle and back rows fold flat into the floor to maximise cargo volume.

Ford introduced the Territory alongside the existing Falcon wagon, which was built on the same Broadmeadows Assembly production line.[1] Ford Australia senior executives expected the Falcon wagon to be discontinued soon after the introduction of the Territory, surmising that Falcon wagon sales would substantially decline as fleet buyers migrated to the Territory. However, the two models co-existed for a while because the Falcon wagon retained much of its fleet sales base and the Territory appealed mainly to private buyers. In any event, the production of the Falcon station wagon was terminated in September 2010.[2]

The Territory is sold in New Zealand, and exports to South Africa began in 2005, and those to Thailand in 2006 (although the Thai range was restricted to only the top-of-the range AWD Ghia and, later, Titanium specification when re-released in 2012).

By October 2016 all Ford Australia production will cease, including the Territory.[3]

Ford R7 concept

Ford R7 concept car exhibited at the former Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong, Australia

The Ford R7 is a concept SUV which was developed by Ford Australia under the auspices of the late Geoff Polites and was revealed at the 2002 Australian International Motor Show held in Melbourne.[4] The R7 became a production model two years later as the Ford Territory.[4]

SX (2004–2005)

Ford Territory Ghia AWD (SX)
Ford Territory TX AWD (SX)

The first Territory series, produced between April 2004 and September 2005, was known as the SX series. Ford reportedly spent A$500 million on developing this vehicle over a period of four years.

Appearance-wise, the Territory adopted styling cues from the North American Freestyle and Taurus X, which proved to be a defining factor for the support of Ford executives at the head office in Dearborn, Michigan. Simon Butterworth, who was behind the major restyling of the Falcon that resulted in the 2002 BA series, styled the Territory and had previously worked with his American counterpart, J Mays, to develop the global Ford "DNA". Marcus Hotblack worked on the Territory's interior, inspired by the functionality of a Swiss army knife. As a result, the Territory has such convenient features as flexible cup holders and a handbag holder to the side of the seat for female drivers, recognising that many SUV buyers are family women.

The SX Territory was the first Australian-built vehicle to be fitted with an electronic stability control system and side curtain airbags (optional on TX but standard on all other models). In addition, Territory is the first SUV to have won the Australian Wheels Car of the Year award, in 2004.

The SX series offered RWD or AWD with power derived from the 182 kilowatts (244 hp), 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) 4.0-litre DOHC straight-six Barra petrol engine from the BA Falcon, paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox. All models were renowned for high fuel consumption, averaging between 13–17 L/100 km (18–14 mpg‑US; 22–17 mpg‑imp).[5]

Model range

At launch, the SX range of models (and Australian retail prices[6]) were:

  • TX: base package (RWD: A$38,990; AWD: A$42,990);
  • TS: family safety package (RWD: A$44,790; AWD: A$48,790);
  • Ghia: luxury package (RWD: A$49,290; AWD: A$53,290);.

An Alpine DVD entertainment system for rear passengers, with 10.2-inch screen and infrared headphones, was offered as standard or optional depending on the model variant.

Australian and New Zealand SX series models are slightly different visually: all models sold in New Zealand have body-colour bumpers and alloy wheels, including the base model. Front light detail resembles that of jewellery in a black box. In New Zealand, the only RWD model is the base version and all other models have AWD; while in Australia, all models are available both traction setups.

The colour range included: Indiana, Envi, Lightning Strike, Mandarin, Offshore, Silhouette, Winter White, Zest.

SY (2005–2009)

Ford Territory Ghia AWD (SY)

The SY was primarily a mechanical upgrade with no significant visual differentiation, which was introduced in October 2005. Its key features included: increased engine power; new automatic transmission for AWD models; and, as a first for an Australian-built vehicle, a reverse parking camera (optional on the TS and standard on Ghia). The TS now featured standard reverse sensors. All models received a new key design, and on cars built after May 2006, the plastic rear cladding along the bottom edge of the rear tailgate changed to be pressed into the sheet metal.

The SY was powered by a revised 4.0-litre DOHC straight-six engine now producing 190 kilowatts (250 hp) and 383 N⋅m (282 lb⋅ft). The previous DSI four-speed automatic transmission was retained with minor updates for RWD models; AWD models now featured the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission that contributed to improved fuel consumption.

The 2006 Territory Turbo was AWD-only and its turbocharged version of the base model produced 245 kW (329 hp) and 480 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft). Being AWD, it was only available with the then new six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The 2008 FPV F6X was also AWD-only and therefore fitted only with the above six-speed automatic transmission. Its engine generated 270 kW (360 hp) and 550 N⋅m (410 lb⋅ft), resulting in the vehicle accelerating from 0–100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) in 5.9 seconds.[7]

Model range

FPV F6X AWD (SY)

The range remained unchanged except for the introduction, in mid-2006, of a Territory Turbo available in standard trim or luxury Ghia. It was powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre DOHC straight-six version of the Barra engine that, thanks to costs considerations and the Australian market preference for performance variants, took priority over the introduction of a mooted diesel variant to curtail high fuel consumption.

At launch, the original SY range of models (and Australian retail prices[8]) were:

  • TX (RWD: A$39,490; AWD: A$43,990);
  • TS (RWD: A$46,330; AWD: A$51,330);
  • Ghia (RWD: A$51,820; AWD: A$56,320).

At its subsequent launch, the AWD-only standard Turbo and Ghia models instead cost A$53,990 and A$65,490, respectively.[9]

The first Territory TX-based limited editions emerged:

  • SR – released in February 2006, and re-released in June 2008;
  • SR2 – released in October 2008.

On 29 February 2008, a higher petrol performance variant was introduced by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), marketed as the "FPV F6X" and retailing from A$75,990. It was the first non-Falcon vehicle for this Ford subsidiary and it was previewed at the October 2007 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The F6X was powered by the same 270-kilowatt (360 hp) turbocharged engine as that of the Falcon-based FPV F6 sedan.[10]FPV was responsible for the F6X concept cars—the P-SUV based on mechanicals of the eventual Territory Turbo (FPV Open Day – February 2007)—and the F6X motor show preview of the eventual production model launched. The lack of sufficient differentiation between the standard Ford Turbo and the significantly more expensive FPV variant meant that the latter had limited sales success, resulting in it being discontinued in June 2009 when the SY II series was introduced.

At launch, colours (non-FPV) included: Winter White, Wired, Lightning Strike, Silhouette, Mercury Silver, Kashmir, Dejavu, Icon, Indiana.

Subsequent colours (non-FPV) included: Steel, Grace, Flare, Conquer, Silk, Ego, Seduce, Neo, Velvet, Sensation.

SY II (2009–2011)

Ford Territory TX (SY II)
Ford Territory TX (SY II)

The SY II series was a facelift revealed at the 2009 Australian International Motor Show held in Melbourne. It featured a mildly restyled front-end and other minor exterior changes, improved interior trim (with the previous upholstery colour schemes replaced by more contemporary ones) and improved suspension design. Powertrains remained unchanged, except for the axing of the 270 kW (360 hp) "FPV F6X".

The SY II received a revised front suspension to address a well documented weakness in the front lower ball-joints.[11] Specifically, the original design had the ball joints under constant tension, which resulted in some complete failures of the joint (causing the wheel to detach from the suspension and steering) and premature wear requiring lower control arm replacements after as little as 30,000 kilometres (19,000 mi). With the new design, the lower ball-joints was now under compression thus eliminating the premature wear issue.

Model range

The SY II Territory range and upgrades (plus Australian retail prices at launch[12]) were:

  • TX: with body-coloured bumpers and alloy wheels standard (RWD: A$39,490; AWD: A$44,490);
  • TS: body-coloured bumpers, new alloy wheels, seven-seater with third-row standard (RWD: A$44,490; AWD: A$49,990).
  • Ghia: external mirrors mounted side indicators, new alloy wheels, privacy glass for the rear passenger and cargo windows (RWD: A$52,490; AWD: A$57,490).

To rationalize the performance variants, the Turbo was now available in the latter luxury specification (for A$66,420) and the "FPV F6X" was axed due to poor low demand.

A TS Limited Edition was marketed in December 2009 and October 2010 to stimulate sales by providing Ghia-derived fittings.

At launch, colours included: Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Velvet, Harmony, Sensation, Steel, Ego, Seduce, Mystic, Winter White, Kashmir.

Through the addition of a front passenger seatbelt warning chime implemented on cars produced from 11 January 2010, the entire Territory range qualified for a full five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash test score. Models produced prior to this date only had a four-star rating.[13]

SZ (2011–2014)

Ford Territory Titanium TDCi AWD (SZ)
Ford Territory Titanium TDCi AWD (SZ)

Known as the SZ series,[14] Ford Australia released official photos of this facelifted edition on 8 February 2011. Its development cost was some A$230 million.[15]

In line with Ford's internationally adopted Kinetic Design, the car features a large lower air intake and thin upper grille. Titanium models feature LED daytime running lights, in lieu of the fog lights fitted on the mid-spec TS. At the rear, the car features horizontal tail lights, replacing the vertical lights on previous editions. On the inside, courtesy of the FG Falcon upgrades, the higher-range Territory models also inherited an eight-inch colour touch screen.[16] New safety features include a driver's knee airbag and updated stability control system, now version 9.0 by Bosch incorporating an anti-roll-over function.[17]

Mechanically, the SZ series introduced for the first time in Ford Australia's locally made vehicles, a diesel powerplant (whose cost and development in previous editions was postponed in favour of the turbo petrol variant of 2006). It also introduced an electric power-assist steering system (EPAS) used on the American Ford Mustang, which was also poised for introduction on the Falcon.[18]

The engines range of the SZ series comprised the usual but further upgraded 4.0-litre DOHC straight-six petrol engine only for the RWD Territory, and a turbocharged direct injection 2.7-litre engine V6 engine marketed as "Duratorq" for the RWD and AWD Territory models. Petrol-engined AWD models are no longer offered. The petrol engine, now compliant with Euro 4 emission standards, generates 195 kW (261 hp) and 391 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft). At launch, the diesel engine was a seven-year old Ford AJD-V6/PSA DT17 engine notably used by Land Rover on its Discovery 3 series but also shared with Peugeot and Citroen. The engine reportedly emits up to 25 percent less CO2 compared to the petrol engine.[19]

Across the range, two types of six-speed automatic transmission became default depending on model variants. For petrol-engined RWD—the ZF 6HP26 transmission; for diesel-engined RWD and AWD the ZF-based, 6R80 transmission produced by Ford in the United States is used.[20]

Model range

The range remained the same except for the Titanium replacing the Ghia, reflecting a similar changes made to the related Ford Falcon (FG) range.

The SZ range and key features or upgrades (plus Australian retail prices at launch[21]) were as follows:

  • TX: 17-inch alloy wheels, iPod/USB integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity and cruise control). Available in RWD petrol (A$39,990), RWD diesel (A$43,240), AWD diesel (A$48,240);
  • TS: as above but with 18-inch alloy wheels plus 4-way power adjustable driver seat, 8-inch colour touch screen, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control, premium audio system and reversing camera, standard 7-seat capacity. Available in RWD petrol (A$46,990), RWD diesel (A$50,240), AWD diesel (A$55,240);
  • Titanium: as above plus different 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, external mirrors mounted side indicators, chrome detailed front grille, 6-way power adjustable driver seat with 3 memory settings, privacy glass for the rear passenger & cargo windows, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, satellite navigation with Traffic Message Channel, Alpine DVD entertainment system for rear passengers with 10.2-inch screen and infrared headphones, leather seat trim (in "Shadow" black or "Cashmere" beige). Available in RWD petrol (A$54,990), RWD diesel (A$58,240), AWD diesel (A$63,240).

The Titanium model has proven to be the most popular variant and the SZ series saw Ford Australia reach a significant manufacturing milestone by building 150,000th Territory (a white TX TCDi RWD model) in 2012.[22]

The Titanium (in AWD 2.7-Litre TCDi specification) is also the only variant for exports to Thailand that resumed in late 2012.

A TX Limited Edition was marketed in August 2012 to stimulate sales by providing TS-derived fittings.

The colour palette is: Havana, Vanish, Lightning Strike, Winter White, Edge, Chill, Smoke, Seduce, Silhouette (metallic black).

SZ II (2014–present)

In July 2014, Ford Australia revealed the SZ II series, which is the final model of Territory before Ford Australia's full production (which also includes the FG X Falcon sedan) ceases in October 2016.

The SZ II went on sale in the Australian market in December 2014. Its model range remains unchanged relative to the SZ series but, externally, it features subtle styling changes consisting of a new fascia and alloy wheels. Mechanically, the engine range also remains unchanged although improved fuel consumption improvements of around five percent are attributable to transmission tweaks and revised aerodynamics.[23]

Sales

Calendar year Australian sales
2004 13,583
2005 23,454
2006 18,364
2007 17,290
2008 12,882
2009 10,884
2010 11,558
2011 13,866
2012 14,646
2013 14,261

References

  1. ^ Maniatis, Peter; Torr, Feann. "Road Test: Ford Territory AWD & RWD". Web Wombat. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  2. ^ Stanford, James (13 November 2009). "Axe hovers over Falcon wagon". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  3. ^ http://www.caradvice.com.au/232445/ford-australia-to-cease-local-production-in-october-2016/
  4. ^ a b Ford R7: Australian Motorshow concept no. 2, www.justauto.com.au Retrieved on 24 June 2012
  5. ^ Dowling, Joshua (19 February 2010). "USED CAR ADVICE: Ford Territory SX and SY". Motoring.com.au. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  6. ^ Pettendy, Marton (23 April 2004). "Ford / Territory / 5-dr wagon range". GoAuto. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  7. ^ Brogan, Matt (31 January 2008). "2008 FPV F6X preview". CarAdvice.com.au. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  8. ^ Mathioudakis, Byron (21 October 2005). "First drive: Ford evolves Territory". GoAuto. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  9. ^ Pettendy, Marton (23 June 2006). "First drive: Turbo takes Territory to new heights!". GoAuto. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  10. ^ "First Drive: Ford's super-Territory 4WD". Drive. Fairfax Media. 31 January 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2008.
  11. ^ Gover, Paul (22 May 2009). "We're not kicking Ford". Herald Sun. The Herald and Weekly Times. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  12. ^ Lord, Philip (11 May 2009). "First drive: Ford reclaims lost Territory". GoAuto. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  13. ^ Lord, Philip (14 December 2009). "Ford Territory rings a bell to get five stars". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  14. ^ Duff, Craig (9 March 2011). "Ford Territory adds diesel". Herald Sun. The Herald and Weekly Times. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  15. ^ Stevens, Mike (5 April 2011). "2011 Ford Territory Pricing Announced, On Sale From May". work = TMR (TheMotorReport.com.au). Retrieved 12 June 2014. {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ "2011 Ford Territory first official image". Car Advice. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  17. ^ Hammerton, Ron (9 March 2011). "Ford Falcon set to get new Territory's electric steering". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  18. ^ Hammerton, Ron (10 March 2011). "Ford Falcon set to get new Territory's electric steering". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  19. ^ Maric, Paul (24 July 2009). "Ford Falcon, Territory go four-cylinder, diesel | Car Advice | Reviews". Car Advice. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  20. ^ Beissmann, Tim (10 March 2011). "2011 Ford Territory diesel technology has global potential". Car Advice. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  21. ^ Beissmann, Tim (5 April 2011). "2011 Territory pricing revealed". Car Advice. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  22. ^ "Ford Territory production reaches 150,000". Motoring.com.au. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  23. ^ Stevens, Mike (28 July 2014). "2015 Ford Territory: SZ II Name Confirmed". The Motor Report.
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