Ford sent shockwaves across Australia when it unveiled its new Territory range. Australia’s only locally built four-wheel-drive got a facelift that features key exterior design upgrades, fresh interior ambiance and an array of extra equipment now fitted as standard. The new Ford Territory also boasts of engineering upgrades as well as a new diesel engine that could potentially double its sales.
The revamped model line-up for the SY Territory MkII range is now composed of the TX, TS and Ghia models. The units are available in all-wheel drive (AWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations. The new Ghia Turbo comes as an AWD unit. The Territory Turbo has been axed and will no longer be offered.
The new Territory was built on a similar platform as the Australian version of the Ford Falcon sedan. The highlight of the first comprehensive revamp of the Territory since its introduction in 2004 is the imposing V6 turbo-diesel engine. However, the base model draws its power from a 4.0-liter petrol engine that comes in two variants: a naturally aspirated and a turbocharged. The former generates a maximum output of 255 hp while the latter is rated at 329 hp. Standard across the range is a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
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Ford Territory’s new exterior includes an all-new bonnet, a new front bumper, new headlights, a new fog lamp bezel, body coloured exterior mirrors and bumpers, new body coloured door handles, new chrome belt moulding, revised tail lights and an upper and lower front grille design. The TX rear-wheel drive base model gets standard cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, side curtain airbags and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors. The TS now comes with fog lamps and a reverse parking camera. Additional design cues that apply to both Ghia and Ghia Turbo models include a new fender, turn signals mounted on the side mirrors, side steps, rear side and tailgate windows.
A new Territory with an old cabin will defeat the purpose of the all the upgrades so Ford also gave it a significant freshening with new seat materials, new colour finishes and silver steering wheel buttons mounted as standard for the TS, Ghia and Ghia Turbo models. The TS gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake. The Ghia now has a third row seat as standard amenity, along with rear privacy glass, an Alpine rear DVD system and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Ghia Turbo receives the same list of extras as well as a new alloy wheel design. Ford also came up with two new interior cabin options for the Ghia and the TS. Both can also be fitted with an elegant cashmere interior at no extra cost. All models get a new Shadow interior environment colour and trim highlights.
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new Ford Territory’s predecessor has been a great success with over 86,000 satisfied clients to date and a host of consumer and industry awards. The new Territory definitely has large shoes to fill but Ford Australia expressed utmost confidence on their new Territory as it essentially has all the great attributes of its famed predecessor while concurrently taking the next step in its evolution with all the aforementioned revisions and upgrades.
