FORD Territory fans hoping for a diesel version in the latest round of updates will have to wait a while longer: the just-launched SY Territory Mk II is little more than a facelift with a revised model line-up and minimal fuel economy improvements.
With the one-time sector-dominating Territory’s sales sharply down since its arrival in 2004 – due primarily to diesel-powered alternatives from Prado, Kluger, Pajero and Captiva – many hoped the blue oval brand would come up with something competitive.
But in its first style change in five years, the Territory has limited its offering to a new bonnet, a double-deck Mondeo-style grille, new head and taillights and side blinkers, various foglight treatments and new wheel designs.
The interior has also been updated and now sports new seat materials, colour finishes and trim, plus a no-cost option of a cashmere interior on TS and Ghia.
The mechanics stay the same: 4.0litre straight-six motor with either four or six-speed auto, depending on model.
Ford says the changes have been kept modest just to “freshen” the vehicle, but spokesman Russell Christophers confirmed “something more dramatic” would be offered in the next round of updates.
Although the drivetrain has not been improved, subtle tweaking of various components has led to slightly better fuel efficiency.
Rear-wheel drive models benefit by 4.9 per cent or 0.6 litres/100km while the luxury Ghia and all seven-seater models gain a 1.6 per cent or 0.2litres/100km improvement.
The revised model line-up comprises TX, TS and Ghia in rear- and all-wheel drive, plus the Ghia Turbo AWD – the sole turbo-charged model.
There are four new exterior colours: brown, silver, green and a citrus-gold colour called serenity will be available from September.
Prices are slightly up, but Ford says with all the new standard features, they equate to better value than ever.
The TX, from $39,490, now comes standard with curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors.
The TS (from $44,490) adds the body colour package, a reverse parking camera, foglights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift and third row seating. Ghia models (from $57,490) also gain a third row seat as standard, plus an Alpine rear DVD system, sidesteps, rear privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The top-o’-the-wozza Ghia Turbo, at $66,420, gets all of that and a new alloy wheel design (18-inch wheels are already standard fitment on the top-of-the-line Territory model).
What’s it like to drive?
Same as before. The two-tonne (2.1t for AWD models) vehicles have pretty good road manners for machines of their height and weight with transmissions well matched to the proven engines.
We had no dramas in varied conditions around the Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo and Bellingen areas and though an easy run in a 2WD Territory yielded a commendable 11.5litres/100km, the best we got from an AWD Ghia in hillier terrain was 20litres/100km.
Bottom line: The Territory still delivers the goods. But a diesel would be a welcome addition.