Territory assumes wagon's role
Diesel engine pushed back to join major facelift for Ford's softroaderThe axing of the Ford Falcon wagon will prompt a broader range of Territory models when Ford's big softroader undergoes a major facelift early next year.
The Carsales Network understands that Ford plans to continue with a price-leader model that currently has the starting point of Territory set at a promotional RRP of $38,990 drive-away. But Ford will also focus heavily on the richer models in the Territory mix.
Since the minor update to Territory last year, Ford Australia has reversed the mix of cars sold. Previously about 60 per cent of Territorys that Ford sold were of the cheaper models, but now the most affordable variants account for less than 40 per cent of Territory sales.
Furthermore, the Carsales Network has learned, the long overdue 2.7-litre turbo diesel engine (borrowed from former affiliates Jaguar and Land Rover) could have been fitted to the Territory some time this year, but Ford elected to have the diesel engine coincide with an upgrade of the entire Territory line-up that is due in the first half of 2011.
The updated Territory due next year is not an all-new model, but it is more significant than earlier updates on the vehicle. It has been described as a similar change to the step from the AU to the BA Falcon. This means we will likely see that the doors and core structure of Territory are carried over but there will be sheetmetal changes front and rear, as well as new lights and bumpers to give the car a fresher look.
Given the current model Territory shares its headlight internals with the Falcon of the day when it was launched, the updated Territory will likely adopt the Falcon's larger inboard main headlight beam arrangement.
At the same time the new Territory will also get the latest range of engine upgrades that came with the FG Falcon 18 months ago.
What's not yet clear is whether an LPG-powered Territory will finally become available, but such a vehicle would appeal to families and fleets alike because of the low running costs.
Ford Australia spokeswoman Sinead McAlary declined to comment on the future plans of the Ford Territory.
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