Ford Territory raises the bar

FORD Territory mainstream variants are the main beneficiaries of Ford Australia's final overhaul of its locally made large SUV to be launched late this year.

While the top-of-the-range Territory Titanium gets incremental equipment gains, along with a minor exterior facelift reflecting Ford’s the new global-design language, the base TX gets items such as reversing camera, eight-inch touchscreen and digital radio, as well as the new Sync2 connectivity and information system that becomes a standard feature of all locally made Fords.

The latest Territory will be the last from Ford Australia, which is set to cease local production in 2016.

According to information released today, Ford retains Territory’s three specification levels – TX, TS and Titanium – with a choice of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats and six-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains.

Like its Falcon sibling, the mid-life refresh brings the latest version of Ford's locally developed Sync2, allowing most comfort, entertainment and navigation systems to be controlled with voice commands.

The addition of extra standard equipment to the base TX variant raises the bar for Territory and boosts the SUV's profile against rivals such as Toyota's Kluger and Nissan Pathfinder.

All variants now get front and rear parking sensors and parking assistance with overlays in the rear-view camera display, as part of the newest version of Ford's Sync system.

On the outside, base-level TX Territorys get body-coloured bumpers and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, while the new Sync2 system brings USB, smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as WiFi capability to the interior.

Externally, the mid-range TS is only distinguishable on the outside by larger – also re-sculpted – 18-inch alloy wheels and its new privacy rear window glass.

Top-spec Titanuim variants have their own 18-inch alloy wheel design, front and rear stainless-steel scuff-plates, fog-lights incorporated to the new range-wide new-look front bumper and rain-sensing wipers.

Engine and transmission combinations are unchanged. These are the a 2.7-litre V6 diesel or locally made 4.0-litre straight-six petrol, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing of the refreshed Territory is yet to be released.