2009 Melbourne Auto Show: Ford Territory

MELBOURNE, Australia — Ford rolled out a new look for its Territory lineup at the 2009 Melbourne Auto Show. The SUV gets key exterior design changes, freshened interiors, a revised lineup and a number of new standard features. Two models — a Territory Ghia AWD and a Territory TS RWD — were on display at the show to give customers a first look at the Territory Mk II lineup, which will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela noted: 'The Territory has been an outstanding success for Ford since it was launched in 2004, achieving both sales success and critical acclaim over the past four and a half years, with more than 86,000 customers and a multitude of awards.'A revised model lineup for the SY Territory Mk II range consists of the TX, TS and Ghia models, in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, along with the Ghia Turbo AWD. The Territory Turbo model will no longer be offered.Major design changes include all-new hood, front bumper, upper and lower grilles, headlamps and a foglamp bezel. The interior of the new Territory has also received a significant freshening.The Territory TX now comes standard with side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body-color package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors. The Territory TS gets the full body-color package, along with foglamps; a reverse parking camera; leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift; and a standard third-row seat. Ghia models also get the standard third-row seat.Ford has priced the Territory at the equivalent of $25,620-$43,090.Inside Line says: The spacious and versatile vehicle should continue to be popular Down Under. — Mike Jarvis, Correspondent