FORD TERRITORY

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Ford Australia

Production: 2004–2016

Assembly: Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia

• Body and Chassis

Class: Mid-size crossover

Body style: 5-door wagon

Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive

• Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2,842 mm (111.9 in)

Length: 4,856 mm (191.2 in)

Width: 1,898 mm (74.7 in)

Height: 1,714 mm (67.5 in)

Curb weight: 2,015–2,045 kg (4,442–4,508 lb)

HISTORY

The Ford Territory is a crossover SUV built by Ford Australia that was introduced in April 2004 and produced until October 2016. It is based on the EA169 platform introduced by the 1998 AU series Falcon, 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 acceptable handling and child carrying capacity.

Ford Australia reportedly spent A$500 million on developing this vehicle over a four-year period. Many Australian toolmakers were lauded for their cost competitiveness in keeping this cost so low, not as cheap as the Japanese, but much lower than Detroit-based cars. Detroit was very appreciative of this cost saving from Australia, but soon turned its back when the Territory was unveiled. Apart from being the first and only Australian-made SUV, it was also the first local vehicle to feature electronic stability control.

Production of the Territory ended on 7 October 2016.

DESIGN

Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations are available for the Australian market. AWD models have an optional 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, making it excellent for large families with children. 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 maximize cargo volume.

Ford introduced the Territory alongside the existing Falcon wagon, which was built on the same Broadmeadows Assembly production line. Ford Australia senior executives had 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, this did not happen because the Falcon wagon retained much of its fleet sales base and the Territory appealed mainly to large families. The production of the Falcon station wagon was terminated in September 2010. The Territory was never a serious replacement for it due to higher fuel consumption and increased weight

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE TERRITORY

Ford Australia struck gold with the original Ford Territory.

Launched in 2004, the large Territory SUV was the perfect car for the time. In fact, it worked so well that it stole sales from Ford’s traditional Falcon station wagon, forcing the model’s decline and eventual demise in 2010. Based on the Falcon platform, the Territory is available with the choice of rear or all-wheel-drive, and in a range of trim levels starting with the $27,600 Territory TX (RWD). Higher-spec versions, like the $54,890 Territory Titanium (4×4) feature all-wheel-drive as standard.

In 2011, the Territory gained a 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, developed during Ford’s partnership with Land Rover, providing the power and torque of the big Aussie inline six-cylinder without the fuel consumption. The Territory has reached the end of its journey, however, thanks to the closing of Ford’s Australian operations.

HOW TO MAINTANCE OF YOUR TERRITORY?

• Maintain your engine

Maintaining your vehicle properly helps it lasts longer and run more efficiently. An oil and filter change is important, and should be done frequently.

Learn more about the benefits of scheduling maintenance at your dealership.

• Repair your exterior

If you are in an accident, promptly file an insurance claim and use the claim money to repair the damage as soon as possible. Waiting can allow rust to set in, leading to other more serious problems.

• Drive smart

Avoid aggressive driving, which can damage your vehicle and may decrease its resale value. Refrain from jackrabbit starts, fast stops, speeding and weaving through traffic, as well. Following these recommendations can help keep your brakes, engine, tires and suspension from wearing prematurely – and even help improve your fuel economy.

• Keep complete service records

Keep complete service and maintenance records, along with any other receipts for parts and accessories, so you can show prospective buyers that your vehicle is well cared for. 

Source: wikipedia, carsguide.