Our test vehicle was the Ford SZ Territory Titanium AWD 2.7L V6 Diesel. Released early 2011 the SZ Territory sits in a very competitive and growing segment of the market.
The SZ Territory is quite stylish if a little square shaped but has proved very popular with buyers. Externally there are machined-face 18-inch alloy wheels painted in accent colour, unique front bumper styling, chrome-detailed upper and lower grille and LED front position lamps
Inside the Territory Titanium is refreshingly open and well laid out, the storage is fantastic and the driving position very comfortable with leather seats and height and reach adjustable steering.
In front of the driver is a clear and simple dash layout with a multi function display in-between two refreshing dials. The steering wheel is a little thick in the centre but one thing I particularly like is the stalks that protrude above the steering wheel cross members. Clever design!
The second row of seats are stadium style with adequate knee and shoulder room and there is plenty of headroom. The third row of seats is as usual, tight and to be honest a little awkward in useability.
Entertainment is provided by the Interior Command Centre fitted with an eight-inch colour touch screen, iPod integration, Bluetooth®5 mobile phone and audio device integration, USB integration, 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack, satellite navigation, Traffic Message Channel and an Alpine rear DVD entertainment system.
With a 5 star ANCAP rating all models come with DSC, ROM, ABS, EBA, TCS, driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags (front two rows only) and a driver’s knee airbag.
The new Territory’s road to showrooms has involved around 800,000km of harsh testing in some of the Australia’s toughest locations,from the NSW Snowy Mountains region to the Victorian high country and various Australian capital cities the new Territory has proved itself time and again
The combination of electronic power assisted steering, engine, transmission and improved chassis dynamics have seen the new SZ territory match it with some of the more fancied European AWD SUV’s. That is a big call but warranted.
The level of smoothness, minimal NVH and ease of driving puts the Territory at the top end of the class. For the first time on a Territory, a laminated acoustic windscreen has been adopted to help improve NVH. At idle there is minimal diesel chatter and almost no wind noise at speed.
The big news is the new 2.7-litre TDCi V6 turbo-diesel delivering 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque. Smooth, powerful and economical using only 9.0L/100Km and dropping to around 6.5L/100Km on the freeway the V6 diesel is mated to a 6R80 6 speed automatic that allows for a composed driving experience.
For the new AWD TDCi V6 Duratorq TDCi V6-powered all-wheel drive Territory the maximum towing capacity is 2700kg with a maximum downward tow ball capacity of 270kg. We have towed a number of camper trailers behind the Territory and it really is a breeze.
Ford has developed a gem and the pick for me is the Titanium AWD V6 diesel. It is well priced with handling, stying and sophistication to scare some of the pricier Europeans.
What is good:
• 6 Speed Auto V6 Diesel combinations
• Stylish good looks
• Handling and performance
What is not so good:
• Still a little behind in interior
• Third row seats awkward
• Slight blind spot ‘A’ pillars
Model Ford SZ Territory Titanium
Model Price $67,167 RDAP
Drivetrain AWD 2.7L V6 Diesel 6 speed auto
Power 140 Kw @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 440 Nm @ 1,900 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 236 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating N/A
Economy (ADR comb) 9.0 L/100km
Tow Capacity Max 2700 kg
Tow Ball Rating 270 kg
Servicing $Not Supplied
Warranty 3yr/100,000km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 87/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 9
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 10
Towing Ability 9
Off Road Ability 6
Value for Money 9