Ford Territory MkII

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/February/2009

Melbourne, Australia – One of Ford's major unveilings at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show was the Territory MkII. 

Essentially a facelifted model, the new Territory MkII benefits from a new exterior look and update interiors, plus a range of equipment upgrades all of which are expected to increase interest in the SUV.

Priced from $39,490, all models are still powered by Ford's highly-lauded 4.0-litre inline 6-cylinder engine, which outputs 190kW @ 5250rpm and 383Nm of torque @ 2500rpm.

Ford is currently testing a diesel-powered Territory, likely to be a 2.7- or 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, but such powertrains were not released at the Melbourne Motor Show. 

The diesel Territory is expected to arrive when the all-new second generation Territory launches later in 2010.

Ford showed two new Territory models at the Melbourne Motor Show, a Territory Ghia AWD and a Territory TS RWD.

As Ford explained, some of the design changes include an all-new bonnet, with a complementary new front bumper, upper and lower grilles, new headlamps and a new fog lamp bezel.

The Territory's bumpers are now body coloured for a more integrated look and the door cladding and door handles are the same colour as the body work now.

There's new chrome belt moulding, revised tail lamps and body coloured exterior mirrors round out the changes.

If you opt for the luxury models, the Ghia and Ghia Turbo models, you'll also get a new fender feature, turn indicators integrated into the side mirrors, side steps and privacy glass on rear passenger, rear side and tailgate windows.

Alloy wheels are now standard on Territory TX models, while new design alloy wheels will feature across the rest of the Territory range. Fog lamps have also been added as standard equipment on TS models with the advent of the MkII range.

"The Territory has been an outstanding success for Ford since it was launched in 2004, achieving both sales success and critical acclaim over the past four and a half years, with more than 86,000 customers to date and a multitude of consumer and industry awards," said Ford Australia's CEO Marin Burela.

"Territory has proven immensely popular with Australian consumers, who love its car-like handling, spacious and flexible interior, stylish design and high levels of occupant safety.

"The new look SY Territory MkII builds on all these great attributes, while taking the next step in its evolution with a revised exterior design, fresh interior appointments and a host of new equipment."

Ford has changed the model range, which now consists of the TX, TS and Ghia models, in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, along with the Ghia Turbo AWD. The Territory Turbo model has been scrapped, but the lurid colour schemes haven't. See the purple Ghia Turbo for evidence.

The interior of the new Territory has also received a significant freshening, with new seat materials, colour finishes and trim highlights on all models, along with the choice of two new interior environments on TS and Ghia.

The list of new items extends to the seat materials, Interior Command Centre (ICC) finishes, instrument panel spear colours and a new Shadow interior environment colour on all models.

Ford explained that the Territory TS and Ghia models can also be fitted with a Cashmere interior environment as a no cost option, which extends the elegant, high-end neutral interior tone to Territory following its introduction on FG Falcon last year. 

Silver steering wheel buttons are another new touch for the MkII Territory and will be fitted as standard on TS, Ghia and Ghia Turbo models.

Together with the interior and exterior revisions, Ford has improved the standard features list which it says will deliver a compelling value-for-money proposition for customers. 

It will also ensure the Territory is a more competitive rival to class leaders like the Toyota Kluger.

The entry-level Territory TX model now comes standard with side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors.

Mid-level Territory TS models are also fitted with the full body colour package, along with a reverse parking camera, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, and a third row seat as standard.

Ghia models also gain a third row seat as standard equipment, along with an Alpine rear DVD system, side steps, rear privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Ghia Turbo picks up the same list of additions and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design.

Ford supremo Marin Burela pointed out that the Territory is only Australian-made SUV, one that is "...designed, engineered and built in Australia for Australian lifestyles and conditions." 

"The extensive list of design, feature and equipment changes on the new look SY Territory MkII will ensure it remains a great value SUV package that can meet the needs of Australian consumers and serve as an ideal lifestyle vehicle," concluded Mr Burela.

Pricing for the new Ford Territory MkII is as follows:

Territory TX RWD 4-speed auto $39,490
Territory TS RWD 4-speed auto $44,490
Territory Ghia RWD 4-speed auto $52,490
Territory TX AWD 6-speed auto $44,490
Territory TS AWD 6-speed auto $49,490
Territory Ghia AWD 6-speed auto $57,490
Territory Ghia Turbo AWD 6-speed auto $66,420

Related Links:
- Ford Territory (Road Test)
- Ford Ranger (2009)
- Ford Territory Turbo (Road Test)
- FPV F6 X (2008)
- Ford Focus Diesel (Road Test)
- Ford Falcon G6 (Road Test)
- Ford Fiesta (Road Test)
- Ford Focus XR5 Turbo (Road Test)
- Ford Mustang (2010)
- Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo (Road Test)
- Ford Shelby GR-1
- Ford Fiesta (2009)
- Ford Fiesta XR4 (Road Test)
- Ford Ka (2009)
- Ford Focus RS (2009)
- Ford Mondeo (Road Test)