2011 Ford Territory first official image

The sketch reveals the new vehicle will adopt Ford’s global kinetic design language, emphasised by the large lower air intake, thin horizontal grille and sharp, sweeping headlights already seen on the smaller European-designed Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo models.

Ford says the styling of the 2011 Territory provides a glimpse into the future of Ford’s global SUV design.

Completely redesigned inside and out, the Territory will feature a range of new technical features, headlined by the long-awaited introduction of a diesel engine.

The engine will be a 2.7-litre turbo-diesel V6 from the Land Rover Discovery sourced from Europe.

Ford Australia is yet to reveal performance data of the Territory diesel, but fitted to the $68,490 Discovery 4 TDV6 S it produces 140kW of power and 445Nm of torque.

Hauling the Land Rover’s considerable 2486kg frame (around 400kg more than the current-model Ford), it achieves combined cycle fuel consumption of 10.2 litres/100km and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds.

Ford has confirmed the current I6 engine will carry over into the new model.

Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano, said he believed the new Territory – which will be the vehicle’s first major upgrade since the launch of the SX in 2004 – would again set the benchmark in the medium SUV market.

Ford Australia is yet to reveal an on-sale date for the 2011 Territory. It may choose to officially unveil new SUV at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne on July 1.

Launch, specification and pricing details of the 2011 Ford Territory will be revealed in the coming months.