Ford Territory: Still comfy, still thirsty

Ford Territory Ghia. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Road testing a car on your home ground is a great way to find out what it's really like. Doing so for almost three times longer than the usual press rotation is even better. For once the novelty wears off, you'll find a vehicle's Achilles heel.

I already knew Ford's Territory is bloody good at what it's designed for - to be the ultimate in high-riding four-paw family wagons. And I already knew its downside - its thirst.

This latest variant has very few changes over the last; those side steps could be the main event, especially if you're short or swapping kiddie seats around. But the car's worth revisiting just to see if it's stood the test of time.

There's an unstressed 4.0-litre in-line six under the bonnet, with plenty of urge from 2500rpm on up. It makes light work of punting the big brash body along even in the six-speed auto's "normal' mode. You rarely need "performance', or manual for that matter - this isn't a sports car. It's a 2.1-ton wagon, and either will trash the fuel economy.

Ford claims 12.9l/100km; the test car showed 15.3 on collection, dropping to 14.1 some 1000km later. I suspect it'd settle at mid- to high-13s, given my drives were mostly hilly, semi-rural and around town.

Speaking of hilly - the transmission features "grade logic control' to hold the gear on hills, and it really does work rather well.

As does the rear-view camera and park distance control; the climate control air, the auto-switching headlights; there's even a storage bin under the boot floor and a luggage net.

Meanwhile, it's easy to get comfy on these leather-clad seats. Drivers at either end of the height range will appreciate the adjustable pedals. The ergonomics are excellent, and there's plenty of storage - including flexible expanders for the door-mounted bottle holders to accommodate whatever size your thirst dictates.

Actually this car will accommodate most things, including a whole Christmas tree with the second and third seat rows folded flat. School mates along for the ride? No worries, if they're noisy just slot a DVD into the ceiling-mounted unit - two wireless headphones come standard. Which makes the lack of a standard MP3 connection all the odder.

They were rare when Territory first arrived and engineering one in would be pricey. Instead, Ford offers a dealer-fit connection and cable for $238.50, and promises it'll be standard in future upgrades.

In the meantime the Territory is ageing well. It's still a superlative family vehicle for those seeking plentiful interior space and the flexibility of the extra two seats. Given a frugal diesel power plant - don't hold your breath - it'd be hard to beat.

Ford Territory Ghia

We like Superb family all-rounder for those with active families

We don't like iPod port costs extra, it's still thirsty

Powertrain 0-100km/h not available, 12.9l/100km (claimed)

Safety Ford airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control, park distance warning and rear camera, new five-star crash test rating.

What it's got Cruise control, air con, auto lights, DVD player and headphones, side steps, roof rails, leather seats and lots more.

Vital stats 4856mm long, 1153-litre boot, 75-litre tank.