Ford Territory

Whether it’s the excellent handling or the sorted-out drive train, the Ford Territory is considered to be a valuable commodity on the used vehicle market. This quality is continued in the 2009 model, a still-capable soft-roader that manages smoothness in a body that fits the whole family.

The 2009 Territory offers itself up as a new car that holds the same cachet it has for years. With an inline six providing 190kW of power at 5250 RPM and 383 Nm of torque at a user friendly 2500 RPM, the Territory is powerful and solid. While there are no diesels for now, those considering the all-wheel drive can take advantage of a more advanced six-speed automatic. Part of the massaging that Ford has done for the 2009 Territory comes in its fuel economy: 0.6L /100km more in the TX 2WD and 0.2L/100km better in the seven-seater RWDs.

The model line starts at $34,490 for the base TX, which includes side curtain airbags and cruise control in the rear-wheel drive variant. The optional third row seating in the TX becomes standard in the mid-range TS. Buyers can also take advantage of a more up-market interior that includes a climate control stack and six-disc changer.

Arguably, the Territory drives more smoothly and comfortably than the competitors at the gate. The inline six continues to provide substantial power, although it is more modulated when mated to the six-speed in the AWD models. The ride itself is sharp and inputs quickly translate into effective maneuvering. Many reviewers have compared the maneuverability to sports sedans, but the Territory has another trick up its sleeve thanks to its midsize form factor. Along with five to seven occupants, the amount of cargo that you can stow in a Territory is close to that of a caravan. Specifically, a five-seat Territory offers 1153 litres of storage behind the seats, and a still admirable 441 litres in three-row models. For extra hauling, you can fold both rear seats down, and get a nearly flat bed almost two metres long.

Even when stowing a significant amount of cargo, passengers can still find space and comfort in the 2009 Ford Territory, as its cabin still provides a sense of refinement that wouldn’t be out of place in a vehicle with a German badge. Things can get a bit cramped as you move further back, but passengers can adjust each row by the 60/40 split to even things out.

Although lacking some refinements of the Falcon model it is based on and a few amenities such as MP3 connectivity, the Ford Territory looks to be the sunset of this generation of Ford’s popular midsize crossover.

Specifications:

Engine: 3984cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)

Power: 190kW @ 5250rpm (base)

Torque: 383Nm @ 2500rpm (base)

Induction: Common-rail & turbocharged

Transmission: Four-speed automatic (six-speed automatic available)

Driven Wheels: RWD, AWD available

Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD

0-100km/h: 7.0 seconds

CO2 Emissions: 233 grams per kilometre

Fuel Consumption: 11.6 litres per 100km for 5-seat TX and TS, 12.0 litres for 7-seat, and 12.5 litres for AWD variants

Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres

Fuel Type: Petrol

ANCAP Rating: Four star

Airbags: Front, side & curtain

Safety: ESP with Traction Control

Spare Wheel: Full Size

Suspension: Strut (F)/Multi-Link (R)

Cargo Capacity: 441/1153 litres

Tow Capacity: 230000kg (Braked)

Turning Circle: 11.4 metres

Warranty: Three Year/100,000 Kilometre

Weight: 1995-2115 kg (Tare)

Wheels: Alloy 17 and 18 x 8.5-inch