01 March 2011
Ford has finally unveiled the new Ford Territory, revealing a sophisticated and sporty urban wagon great for weekdays, and as a family getaway vehicle for weekends.
The Australian-designed-and-developed SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) has undergone an extensive visual update both inside and outside.
Externally, significant changes to the Territory's styling have resulted in a stunning new look. At the front, the vehicle uses an all-new tri-plane front-end architecture. The new trapezoid-shaped main grille is one of the new Territory's most noticeable updates. This larger, lower grille in a unique 3-bar design connects with the slim-line treatment given to the upper grille opening, a feature which sees the famous Ford roundel now surrounded by its own elegant winged structure.
New slim-line headlights with projector beam technology are another stand-out feature of the new Territory's frontal styling. The high-series titanium variant takes this a step further with the introduction of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) position lamps integrated into its redesigned front bumper. At the bottom of Territory's new face is a U-formed lower chin skid plate.
Combining these stunning elements has produced an impressive new look.
Ford Australia design team, headed by Chris Svensson, Design Director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa says: "We worked hard to ensure the new Territory was an evolution of the original model and, through the use of Ford's distinct design DNA, also gave a hint of the future”.
"To achieve this, we applied Ford's unique style philosophy: kinetic design.
"Kinetic design comprises several specific elements, all of which are present in the new Territory. They are confident stance, dynamic lines, expressive form language, taut surfacing, bold graphics and great detailing.
"When you combine them, they convey movement and athleticism. In other words, the vehicle looks like it is moving when standing still,” he adds.
Moving rearwards, the new Territory sports a sculpted new bonnet and subtle flutes for the front guards. Bold wheel lips emphasise its athletic stance.
A new C-pillar design smoothes the transition from front to rear. Resurfaced door cladding and a lower rocker moulding combine to give the Territory a lower, athletic stance.
At the rear, Svensson's highly skilled team has made a number of enhancements. New Territory sports sleek horizontal taillights that wrap around the rear of the vehicle to create a seamless visual link to the rear of the vehicle. Connecting them is a new rear lift-gate appliqué. Finishing the new rear styling is a redesigned bumper and new lower-level valence panel.
On the inside, the popular SUV maintains its famed ability for almost endless adaptation to Australian lifestyles. Its car-like cabin is sporty and sophisticated and continues its ‘dual personality’ theme by delivering stunning form and excellent function.
The new Territory is fitted with an all-new Instrument Panel (IP) featuring – for the first time – an 8-inch touch screen and new functional storage solutions. Territory drivers will find the technologically advanced touch screen both easy to reach and use and its central location makes it simple for both front occupants to operate.
The new Territory goes on sale in May this year.