2009 Ford Territory MkII at MIMS
February 27, 2009 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.
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.
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).
Print it: 
O,
the terry isnt 5.5 ears old,
how do you figure that???
its closer to 4.5 years old than 5.5
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
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.
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.
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…
A sad update Ford. As much as HSV’s limited edition Senator.
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.
Class leader, can you elaborate Ford Go Alot Better. It is certainly not a class leader in sales. In fact it is going backwards.
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.
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………
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.
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
Bogan.
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
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?
Still the 4-speed auto on RWD models ?
Doh !
Is this the new Territory Ford fanzies have wetting themselves in anticipation for ?
LMAO hahahahahahahahaha
Rob, no it’s not due until next year. You made yourself look like a goose by posting without reading!
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?
I was expecting a little more changes to this face lifted Terri.
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.
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!
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.
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 :-)
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!
Ill keep my Xtrail for now – oct 09 new Discovery 4 released – Ill be buying that- What a joke FORD. just lost a sale!