Ford Territory Turbo 2006 review

In fact, the Territory Turbo is actually quite subtle in its stance and function. There is a breath of maturity about it; a composure in its appearance and performance that steps above its blatantly sporting-sedan siblings.

The turbo Tezza takes its blown four-litre, petrol six-cylinder from the head-banging XR6 Turbo sedan and the same 245kW/480Nm. This gives it an extra 55kW and 97Nm over the standard Territory and a flat torque curve with more grunt at 2000rpm than the naturally aspirated model can muster at peak.

But don't expect the same turbo rush, whizzing spool or spinning tyres as the XR6T (or, for that matter, the heavy-breathing Subaru Forester XT). It feels more like a trimmed-down version of what is essentially a big, heavy SUV.

The engine, matched with the excellent ZF six-speed sports sequential automatic, propels the Territory's bulk forward with even, smooth dollops of torque and power for relatively instant acceleration.

The AWD-only drive train and heavy kerb weight (2075kg for Turbo and 2125kg for Ghia Turbo) prevent wheelspin on acceleration, while an uprated traction-control program allows a bit of safe sliding on the dirty stuff.

Handling remains relatively neutral, and near-standard suspension neither prevents the inevitable hint of body roll nor affects the ride quality over the bumps. Front brakes are bigger and pack much more bite when the foot is planted. Again, a very mature approach to SUV sports performance.

The exterior is subtle, and different on the two turbo models. The base Turbo and top-spec Ghia Turbo share the larger 18-inch alloys, but the Ghia's are machined while the Turbo's are painted.

The wheels and lower-profile tyres still come nowhere near filling the wheel arches, but offer good grip without a crashy ride or tyre noise — and without compromising off-road ability.

The two models share the subtle and appealing bonnet scoop that hides the big top-mounted intercooler. Ghia's sporting cred is outlined underneath with a metal bash-plate.

Both have chrome exhaust tips, and thankfully get body-coloured bumpers instead of the regular Territory's dated two-tone mouldings. The new red, blue or charcoal grey colour selection further mark out the Turbo line-up.

The interior colour is described as "warm charcoal" and, in the Ghia model, it's as sophisticated as it sounds. Big bolsters on the leather seats and double-stitching highlight the sports appeal. Matt-finish instrument dials and piano-key black centre console facelift the slightly dated Territory interior.

Ghia gets the same top-spec instrumentation as the standard models: a large screen encompassing trip computer, dual-zone climate control, six-stacker CD and reversing camera (unfortunately not an option on the base model).

The lower-spec Territory Turbo has a little-changed facia, blue instrument dials, synthetic-suede seats and metallic-weave highlights on seats and sills.

The Turbo also misses out on Ghia's chunky leather wheel, six-way adjustable front seats and standard third-row seat, but still gets four-way electric bolstered seats, leather gear knob and power everything.

To my mind, the base model is the best bet. At $53,990 the Turbo is $2660 more than its equivalent nat-atmo Territory model, the mid-spec TS AWD.

The Ghia is brilliantly fitted out for those wanting top-spec luxury performance, but the list of Territory options is long and costly.

And cost will be the deciding factor. The Ghia Turbo costing $11,500 more than the $65,490 base Turbo.

The fuel bill will also bite. Ford's claimed figure of 14.2litres/100km is optimistic at best. Even conservative driving on the launch failed to produce better than 16 litres/100km.

Sceptics will probably hold out until a diesel Territory becomes a reality, but Ford are tight-lipped about an oiler. But on long trips, particularly when carrying a load or pulling weight (the Turbo is rated to 2300kg towing capacity), the helpful Turbo may undercut the naturally aspirated model on consumption.

Fuel may be a deciding factor for some buyers, but so is performance.

As a whole, the 'charger transforms the Territory into an immensely easy, pleasurable and responsive drive, as well as a practical all-rounder. It has made a good car even better, and is well worth the extra spend.