MIMS: Ford Territory gets nip/tuck

After much anticipation the wraps have come off the new Ford Territory SY MkII this morning at the Melbourne International Motor Show; and at first glance the updated is hard to pick. Ford has gone for a subtle evolution of the existing car as the competition heats up in the medium SUV segment, where the car has been strong since its original launch in 2004.

Ford Australia boss Marin Burela is hoping that customers will be attracted to its local heritage and stop the company from losing ground in the market.

"Territory remains the only medium SUV designed, engineered and built in Australia for Australian lifestyles and conditions," 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."

The Turbo model has been dropped from the revised line-up that starts with the TX (pictured) and moves up to the TS, Ghia and Ghia Turbo. All models are available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, except the Ghia Turbo which is only 4WD equipped.

Prices for the new model start at $39,490 for the RWD TX and top out at $66,420 for the Ghia Turbo. See below for a full list of prices.

Ford had a Ghia AWD and TS RWD on display at its stand to let the potential customers get a close-up look before it goes on sale in the second quarter of this year.

The most notable changes to the exterior are a new front end treatment that includes a new bonnet and restyled headlights. The front bumper is also new and will now be colour-matched to the body across the range; ending the previous black bumpers on the lower end models. The rear features new taillights.

Harder to pick are the new body-coloured door handles and door mirrors, chrome strip across the belt line and new fog lamps on the TS, Ghia and Ghia Turbo models. All models also receive new alloy wheels with 17 inch rims for the TX and TS and 18 inch for the Ghia and Ghia Turbo.

The Ghia and Ghia Turbo models will feature privacy glass from the B-pillar back, as well as side step, door mirror indicators and a front fender treatment.

Inside the new car adopts many of the features from the FG Falcon range including the Interior Command Centre and silver coloured steering wheel buttons. Also new are the seat materials and instrument panel spear colours.

Read the full MIMS 2009 rundown