Territory unchanged to 2009

The timing for the long-awaited update of Ford's Territory medium SUV has been confirmed. The timetable for the facelift was revealed by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) boss, Rod Barrett, yesterday.

In commenting on the timeline for lifecycle and production plans of the just-released Territory-based FPV F6X, Barrett confirmed that the FPV product would run through into 2010. He also confirmed Ford would facelift the Territory family in the first quarter of 2009.

Around 1000 units of the F6X are slated to be built "over the cycle of the next two years," Barrett said.

When quizzed on whether the FPV product would be unchanged, Barrett stated: "No, there will be a refresh of [the donor model] Territory in the first quarter of 2009."

Speculation that Ford would 'sex-up' the medium SUV some time in 2008 had been mounting, despite the maker's focus on the yet to be unveiled new-generation Orion Falcon. Barrett's comments are the first to categorically state the Territory's current 'face' will extend into 2009.

The last substantive upgrade of the Territory occurred in late 2005. Comprising almost entirely mechanical and 'under-the-skin' changes (including the addition of the ZF six-speed auto to the Territory's arsenal) the SY model update was the first series change since the high-ride wagon was introduced in mid 2004.

It's anticipated that the 2009 update will see a new front end and detailed light and bumper changes to the rear of the wagon. It will also bring the Territory's engine specification inline with the soon-to-be announced upgraded Orion powerplant(s).

It is now extremely unlikely the much-vaunted turbodiesel version will appear at that time. Indeed, it is looking increasingly likely that change will come along with the second generational changes that will see the Territory fully 'Orion-ised' when the Ford's inline six is dropped in 2010.