IN ALL the excitement surrounding the launch of the final Falcon, the updated version of its higher-riding sibling, the Territory, has taken a back seat.

It is not surprising given that the facelift to the SZ, now called SZ Series II, is quite minor when compared with the Falcon, and unlike its booted brother, the Territory name still has a chance of living on beyond late 2016 when Ford Australia shuts its local manufacturing operation.

The Territory faces more competition than ever and the underpinnings of the car date back to the original from 2004, but the only SUV ever built in Australia has always been praised for its world-class ride and handling and practicality.

So is the Territory still the class leader it once was? We spent a brief amount of time behind the wheel to find out more.

Click here for the full review...