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First look: 2009 Ford Territory

  • By Neil McDonald
  • Herald Sun
image The Territory has been an outstanding success for Ford since it was launched in 2004.

It has been a long time coming but Ford has finally given the popular Territory off-roader a facelift.

The wraps came off the new-look SY Territory MkII range at the Melbourne Motor Show this morning.

It gets a much-needed visual update, revised model lineup new equipment.

Two Territory models, a Territory Ghia AWD and a Territory TS RWD, are on display at the motor show to give customers a first look at the SY Territory MkII line-up, which will go on sale next month.

The Territory TX now gets side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors as standard.

The 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.

Ghia models also gain a third row seat as standard equipment, along with a rear Alpine DVD system, side steps, rear privacy glass, body coloured door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range Ghia Turbo picks up the same list of additions, along with a new wheel design for its standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin gets some new trim materials and colours but the dashboard carries over largely unchanged.

The TS and Ghia have the option of a no-cost option of a cashmere interior.

The proven 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder carries over.

Prices have risen between $500 and $1000 depending on the model.

The entry rear-drive TX now costs $39,490, a $1000 price rise.

The RWD TS is $44,490 and Ghia $52,490.

The AWD TX is $44,490, TS $49,490, Ghia $57,490 while the AWD Ghia Turbo is now $66,420.

The Territory has been an outstanding success for Ford since it was launched in 2004.

More than 86,000 have been sold and the car has won a multitude of consumer and industry awards.

 

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

 

Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 28 comments

  • To ANDREW of Brisbane:- No, it is not a little naive at all. Plus its easy to have some of what Im having.... Its called a positive outlook on life and a beautiful life. Im sad that a person would think that because I love life I'm 'on' something.

    Nicki of Brisbane Posted on 19 July 2010 2:25pm
  • i have a ford territory , 2009, lovely car , has some issues , but hey what you pay is what you get.in defence for ford , people complain about not much changed on this 6 years old model, i would say have a look on prados ,pajeros , even klugers , how much changes are there , bit more on kluger...i suppose anyway , have some one tried on the service cost of other models and upsales, false adverts are give by the dealers on svc xost, i have fleet of cars on diffrent models and guess what far more expensive than territory, transmission has to be serviced on other models at barely 50000km , whilst ford 120000km, spark plugs at 150000km, coolant at 4 years , i am vey happy with terri regardless of minor issues here and there, other models do have issues, which i have proves on ,

    ravi nair of sydney Posted on 16 July 2010 11:44am
  • I love my Territory but gee I wish ford had charged me $5 grand more built it with quality Australian parts. Windows malfunctioning, suspension collapsing, ball joints falling put trim braking, brake problems, engine conking out when idleing. Then ford serviceing chargeing like a Mercedies dealer. It would have been cheaper and less frustrating to pay more for a quality build.Great car great concept, very poorly executed. I would like to buy another Territory but I just cant trust ford to build a quality, reliable vehicle anymore.

    David Bradford of Brisbane Posted on 22 March 2010 9:43am
  • Isnt it funny how everyone is quick to complain about things before they praise them!!!!!!!!!! What does that say about the human race! I for one LOVE my territory!! Have a 2007 model and it is the most beautiful car in the world!!!!!!! I went to that after having a Mazda Tribute which was also a beautiful car!! I wouldn't change my territory for the world! Its what you are used to, I didnt buy a kluger because the territory appealed to me, not to say the Kluger isnt a good car because it is also! Car companies wouldn't sell crap cars, to much is riding on it! Dont not like something because it doesnt suit you!! Be happy and spread some good vibes instead of bringing everything down around you!!!!!!!!!! Nicki Posted on 20 February 2010 2:49pm Wow, I want what sheeees having, anyone else think this is a little naive?

    Andrew of Brisbane Posted on 20 March 2010 10:17am
  • We had a 2005 Territory Ghia AWD. Within 2000 kms it developed a clunk in the diff when engaging to and from reverse. Then rattles in the dash. The radio would not pick up FM stations. At 5500 kms the brakes went spongy. A few trips to the dealer for warranty service did nothing. At 11,000 kms traded it in for a Suzuki Grand Vitara V6. Best move we ever made. Problem free and quality motoring. Our view: Territory is over priced and 3rd world quality on par with Daewoo.

    Phanton of Tamworth Posted on 19 March 2010 9:25pm
  • Isnt it funny how everyone is quick to complain about things before they praise them!!!!!!!!!! What does that say about the human race! I for one LOVE my territory!! Have a 2007 model and it is the most beautiful car in the world!!!!!!! I went to that after having a Mazda Tribute which was also a beautiful car!! I wouldnt change my territory for the world! Its what you are used to, I didnt buy a kluger because the territory appealed to me, not to say the Kluger isnt a good car because it is also! Car companys wouldnt sell crap cars, to much is riding on it! Dont not like something because it doesnt suit you!! Be happy and spread some good vibes instead of bringing everything down around you!!!!!!!!!!

    Nicki Posted on 20 February 2010 2:49pm
  • Ford Territory WARNING to purchasers or owners. We owned a 2005 RWD Ghia, and after just under 4 years and 105k the transmission developed noises, requiring $2500 to repair. Ford Australia insisted this was not a common problem, contrary to local garages and even the local Ford garage saying it was a "common" problem. Asking around, I found 2 aquaintances had the same problem emerge at about 50k, fortunately for them repaired under warranty. Ford would not assist us in any way. The diff also developed a "clunk" after about two years: changing from reverse to forward, and I hasten to add, not from hasty reverse to forward then accellerating before the engaging of the gears. Electric windows broke but were repaired under waranty. After those experiances with the Ford and Ford Autralia, we will never again darken their doors again.

    Trevor Kerr Posted on 22 November 2009 2:44pm
  • We have a 2004 Territory and would never buy one again due to the poor quality and constant faults.The dealers deny everything as usual and their service is pathetic.It takes all day regardless how small a problem and they still forget to fix something or stuff it up and then they need another whole day. Thinking you save on price compared to Japanese cars is such false economy. You have been warned,we were about Ford in general and have regretted buying it ever since.

    City Ford Incompetent of Sydney Posted on 10 November 2009 9:26pm
  • My Territory has non-stop front end popping & knocking noises. Dealer could not fix it in two years. Territory buyers, beware.. Ford is willing to make money off us without proper engineering and production quality...That's poor...The new MKII will not be any different...Neither the one to be introduced in 2010. Buy Toyota if you want return on money....

    val mcall Posted on 11 June 2009 3:06am
  • I wouldn't buy a Ford or a Holden in a blue fit. I drove an XC panel van, and worked for Holden at the proving ground. I know a thing or two about them. I've had a Land Rover, and know others with them - ugh, never buy a rover. I've had a Suzuki Sierra, it was very reliable, just under powered. Towed a trailer to QLD and back to Victoria with it though. It was going strong when I sold it. I only got rid of it because it didn't have air con. I'm now in a hard top '98 Jeep Wrangler. It's done nearly 150,000km, and has done several long hard trips with the trailer, including offroad and 4WDing. Love it. I've had it since 80,000km and it's not missed a beat. Stock standard - ooh I have added polyair springs to help with heavy loads as the standard springs are soft. No worn out ball joints, nothing wrong with the brake hoses, door trim, tailgate pull-down handle, trim fit or finish. My friend told me the Territory was great when it first arrived and he read the reviews. Trouble is the reviews of new cars don't have the 20/20 hindsight of what's going to go wrong after it's done a few kms. Think about it. Don't buy a new design. They always have problems that surface after a few years. Some obviously more than others.

    James of Vic Posted on 27 May 2009 2:31pm
  • I have looked around for a new car, and for value for money, Territory wins hands down... Cosmetically (for mothers) SY Mk11 Territory Ghia $52000 (with many discounts avail if you know anyone working for ford factory or dealers in aust) comes standard with DVD, 3rd Row Leather Seats running boards, and Tint now. CX-9 Luxury is $65000 more expensive without those extras, but has a sunroof!!! WOW! DVD, Tint, and Bluetooth alot more expensive at factory cost than Territory. I come from a family of Territory drivers, who also tow, not one of us can see the fuel consumption a problem, I have had my territory since 2004, and have had my first problem (a window clip broken) with it, which was fixed very quickly and recall done without fuss.... Can't keep all people happy all the time...

    MA Posted on 17 May 2009 12:06pm
  • It really gets to me that people like you (the sheep) don't relise the reasons that ford have gone the way they have. If you want to brag about holden or any other cars go straight to their web site and do it there. Just remember that people like the cars that they drive so don't put them down. If YOU the sheep want to bag other car companies just be prepare that other people will write back. Take a look at the figures on how many accidents that are caused by ford, not many, cause they have been young teens in holdens and other cars that cause them. So STOP putting the whole responsibility on FORD and take a step back and look at the BIG PICTURE.

    you don't need to know Posted on 12 May 2009 10:03pm
  • Territory recall because of faulty brake lines my arse. These vehicles have been loosing front wheels. Friends and family members who own these vehicles have experienbed just that, luckily without any injuries. Ford has fixed their vehicles for them, and so they should. Some of the fleet that the police bought have also lost front wheels. It's not just wheels, trims and everything are falling to bits. If Ford wishes to stay in business, I suggest they stop doing things on the cheap and build a quality vehicle. It doesn't take long for word to get around you know.

    Dave of vic Posted on 12 May 2009 6:19pm
  • Well, OK. Ford 'should' have updated the Territory more than they did. Its looking a little dated. I'm sure they would have liked too...But the things is....There's virtually NO MONEY in Australia. There is not enough people in this country to support the constant update of cars. Ford would have updated this car more, if it had the budget. For now though it can only rely on the brilliant engineering that went into the territory to make it one of the best handling and the best value for money SUV in the world. Don't believe me? read a car magazine.

    Luke G of Sydney Posted on 08 May 2009 10:42pm
  • I agree with most of the comments here....The design just looks the same and there hasn't been much effort put in by Ford to improve the options the car has in order to stay competitive against the likes of Toyota and Nissan. I would like to add the after sales service is quite shocking as well....I bought a 2007 Territory SR and before I even drove the car out of the showroom, the alloys was scratched and was assured that the scratch will be fixed up in the first service...to my shock and horror, Ford denies saying this and lucky for me, I made sure the sales person notes this in the invoice...they ultimately owned up to it and gave me a number of a specialist who fixes the problem....after my third call trying to get a hold of this so called specialists, i have given up getting the scratched fixed...to make things worse, there is a clank noise coming from the engine which I immediately reported to Ford who again, said they will fix up in my first service however the noise is still there...my wife (shes the reuglar driver) complained bitterly about the brakes and now we discover there is a recall for the Territory's as it has a brake hose problem....My advice to any potential Ford customers is to have a closer look at the new Kluger and the CX9 which in my opinion are better cars and possibly with better after sales service then Ford may ever hope to provide...

    Niel Posted on 04 April 2009 10:50pm
  • What a disappointment, update? of what, a leather covered gear knob and some clipons. sorry FORD, I had the Terrotory in my sights for my new car, but you have faild to hear the consumers. Where is the more economic motor (Diesel would be nice, but possibly a bit early to be fair) Where is the 5 speed Auto as standard across the whole range. Sorry FORD, you have missed this one as the Territory already has the reputation from every owner i have spoken too, as being nice, but a fuel guzzler. It will be too late for me on the next model as I will have purchased, also the consumer is now looking for economy, not tinsell and clipon make do.

    Dave Hayden of Tasmania Posted on 19 March 2009 4:05pm
  • Like everyone else here I too was hoping the update would bring the new engine/transmission packages with it. Now after finding out that 1990's transmission technology is still with us I have decided not to update. Why? Because there is really no advantage. I tow a caravan with a 2004 model Territory and it does a great job of doing so. Now instead of a new car it's a new caravan and put the Territory on gas. Sorry Ford, another customer lost.

    Grahame Harvey of Albury Posted on 15 March 2009 10:17am
  • After reviewing the update of the Territory at the Melbourne Motor Show, I was very disappointed. The interior has not changed, the very poor design of the door trim that pushes inside the door when leaned onto with minimum force has not changed, the engine has not been updated the headlamps and visual appearance does not reflect the FG Falcon, the fit and finish of the interior trim has not improved. The Territory is a very good car, apart from the ball joints, brake hose, door trim, tailgate pull-down handle and trim fit and finish and suits our family. However, I would have expected a lot more to have been updated to the car, considering it is an important vehicle to the Ford fold. It is quite evident that little money and time was spent on the car. Why wasn’t the FG Falcon styling, both external and internal carried through onto the Territory? Why not fit the latest engine upgrade, which would probably help with fuel consumption? How could the atrocious door trim design be carried through? Who in their right mind would design an arm rest insert that fits behind the trim panel, only to be pushed through and break the melted plastic retaining studs? The armrest trim should be fitted on the outside stupid! Who will pay about $1 000.00 to have the trim replaced when the dealer can no longer repair it! Why is the Territory Ghia Turbo $9 000.00 more expensive than the standard Ghia. The only differences are the steering wheel and make-up of the seat trim. Why is the Falcon XR6 Turbo only $5 500.00 over the XR6? I will need a lot of convincing to consider replacing my current Territory with the update. The Mazda CX-9 looks good!

    Michael Posted on 09 March 2009 6:23pm
  • What a disappointment from FORD with the Territory update, I watied to see what the offering was before buying another car, But sorry FORD you have now lost my dollars. A Diesel Engine would have been nice, but a bit much to expect this soon. But this is "MUTTON" dressed up as "LAMB" the old 4 speed auto box, it should be the 5 speed auto. Sorry FORD all you have done is put a few pretty beads on an old deal. I hope this silly move does not cost you dearly in the current market.

    Dave Hayden of Tasmania Posted on 07 March 2009 6:53pm
  • Disappointing. Where's the kinetic design Ford has been banging on about? And same interior and engine... I'm so sick of these wagons. Not keeping the Territory up to speed with the Falcon will prove a big mistake I'm sure.

    James Posted on 04 March 2009 8:18pm
  • I agree with Dilan, Ford have once again shot themselves in the foot. I can't believe that the interior has not been changed over to the FG interior. And they are still using the four speed auto in the rear wheel drive models, I expected the five speed at least. I also was considering the new Territory but now it's off my list. Ford, you disappoint me.

    Danny F of Bellbird Park Posted on 04 March 2009 7:05pm
  • I need a new work wagon, and I was hoping this update was gong to bring a diesel option and some upgrades in build quality/refinement etc. The boss has had 4 of them in the fleet, but too many problems with them all, so no Territory for me.

    Geff Posted on 03 March 2009 8:57pm
  • ahhh, you're all so ignorant to the reasons behind such updates and what has held up the more significant changes... ah well, you are not to blame i guess... sheep is all you are.. the type that are only able to read a picture book.

    the silent one Posted on 02 March 2009 4:16pm
  • What about alternative fuels Ford? Why is there no LPG or diesel option for this thirsty dinosaur. It looks the same as the old one. A very cheap revamp not good enough to compete in a very competitive market.

    Mike Rus of Wauchope NSW Posted on 02 March 2009 3:15pm
  • sorta fugly

    eddy Posted on 01 March 2009 12:27pm
  • Outstanding success. Not.

    Howard Posted on 28 February 2009 12:14pm
  • I agree with you Dilan.... I do like the Territory and this new face lift is nice.... but its a design id expect to see about 5 years ago... and come on... the same engine??? looks like ford got a bit lazy. I think the Kluger will be selling alot more.

    Shaun of Melb Posted on 28 February 2009 12:07am
  • Disappointing really! What happened to putting the new FG front and interior onto this aging dinosaur. Ford, it you want to sell more, consider more that just paint and new rims. I was considering the new Territory, NOT ANYMORE!

    Dilan Si of Melbourne Posted on 27 February 2009 9:28am
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