1 Oct 2005
By CHRIS HARRIS
The SY facelift wasn’t actually one, since visual changes were limited to new colours and trim, but a more powerful yet economical 4.0-litre engine and the inclusion of a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox in AWD models brought new refinement levels to the big Ford wagon.
Power increased from 182kW to 190kW at 5250rpm while torque now topped out from 380Nm to 383Nm at 2500. Detailed changes decreased the engine’s noise, vibration and harshness properties while increasing fuel economy.
There were also modifications to the existing Ion four-speed automatic gearbox in the rear-wheel drive models, for extra smoothness and refinement.
Other changes include the implementation of a camera for safer reversing, new colours, and an auto-headlight function on all models.
In early 2006 Ford finally announced a turbocharged Territory, fitted with a 245kW/480Nm 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine pilfered from the BF Falcon XR6T, for sale from mid-’06.
It was identifiable by a large bonnet scoop for improved air-flow efficiency, redesigned 18-inch alloys, dual exhaust outlets, new colours, revised interior trim and a diamond-pattern mesh grille.
Two AWD models were introduced, a Turbo and a Ghia Turbo.
The May 2009 SY Territory Mark II was essentially a lightly facelifted model with minor other improvements.
The key visual change was the new nose design, with a new bonnet, headlights, grille and bumper. Side mouldings and tail-lights were also new.
The interior got new seat materials and other cosmetic detail changes.
In addition, the TS and Ghia interiors received a choice of standard Shadow charcoal or the new Cashmere cream interior, which first debuted in the FG Falcon.
The fuel consumption of RWD models was improved, thanks to a new catalytic converter, revised software calibration, improved aerodynamics and reduced kerb weight.
