news

2011 Ford Territory Pricing Announced, On Sale From May

2011 FORD TERRITORY

Note: Click here to read TMR's review of the new Ford Territory.

Ford Australia has today released pricing information for the 2011 'SZ' Territory, marking a significant mechanical, styling and equipment u

Mike Stevens

06:2305 April 2011

0comments

2011 Ford Territory Pricing Announced, On Sale From May

2011 FORD TERRITORY

Note: Click here to read TMR's review of the new Ford Territory.

Ford Australia has today released pricing information for the 2011 'SZ' Territory, marking a significant mechanical, styling and equipment update for the popular SUV.

The Territory's latest (and likely last) update is the result of a $230 million investment by Ford Australia. At first glance, the Falcon-based SUV may appear to have gained little more than a facelift and a new interior - but there's a great deal more going on beneath the surface.

Mechanical Package

2.7 Litre Diesel Engine

For the first time, a diesel engine is available with the Territory - across the whole range - in both all-wheel and rear-wheel-drive layouts.

Ford's 2.7-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel V6 engine, producing 140kW and 440Nm of torque, powers the Territory's diesel models. Peak torque for the new engine is available from 1900rpm through to 2500rpm.

Combined fuel consumption for the turbodiesel engine is listed at 8.2 l/100km in rear-wheel-drive form, while the TX and TS all-wheel-drive variants consume 8.8 l/100km of diesel.

The range-topping Titanium all-wheel-drive is also frugal, with a claimed consumption of 9.0 l/100km on the combined cycle.

According to Ford Australia, the diesel Territory's fuel consumption on the highway is just 6.5 l/100km and, with a 75-litre fuel tank, owners can look forward to a 'theoretical' driving range of 1154km off one fill.

For all-wheel-drive diesel models, the Territory offers a towing capacity of 2700kg with a braked trailer, and a maximum downward towball capacity of 270kg.

In rear-wheel-drive, the diesel Territory will pull 2300kg with a braked trailer, with a downward towball weight of 230kg.

Significantly, the 2WD diesel Territory will be the only diesel wagon in Australia available in rear-wheel-drive outside of the premium Estate segment occupied by BMW and Mercedes.

I6 Petrol Engine

The Territory's inline six-cylinder petrol engine - available in rear-wheel-drive models only - has come in for an upgrade, with power boosted by 5kW to 195kW and torque increased by 8Nm to 391Nm.

With the same improvements seen in the FG Falcon, the I6 engine benefits from a fast-burn cylinder head design, a new light-weight dual-resonance intake manifold, a new electric throttle body and a new fuel rail system.

The I6 petrol engine is the standard powertrain for the new Territory, and fuel consumption figures are listed at 10.6 l/10kkm for RWD models - an improvement of 1.01 l/100km. On the highway, the petrol Territory will manage 8.0 l/100km - down from 9.1 l/100km.

Petrol models, available with rear-wheel-drive only, have a towing capacity of 2300kg with a braked trailer, and a downward towball weight of 230kg.

Transmissions

The 2011 Territory is fitted with six-speed automatic transmissions across the range, for both rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts.

For the petrol rear-wheel-drive models, the Territory gets ZF's 6HP26 six-speed auto, while the TDCi turbodiesel variants, in RWD and AWD form, are equipped with Ford's ZF-based 6R80 six-speed auto.

Suspension and Refinement

Mechanically, the 2011 Territory has been blessed with massive upgrades to its all-wheel-drive system, along with a re-engineered suspension tune that brings new springs, dampers and stabilisers, along with new driveline and suspension bushes.

The 2011 Territory also gains the same Electric Assisted Power Steering (EPAS) system featured with the US-market Mustang sports car - with the benefit of being tuned specifically for the Australian market.

These changes, combined with a host of noise, vibration and harshness improvements, bring a level of refinement that Ford says is the match of any of the Territory's more expensive premium competitors.

Click here to learn more about the Territory's mechanical upgrades.

Interior And Features

The cabin of the 2011 Territory brings a complete redesign, featuring a Falcon-inspired dash design, along with a large eight-inch touch-screen with a new control system unique to the Territory.

"Drivers will find the positioning of the new Territory's controls both familiar and easy to use," Ford Asia Pacific's Design Manager for Passenger Interiors, Scott Ferrier said.

"The layout of the panel's instrument cluster and central LED screen, the centre console, button controls and steering column-mounted stalk controls are stylish and logical."

At the base of the centre stack is a new storage compartment with a sliding 'tambour' door, inspired by similar arrangements found in many upmarket European models.

A lockable drawer is located under the driver's seat, along with handbag/umbrella recesses next to the driver and front passenger seat. There are new recessed cup holders in the centre console, positioned clear of the handbrake and transmission shifter.

Each rear door has an integrated stowage area, as do the sides of the third-row passenger compartment, which are fitted with armrest bins and cup holders. The new Territory also comes fitted with map pockets and seat pockets along with a flat folding floor for the rear compartment.

The 2011 Territory's cabin offers touches of chrome and satin highlights, changes that Ford Australia's Emily Lai says were inspired through buyer feedback.

The new Territory is available in a variety of upholstery colours and finishes, including a 'Shadow' black layout, and the no-cost optional light-coloured 'Cashmere' leather trim for the top-shelf Titanium.

Equipment

Among the Territory's standout new features is its eight-inch touchscreen, available with the range-topping Titanium and the mid-spec TS grades.

The new screen offers controls for the Territory's audio system, along with telephone and climate controls. All Territory also gain the FG Falcon's four-spoke steering wheel, with wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.

For the entry-level five-seater TX, a new high-mount 5.8-inch monochromatic screen is standard. The TX also features iPod, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

While the TX rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, the mid-spec TS gains 18-inch alloys, along with a reversing camera, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system and seating for seven occupants.

Topping the line-up is the Titanium, which features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, tinted glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather upholstery, a 10.2-inch DVD system for the rear passengers and a satellite navigation system with access to Traffic Message Channel.