new2ford

"(Leyland/Rover Australia/Land Rover were considering such a car [RWD SUV] more than 20 years ago but decided the love affair with the 4WD was still too strong then, and the Rangie was still in its prime)."

My history of the RWD SUV didn’t go back far enough. The photos attached show the Road Rover - 2 (rear) WD version of the Land Rover (images courtesy Land Rover). Coil springs, wishbone independent front suspension, 6 seats including fold downs in the rear, spare wheel on the back of the car. Sound like familiar formulas? The year - 1952. The Americans also did the same thing later, though I’m not sure when. Some things have a long gestation period in the motor industry, though it seems surprising that it took half a century for such a concept to reach Australia in spite of obvious latent demand. Perhaps it was the absence of local SUV manufacture and the tariff structure inhibiting imports of such a beast. So I guess its thanks again Ford.

AWD certainly has its strong advantages but the most common comment I hear in my involuntary “carpark feedback” surveys is - “Rear wheel drive? That’s all you really need isn’t it mate.” Not surprising then that most are sold in RWD. As an ex Mini driver I also appreciate Territory’s comment about the RWD version and Sydney’s winding sweeping roads. With the Territory, Ford should adopt that old BMC advertising slogan “we’ve marketed the corner” although I suppose you don’t want to encourage people to overdo it! All we need now is that low down grunt to storm the hills.