Drive Ford’s new SZ diesel Territory, and one of the first things that strikes you is how quiet and refined it feels.
Ford engineers have done a great job grafting the 2.7-litre turbo-diesel, familiar to Australian buyers from Jaguar and Land Rover models, into Territory. Clever engineering sees lower NVH levels than those benchmarked during development against premium Euros, including BMW.
The diesel is mated to a standard six-speed auto that offers well chosen ratios and very smooth positive shifts. The engine for its part feels strong and responsive thanks to maximum torque of 440 Nm on offer from suitably low revs. There’s a minimum of turbo lag. The diesel makes easy work of highway passing too.
No one-trick pony, it’s also frugal on fuel. Our rear-drive TS achieved a highway ‘best’ consumption of 6.9 litres/100 km compared to the extra-urban official number of 6.5, and a city average almost identical to the quoted urban figure of 11.3 litres/100 km.
Ride comfort is excellent effectively soaking up most road blemishes, even on country back roads. Steering and handling rate very highly too.
Excellent front seats really go the distance comfort-wise on long trips. Territory’s interior is user-friendly, spacious and offers plenty of practical design features. Over 2600 km in our test vehicle convinced us it’s an ideal travel companion.