Review: Ford SY Territory (2005-11)

Review: Ford SY.I Territory (2005-09)

Overview

Released in October 2005, the Ford SY Territory was a large SUV, available in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (4WD) models. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the SY Territory range initially consisted of TX, TS and Ghia variants that were powered by 4.0-litre six cylinder petrol engines. The range was expanded with the Territory SR in February 2006 and again in July 2006 with the Territory Turbo and Turbo Ghia which were powered by turbocharged 4.0-litre six cylinder petrol engines. The full range is given in the table below.

Engines: Barra 190 and Barra 245T

Of the engines,

• The 4.0-litre Barra 190 inline six-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, a cast aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (DOHC, simplex chain-driven), dual independent variable camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder, Duratec-style finger followers, a dual resonance inlet manifold, coil-on-plug ignition, electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 10.3:1. Compared to its Barra 182 predecessor, changes for the Barra 190 engine included independent variable camshaft timing (i.e. each phaser could rotate each camshaft independently), a revised camshaft profile, a second knock sensor so that ignition timing could be optimised for each cylinder, revised piston crown profiles for a higher increased compression ratio, lower viscosity engine oil (5W30 GF3, previously 10W30 GF2), a lighter driveplate assembly, a new air intake and a revised exhaust system (with a new front resonator and retuned centre and rear mufflers); and,
• For the Territory Turbo and Turbo Ghia, the Barra 245T engine added a Garrett GT3582R turbocharger which had engine oil-lubricated and water-cooled bearings, an air-to-air intercooler and an electronic single bypass wastegate. The turbocharger was mounted off a cast stainless steel exhaust manifold and provided maximum boost pressure of 6 psi (0.413 bar). Compared to the Barra 190 engine, the Barra 245T engine had ‘dished bowl’ shaped pistons, more temperature tolerant exhaust valves and increased fuel pressure (4.0 bar, compared to 2.4 bar). Like the Barra 190, however, the Barra 245T engine benefited from dual independent variable cam timing (VCT), a revised camshaft profile and dual knock sensors.

Transmissions

Of the transmissions,

• Rear-wheel drive SY Territory models had four-speed BTR M93LE (also known as ION 93-4AT) automatic transmissions; and,
• Four-wheel drive SY Territory models had six-speed ZFHP26 automatic transmissions.

For the SY Territory, the four-speed BTR M93LE automatic transmission was upgraded with:

• Radial dead-end groove clutch plates and a second ‘Ball Check valve’ in the valve body for improved oil flow;
• An accelerator pedal detent and kickdown switch;
• Revised software for improved shift schedules; and,
• Calibration improvements for more refined and consistent shift feel.

First introduced in the BMW E65 and E66 7-Series , the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission was available in two versions: a standard version with a torque capacity of 450 Nm and a high-performance 600 Nm version (for use with the Barra 230, Barra 245T and Boss 260 engines) which had upgraded clutches with extra plates in the clutch packs. For its use in the SY Territory, hardware changes for the ZF 6HP26 transmission included a unique transmission main case, torque converter, output/driveshaft flange and a new transmission cross member attachment (shared with the four-speed automatic). The ZF transmission featured adaptive ‘Driver Recognition’ behaviour, including brake support downshifts, gear holding when cornering, gear holding for uphill and downhill driving and gear holding for fast-off throttle driving situations.

For all automatic transmissions, a new remote transmission oil cooler (RTOC) – with a three-way coolant thermostat – was mounted to the engine block. Acting as a heat exchanger, coolant lines (or tubes) passed through the radiator to warm-up the transmission fluid on start-up and provide cooling under high load/high temperature operating conditions.

Development and dimensions

The SY Territory introduced a range of developments in conjunction with the BF Falcon for greater refinement. These included:

• The introduction of a two-piece, lofted outer dashboard;
• The addition of bitumastic pads to the body for damping of low- and mid-frequency noises;
• Body structure improvements through the fitment of a reinforcing box section to the transmission cross member and centre bearing body reinforcement;
• New engine and transmission mounts; and,
• Redesigned exhaust hangers to isolate muffler vibration from the body.

Other developments for the SY Territory range included:

• The introduction of Bosch ABS 8.0 which included electronic brake force distribution;
• An upgraded traction control system and the introduction of electronic stability control and cornering brake control;
• A revised pedal map for the electronic throttle control; and,
• A higher-output alternator for improved fuel economy, lower rotational speeds and lower fan speeds.

Compared to the SX Territory , the SY Territory had the same dimensions: 4856 mm long, 1898 mm wide, 1676 mm tall and wheelbase length of 2842 mm.

Suspension

The Ford SY Territory had four-link Short and Long Arm (SLA) front suspension, with the one-piece lower-control arm connected to knuckle with two separate balljoint links (creating a virtual pivot point at their imaginary intersection, hence the ‘Virtual Pivot Control Link’ name). Please note that the ball joints in the SY.I Territory’s front suspension were susceptible to failure.

At the rear, the Territory had Ford’s ‘Control Blade’ independent multi-link rear suspension which featured a longitudinal trailing arm with a large, plush bush at one end.

4WD system

The 4WD Ford Territory models had a permanent four-wheel drive system which provided a 38:62 front:rear torque. The system included a single-speed, full-time NV125 transfer case which operated in conjunction with the stability and traction control systems to control wheel slip via brake and engine intervention. By using the stability and traction control systems to direct torque, Ford sought to eliminate the need for torque-transfer and slip-limiting devices such as clutch packs and viscous couplings.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Territory TX included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners; the TS and Ghia were also fitted with curtain airbags for front and second row occupants. The 4WD and RWD Ghia where also fitted with electronic stability control, while hill descent control was available as an option for the 4WD models.

From July 2007, the RWD TX and TS were also fitted with electronic stability control – previously it was only available as an option.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the SY Territory consisted of 322 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 328 mm by 26 mm vented rear discs with single piston calipers. The Territory Turbo Ghia and Territory Turbo, however, had 340 mm by 32 mm front brake discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a four-wheel drive Territory with dual front airbags received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.57 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the front occupants and a slight risk of lower injury. For the side impact, a maximum score was awarded by default. As a result of the pole test, two additional points were awarded to vehicles fitted curtain airbags, taking their score to 31.57 .

Features: Territory TX, TS and Ghia

Standard features for the Ford SY Territory TX included 17-inch steel wheels, four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, ‘Eucalyptus’ seat fabric, steering wheel audio controls, automatic headlights, a 60/40 split and folding second row seat, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable driver’s pedals, three 12 volt power outlets, 32 interior storage compartments, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser. A third row of seats was available as an option, in which case the second row of seats could also slide fore and aft. From October to December 2007, the RWD TX was fitted with rear parking sensors.

The Territory TS was further equipped with 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Freestyle’ velour and cloth trim seats, cruise control, a premium Interior Command Centre (ICC) with colour TFT display and a load area cargo shelf.

Beyond this, the Territory Ghia added ‘Eucalyptus’ leather seat trim, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, reverse parking sensors, reversing camera, front fog lamps, front and rear door courtesy lamps, a leather-wrapped gearshift and steering wheel, a cargo shelf and cargo net. From September 2007, the Ghia was fitted with driver seat memory settings and an electrochromatic rear vision mirror.

Features: Territory Turbo and Turbo Ghia

The Territory Turbo was similarly equipped to the TX but distinguished by its 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with P235/55 R18 tyres, black suede-style seat trim, sports steering wheel, diamond-pattern mesh grille and twin exhausts.

The Territory Turbo Ghia shared the Turbo’s distinguishing features and was similarly equipped to the Ghia, but featured a black leather seats, a luxury sports steering wheel and a black onyx Interior Command Centre (ICC) with satin chrome highlights. From September 2007, the Turbo Ghia was fitted with driver seat memory settings and an electrochromatic rear vision mirror. 

2006 Territory SR

In February 2006, the limited-run Territory SR was released. Compared to the TX, the SR added Ford iDesign 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, cruise control, Ford iDesign running boards and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift. The SR was solely available with seven seats from 2008.

2008 Territory SR2

In October 2008, the limited-run Territory SR2 was released. Compared to the TX, the SR2 featured 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, partial leather seat trim, cruise a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, an Alpine DVD player with 10.2-inch rear screen, remote control and wireless headphones. Visually, the SR2 could be identified by its body-coloured bumpers and door cladding.

Brochures

• Brochure: Ford SY.I Territory Turbo and Turbo Ghia (July 2006)
• Brochure: Ford SY.I Territory (August 2008)

Specifications

• Specifications: Ford SY.I Territory (September 2005)
• Specifications: Ford SY.I Territory (October 2006)

Review: Ford SY.II Territory (2009-11)

Overview

Released in May 2009, the Ford SY Mark II (SY.II) Territory featured a revised line-up, improved equipment levels and a minor facelift. Visually, the SY.II Territory could be identified by its new bonnet, grille, front bumper, headlamps, front fog lamps bezels, tail-lights, chrome belt moulding and body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors, cladding and handles. The Ghia and Turbo Ghia were also fitted with indicators integrated into the side mirrors, side steps and rear privacy glass. Inside, there were new seat materials, colour finishes and trim highlights. 

SY.II Territory suspension changes

The SY.II Territory had revised front suspension whereby the front lower ball-joints were under compression. Previously, the front lower ball joints were under tension – this caused rapid wear which required premature replacement (as early as 30,000 km in some cases) and, at worst, the wheel to detach from the suspension and steering.

Safety equipment

Compared to its SY.I predecessor, safety equipment for the SY.II Territory was extended to include curtain airbags (for front and second row occupants) for the entry-level TX variant.

From January 2010, Territory models were awarded a five star adult occupant protection rating by ANCAP – with a score of 32.57 out of 37 – due to the introduction of a front passenger seat belt reminder.

Features

Standard features for the SY.II Territory TX were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, body-colour bumpers, doorhandles and mirrors; the TS gained a leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, front fog lights and reversing camera.

Finally, the Territory Ghia and Turbo Ghia were fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, rear privacy glass, an Alpine DVD player with 10.2-inch rear screen, remote control and wireless headphones. A third row of seats was also offered as a no-cost option for the TS and Ghia variants.

2010 Territory TS Limited Edition

In October 2010, the TS Limited Edition was released. Compared to the standard TS, the Limited Edition was further equipped with partial leather seat trim, Bluetooth connectivity, side steps and roof bars. Visually, the TS Limited Edition could also be identified by its Ghia-style front mask.

Brochure

• Brochure: Ford SY.II Territory (April 2009)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ford SY Territory