Car Advice

2009 Ford Territory MkII at MIMS

By Matt Brogan |

Ford has released its new look Territory MkII range at the Melbourne International Motor Show today, featuring key exterior design changes, fresh interior environments, a revised model line-up and a host of additional equipment now fitted as standard.

On display is the Territory Ghia AWD and a Territory TS RWD which aim to give customers a first look at the SY Territory MkII line-up, which will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

“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,” Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela said.

“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.”

A revised model line-up for the SY Territory MkII range 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 will no longer be offered.

2009_ford_territory_mkii_01

Featuring a new bonnet, front bar, upper and lower grilles, revised headlamps and a new fog lamp bezel the MkII is also distinguished by body coloured bumpers and door cladding, new body coloured door handles, new chrome belt moulding, revised tail lamps and body coloured exterior mirrors.

Ghia and Ghia Turbo models will , include 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 new look SY Territory MkII.

2009_ford_territory_mkii_02

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.

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 SY MkII and will be fitted as standard on TS, Ghia and Ghia Turbo models.

A host of additional equipment and features are now fitted as standard on the new look SY Territory MkII range, further improving its competitiveness in the hotly contested Medium SUV segment, as well as delivering a compelling value-for-money proposition for customers.

Territory TX 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.

Territory TS is 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 alloy wheel design (18-inch wheels are already standard fitment on the top-of-the-line Territory model).

“Territory remains the only medium SUV designed, engineered and built in Australia for Australian lifestyles and conditions,” Mr Burela said. “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.”

Pricing starts from $39,490 (RRP).


 
  • Grammar Nazi

    Wow. That’s a really lame update. Territory needed a complete overhaul, not a nip/tuck. It’s still going to get smoked in VFACTS by Kluger/Captiva.

  • Bob

    That’s a face-drop not a facelift!!

  • cam

    its just an update, not a new model. Its still better than those others anyway. It is still the best medium suv ……

  • HAL

    this model is so old it’s should be checked into a nursing home.

    given how many good looking, new, fesh cars Ford have in their line-up at present, the fact the Territory hasn’t been re-done is pretty disappointing. One of the few chinks in Ford’s armour at the moment IMO. Fiesta, Focus, Falcon, mondeo – all winners and then you come to this.

  • Bret

    Hal, it still drives MUCH better than any near competitor.

  • Andrew

    Oh dear.

  • http://skyline The Salesman

    Wow that looks great. Soooo futuristic and i love the lines. Oh, Sorry what’s that you say? it is no longer 2005? Well, this sucks!

  • HAL

    Bret, so what? It still looks old and tired. It’s been around for ages.

  • o

    so after all that this is what we gget and not even a mention of the kuga!

    will sydney motor show be moved to march next year?

  • Buck

    No increase in the kilowatt count ?

    No update to FG engine spec’s ?

    Are Ford kidding, this will get murdered in the sales race, its 2009 not 2006, which is when they should have facelifted it.

    Just give us the Kuga Ford, this shape is older than my father and he’s 85.

  • SUV

    looks ok really. It still looks tough , not ugly like a klugger or captiva. Still by far the best all round SUV. Towing luggage family stuff performance handling comfort overall running costs…….all great. nice update……

  • http://caradvise.com.au Schah7

    To Grammar Nazi and all you other HOLDEN LOVERS
    The Territory is NOT “old hat”
    Bret&Cam is completely right Despite being designed a few years back,it is still way ahead of most of its comp. in design and tech. Including a far more modern suspension/steering and engine design.
    As for the exterior the style is “time-less” meaning it doesn’t “age” near as quick as some of the Japanese styles.
    I do agree a Diesel engine is probably a little over-due
    but with the Ford/PSA V6 2.7/3.0 Litre up their sleeve hopefully this wont be too far away.!
    The Europeans seem to have Diesel engine design ahead of the Japanese/Koreans.

  • HAL

    Schah 7 – it’s got nothing to do with Holden prejudice at all. Whether you are a Ford lover or not it doesn’t change the fact that this design has been around for a very long time now, and with the new model line-up that Ford has in it’s stable, this just looks even more out-dated. It’s time for Ford to captialise on their recent popularity over Holden and refresh the look of the Territory, not rest on their laurels and say, “Oh, but it still drives better than the rest”. That is arrogance and it will lose them vital market share.

  • o

    you are joking Schah this car is 6 years old is is practically ancient.Not even an engone upgrade no sheetmetal changes.AND WTF Is THE DIESEL MODEL FORD

  • Tony M

    To much treading water. Ford has so many options in the parts bin regarding diesels I don’t know what their waiting for. Maybe run the business into the ground then pull out of Australia. But first they need to devalue their stock to justify the move off shore.

  • Dlr1

    Very disappointing. What they needed was a bold restyling to reinvigorate a model thats been on the market since 2004. What they delivered was a lazy tweak to the front end that 90% of people cant distinguish from the original. This car will die a slow death, despite its good dynamic qualities, because of this.

  • http://caradvise.com.au Schah7

    HAL/O/Dlr1
    Fair comment I guess I was just trying to point out the Terri is still very modern[under the skin] and the dynamic qualities are up ther with the best.
    I’d have to agree the “face-lift” is as stated a “face-drop” LOL.
    A restyle and more importantly a Diesel are over-due but money must be limited at FoA cause despite the FG Falcon being a far better more car people seem to buy the Commodore instead!

  • Reckless1

    My 98 Jackaroo looks modern compared to the Territory…..

    And it’s a plain, slab sided station wagon – oh wait – that’s what Territory is too :)

    At least the Jackaroo can go off road.

  • http://caradvise.com.au Schah7

    Reckless1
    and that’s where it SHOULD stay! LOL.

  • Grammar Nazi

    Schah7 – I’m certainly not a Holden lover – I can honestly say I’m an objectiev observer, just giving my frank and honest opinion on what seems to be a halfarsed facelift, which is years overdue

  • Grammar Nazi

    …or should I say objective.

  • HAL

    just have a look at the headlight shape if you require anymore evidence that a new model is overdue. good grief, they are virtually rectangular. Now go and have a look at the Fiesta, mondeo and Falcon headlight sets, and tell me what model needs a new design.

  • atomicgreen

    It looks terrible!!! the old teri looked way better.

  • Bret

    Hal,
    The headlights are new.

    Guys this is only dissapointing because everyone may have been expecting more. It’s a Mk11 update not a new model FFS.

    And BTW for the uninformed this is the fourth update in 5 years.

    How many updates has the VE Commodore had in th last 2 1/2 yrs?

  • HAL

    bret, don’t turn this into a cheap and nasty ford v holden arguement. I have absolutely no allegiance or preference for either. At the moment, I really like most of Ford’s line-up, but this Territoty ‘update’ is disappointing in the extreme. It was the absolute trendsetter for the popularity rise in Aus for the AWD vehicle, and they should be attempting to remain so. Not just continue to bank on that history from 5 years ago and keep releasing slight tweaks of the same thing. The design of current cars has moved on significantly since this was first released, and it should keep up and retain it’s popularity.

    And come one mate, those headlights are ancient. They may be ‘tweaked’ but big deal. Have a look at the article posted on the CA home page about the LV Focus relesed today – those are modern, up to date designs, not what Ford are trying to pass as modern with these dinosaurs.

  • Frontman

    The thing most of you miss is that Ford need to Europhy the motors if they were to do a NEW MODEL!! As that engine isn’t online yet then they were restricted by the new laws. True the Yank CEO’s were to interested in their own agenda’s, but credit to Marin Burella in at least doing something in a very very short time.
    Also a lot of you forget that the target retailk market for Territory is traditionally against super modern looking designs. The retirees are still buying Territory as an easy to drive Tow vehicle and still like the current looks. They really don’t have any option out there at present.

  • MisterTwo

    The fact that alloys, cruise control and body coloured bumpers are standard is a good move bringing it in line with the Kluger. The improvements to the interior will also make a big difference. I have a TX RWD on evaluation and I am reasonably impressed with it. The areas which let it down are the Steel Wheels and very spartan interior which still looks like the BF Falcon. Mine is silver with the body coloured bumpers which does look a lot better than the grey bumpers.

  • Pinion

    You people hanging shit on this UPDATE are missing the point. It is NOT A NEW MODEL !! The major changes are coming next year……understand? It is a freshen up and thats all. It will sell well……no doubt. It is still a better car overall than anything in its class.

  • HAL

    Pinion, it’s old, tired and needs a new model now…..understand??

  • darren

    So it took 5 yrs to come up with this!

    I love my fords, but this is the biggest Ford dsiapointment in the last year. Looks worse and no where as near as tough as the old model.

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    What were they thinking…..did they raid piggy bank to update this lame duck! Burela…………this is a joke of a fossil that is behind most others on style!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Looks as TRULY stupid outdated as Escape 4WD!

  • NotTheStig

    God, the front of the Ghia Turbo is awful. All sorts of styles mashed together.

    Very bits and pieces type look. Very fussy and nothing matches.

    Too little, too late. And still no Diesel ???

  • Name (required)

    the territory is over priced for what u get and they dont hold thier value i saw a sr one for 50k brand new not even 8mnths later same one with all the things the other had 30k plus the kia sorrento looks bettr and im a ford person

  • Driving Driver

    Some of these posts just goes to show some people perfer style over substance,I’d take a Territory over a Kluger/Captiva anyday.

  • Siebe

    Not a revolutionary re-design, but an evolutionary makeover of a very nice car! I welcome the update, since they have looked at many things to improve. It comes across to me as being more finished off, and up-to-date, than the previous model which , it seemed, was being deserted. So good on ‘em for sticking with the core qualities the car has always had, then using whatever funds were available to freshen it up a little, as well as adding standard features.

    If you think this car has been around too long, think 70 series Landcruiser, or Hiace, or Land Rover Defender, I’m sure I could think of more. This is an excellent car unbeaten by any competitor to date (including 2008 released ‘VE Sportwagon’) and it’s a good thing it’s here to stay, now in it’s fresh form.

  • paul

    Name (required) Says:
    February 27th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
    the territory is over priced for what u get and they dont hold thier value i saw a sr one for 50k brand new not even 8mnths later same one with all the things the other had 30k……

    I can tell you not in the car industrie, ask any car yard Territory’s are like gold, sell very quickly,especially if there 7 seaters like the SR you are going on about.
    What SR is 50k????
    AWD SR you can get for 40K on the road.

  • http://300kw GFYS

    Still getting outsold by Freddy Kluger and Craptiva tho.

  • Andrew M

    Not so bad is a new model is expected next year i suppose…….

    no engine specs have been released yet so it may well get the FG motor. it would seem silly of them to continue making 2 petrol versions, and the diesel is said by other releases to be included this time.

    How about some real photos CA???
    did they only have a poster of it at the show??
    whats the rear look like????
    earlier spy photos showed different tail lights, and this seems to have them from what i can make out.
    Interior shots?????

    Even just a different set of head lights would have set this thing alight again i reckon.

    Those whinging about bringing the style up to 2009, how about you swing by a toyota dealer and tell them to bring the landcruiser out of the 70′s????

  • Pablo

    Alot of people expected more in this update.
    I’m really surprised Ford didn’t put the FG drivetrain in on this update.
    Need to see one in the flesh rather than rely on CA/Ford’s crappy CGIs.

  • Shaken

    I thought it was a 2004 Territory. Ford if you are reading, please rediscover what it means to face lift a car regularly and realise that leaving models to soldier on year in year out as with the BA Falcon and the Territory will only spell disaster for sales.

  • JEKYL & HYDE

    when petrol was 80c-100c per ltr these things were the ducks guts.power,room,towing ability.ford sold thousands.like most large cars now,you can’t touch them unless their diesel.it can’t come soon enough…

  • Insider

    This is an “interim” facelift until the new Euro compliant engines are ready for FG update. The radical front treatment was held back along with the new interior dash treatment for maximum impact. There are a number of compliance reasons why the update was branded MKII and that is that we are unable to release FG engine at present because of prohibition on non Euro 5 compliant vehicles being introduced to market. Full update will see new series name and the removal of the “Ghia” name plate. Unfortunately the timing didnt work out as we had planned fo V6 introduction by now. Diesel engine by the way is a great product and we believe it will have a great market impact when released.

  • Andrew M

    Insider,
    When is the compliant I6 predicted to make an entry???

  • http://Jeep John

    Looks a little too much like the Escape now

  • brad

    This is so typical from Ford Australia, safe styling, could’nt digress from previous model they did this with the FG Falcon and now with the Territory. Get some balls Ford Australia you have definately lost them with this new Territory. “Too Safe”

  • Pinion

    Brad..are you joking? How does the FG look like the Ba\F ? Put the 2 side by side and its not even close. FG is way different and way more modern……..its easily the best looking car ever made here. Tell me what panels are the same? are you blind?

  • Pinion

    Brad ……..Hold on a bit, you are getting over-excited, its a minor update NOT a new model ! Since when does any car company change every panel on an update? The new model is coming …….are you premature very often? Tezza still looks good especially against Craptiva and Klugger. Toyota make alot of ugly cars ……

  • Pablo

    Insider seems to know alot.
    What else is happening at FoMoCo? Injected LPG, diesel Falcon, updated wagon at some stage???

  • o

    a midlife up date is typically 3 years not 5.5 is the new expectation for a new model.I am surprised we did not see a facelifted commodore at the show

  • Andrew M

    O,
    the terry isnt 5.5 ears old,
    how do you figure that???
    its closer to 4.5 years old than 5.5

  • o

    a midlife up date is typically 3 years not 5.

    5 years is the new expectation for a new model.I am surprised we did not see a facelifted commodore at the show

  • Andrew M

    Ok so its 5 years old now, not 5.5???
    keep back peddling you nearly have it ha ha ha ha

    Anyway its irrelevant i know, this face lift should have come 12 months ago either way.
    Not to say that i think the current Terry has aged dramaticlly, its just becoming too familiar.

  • Duggy

    Owned my Terry for 12 months now (bought new) there is nothing out of date with the way it drives, and that engine has oodles of torque from word go. Driven back to back with it’s direct competitors it’s superior for driver involvement, part of my reason for choosing. One also has the option of environmentally & pocket friendly by installing LPG which this engine thrives on.

    Having said that the face lift is a little disappointing, not it carries the SY designation, I was expecting an FG interior & headlight upgrade at least.

    If your considering buying a Terry you will not be disappointed, as a family car it’s very hard to pass by.

  • Current Buyer

    It seems to me that everybody on here has an opinion on what the new facelift “looks like”. There is nothing wrong with the current dynamics that really needs to be addressed. I’m currently in the market for one of these vehicles and have driven a few different models recently. There is no other vehicle on the road that can do what a Territory does for the money. The Captiva, Kluger and Outlander can only tow as much as a Tribeca. The Land Rover is too 4wd oriented for most families, the Landcruiser Prado is VERY spartan until you get up to models costing more than a Territory Ghia and even then the interior space doesn’t compare. For a similar spec the Pajero or Landcruiser you’ll be looking at a lot more money.

    Has anyone ever heard of the old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”…

    Change for the sake of it isn’t always a good thing… much like the last election… bring on the budget defecit…

  • Duck

    A sad update Ford. As much as HSV’s limited edition Senator.

  • Ford Go Alot Better

    Ford Territory is a class leader no need to change what is already brilliant, as for the HSV senator > definitely not a class leader and limited is exactly what it is.

  • Spitfire

    Class leader, can you elaborate Ford Go Alot Better. It is certainly not a class leader in sales. In fact it is going backwards.

  • spanner

    I would have thought the update would have been far more significant. Even though the Territory was rather bland to look at when it was released back in 04 its styling now is horribly dated. Those BA-BF looking headlights now long gone on Falcon are the worst offender on the whole car…
    I will still go have a closer look when they are released later in the year. Keen to see the interior updates.

  • Ford Go Alot Better

    Territory has been a clear leader in the Medium SUV segment since it was launched, playing a major role in the SUV boom.

    The Ford’s class-benchmark chassis dynamics and handling skills still serve some reality checks to the CX-9, Captiva, Tribeca and other’s. Through any sort of swerves or curves, the Territory’s handling is as good as it gets in this corner of the market. So while the CX-9 can hang with the Territory in places where responsively sure-footed handling really counts, neither can decisively gap the other from point to point.

    Although the Territory’s engine readily winds up to 6000rpm when pressed, it’s noticeably a more deeply muscled plonker than its busier, revvier rivals at low to middling speeds.

    The Territory’s beefier torque doesn’t go amiss.

    I could Go ON………

  • Simon

    Given the current financial climate, it’s very disappointing that Ford didn’t feel it necessary to improve efficiency.
    The territory has a reputation for being thirsty. Until this is changed, as a family man in the market,I wouldn’t give it a second thought.

  • Triss

    Fantastic car in every respect.
    Shame on the those who need to inflate their ego, and buy a imported German, or Japanese car.
    Territory, Territory, Territory, Oi Oi Oi

  • Spitfire

    Bogan.

  • Andrew M

    Spitfire,
    so it (the Terry) no longer being a class leader in sales is now a reason to see past is qualities in regards to its abilities etc???

    Simon,
    The diesel donk is about to arrive curing the problem that some have with efficiency.

    But at the end of the day if you want this sort of space and comfort there is always going to be an increased fuel consumption premium.
    Throw it on LPG if you have a problem with the hip pocket.
    I read an article about a Terry on LPG Vs a Prius on the same test route where the Terry at the end of it was cheaper to run

  • marshall

    Well, I’ve owned a territory since 2005 and I have to say I am majorly disappointed with this update. I was at the car show today and to be honest could barely tell the difference. I was waiting for this update before deciding whether to update to a new territory or a CX9.

    Decision made and Mazda gets the money.

    I think other previous territory owners are going to feel the same. Who wants to go and shell out $60k for the exact same car already in your driveway?

  • kmjas

    Still the 4-speed auto on RWD models ?

    Doh !

  • Rob

    Is this the new Territory Ford fanzies have wetting themselves in anticipation for ?
    LMAO hahahahahahahahaha

  • Bret

    Rob, no it’s not due until next year. You made yourself look like a goose by posting without reading!

  • http://caradvise.com.au DWSALTER

    If they made it a bit lighter by replacing bonnet etc in aluminum. Put in the more economical FG Falcon motors and made the Ghia front grills look more like a FG6E – then that is a good update that would be competitive. I guess they did not have the money to do it properly.
    Also where is the dedicated LPG version?

  • Old CarAdvice Reader

    I was expecting a little more changes to this face lifted Terri.

  • Dave in Tasmania

    Sorry Folks, FORD have missed in the new Terretory what the public are looking for economy from it.
    Where is the Five Speed Auto?, this would have been a far better upgrade across the range than all the nippon clippons they have added.
    But early for the Diesel yet, but I hope its not the TRANSIT Donk, Come On FORD, Listen to the public.

  • Steve-Poyza

    I think this facelift is the most pathetic thing to come out of Ford in a fair bit. They are making great new cars at the moment, so why not just make a great new Territory while they’re on top? The problem with the Territory is that it became a victim of its own success. They sold so well, there is too many of them around, so it aged quicker than it should’ve. Now this update actually makes it look older. And those wheels look way too tiny for a SUV…
    Come on Ford, don’t drop your standards now of all times!

  • Basil Brush

    I have owned a Territory for three years.

    I was concerned that this update might leave mine looking updated, but I breathe a sigh of relief.

    Looks pretty lame…but if the new model is only a year away, then I understand the need to keep it tame.

    The bits used to cover the holes left by moving the marker lights from the front fenders to the mirrors on the Ghia are hilarious! Just HILARIOUS!!

    I am sorry but my next car will probably be a Kluger purely for build quality. Territories are certainly not better than the competition in THAT department! In fact, they are BLOODY awful.

    Rattles, clunks, pieces falling off….hope they have fixed that problem, because it is WAY behind the Kluger and Captiva in looks now.

  • Steve

    Well i am looking at the 7 seat options now .. looks like territory all the way, kluger drives like crap in 2wd form plus u can’t sit anyone in the 2nd row middle seat for more than 5 minutes, captiva aint big enough when u have a couple of son’s over six foot in the next year or so … and with the face lift model coming out i should get a great discount on the current model :-)

  • Dan

    Basil Brush – “I am sorry but my next car will probably be a Kluger purely for build quality. Territories are certainly not better than the competition in THAT department! In fact, they are BLOODY awful. Rattles, clunks, pieces falling off….hope they have fixed that problem, because it is WAY behind the Kluger and Captiva in looks now.”

    Quoted for truth!

  • Steve

    Ill keep my Xtrail for now – oct 09 new Discovery 4 released – Ill be buying that- What a joke FORD. just lost a sale!