Ford has taken the covers from its new Territory lineup some months ahead of its official launch. Nameplates change and the entry-level Ford Territory will be badged TX, mid-spec is TS and the range-topping Ghia is replaced by Titanium.
While the focus later will be on the new powertrains – including a V6 turbo-diesel engine – the other big news for the new SX model Ford Territory is its thoroughly enhanced exterior and interior styling.
The resemblance to the all-new Australian-developed Ranger ute is natural – both Ford Territory and Ranger feature Ford’s global ‘kinetic’ design language. “The kinetic philosophy changes from model to model, but it has to fit, so we took stock and decided where we wanted to take Territory,” Todd Willing, Ford Australia’s Exterior Design Manager told Car Showroom.
In fact only the roof and rear panels have not changed – every other panel on the Ford Territory is new.
At the front, that means a modern ‘tri-plane’ design with a slim-line upper grille and nicely-formed projector headlights. The hallmark Territory trapezoid main grille is enhanced and on the range-topping Titanium model gets a jewel-like chrome trim.
Underneath there are is a U-shaped skid plate, round foglights for TS and Titanium models and the latter also scores LED daytime running lights.
The bonnet is all-new with extra sculpturing to reflect engine performance – a nod to the V6 turbo-diesel.
From the side, the new Ford Territory wears more curves around the fenders (‘guard flutes’) - highlighted on Titanium models by a chrome finish - and revised door cladding and mouldings give Ford’s SUV a more contemporary look. And the new rear three-quarter panels plus revised C-pillar combine with the new, thin, wraparound taillights make the Ford Territory look longer and sleeker.
Ford Territory fans will be pleased to hear the multi-piece tailgate is retained but all-new bumpers, skid plates and those high-mounted, jewel-like rear lights provide a totally new look.
Scott Ferrier, Ford Australia’s Scottish-born interior design chief and Emily Lai, the company’s colour and materials design manager have worked hard to create a thoroughly new interior look for the SX Ford Territory while retaining the hallmark functionality and convenience features Territory owners love.
Headlining the new features is a new eight-inch colour touchscreen for TS and Titanium models to control audio, telephone and air-conditioning systems. Entry-level TX gets a 5.8-inch mono screen.
These are housed in a new instrument panel reminiscent of the FG Falcon. There are also new, round air-vents and a new four-spoke steering wheel but Ford has cleverly maintained the excellent layout of the Territory’s controls (a Territory strong point).
The seven seat format is also retained (standard on Titanium and TS, optional on TX) as is the abundance of storage locations which have been popular with Ford Territory owners. But everything is improved in the detail – for example the popular tissue box storage has been resized in accordance with the latest size of tissue boxes and ahead of the gear lever is a new storage box with a roller door for secure stowage of cameras, mobile telephones etc.
And there are clever plastic storage boxes mounted to the front seats which are handy for holding umbrellas etc.
Titanium models get high quality leather seats while across the range are new, high quality fabrics, materials and chrome, satin and shadow black highlights.
There’s no doubt about it – the new Ford Territory is a major advance and Car Showroom is very keen to get behind the wheel when it is officially launched in a few months.
Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano is also looking forward to the V6 turbo-diesel to boost Territory’s sales. “In Australia last year, 53 per cent of SUV sales were diesels so really, the current Territory has only been competing in 47 per cent of the market,” Mr Graziano told Car Showroom.
