"The Territory turbo range of vehicles continues the innovation and groundbreaking development associated with the original Territory programme," said Ford Australia President, Mr Tom Gorman.

"The two new turbo models successfully combine Territory's popular functionality and versatility with more sophisticated styling and increased performance. From the distinctive bonnet scoop to the twin exhaust pipes, the styling is subtle, but purposeful."

In addition to engineering, mechanical and visual modifications to the exterior of the vehicle, Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo also contain interior styling enhancements offering the sophistication and high degree of interior appointment usually expected of a luxury SUV.

"Both turbo vehicles are significantly differentiated from the rest of the Territory range," said Mr Gorman.

"In particular, our customers will be under no illusion that they are travelling in the luxury sports flagship of the Ford SUV range when they ride in the Territory Ghia Turbo."

The 245kW six speed AWD Territory Turbo debuts with an entry price of $53,990*, and the more highly specified Territory Ghia Turbo with a recommended retail price of $65,490*.

"Competitive pricing has been a feature of the Territory range since we launched in June 2004. The price points for the two new turbo variants will appeal to customers looking for the flexibility inherent in the Territory range along with luxury and increased performance, at a reasonable price."

*Excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges.

Ford Australia's new turbo Territory range will benefit from all the safety and functionality developments introduced across the top-selling SUV range since the original Territory was launched in June 2004.

"Territory was the first Australian manufactured vehicle to incorporate the advanced safety features of Dynamic Stability Control in selected models and also the first to include the option of side curtain airbags," said Russell Christophers, Vehicle Line Director Falcon and Territory.

"More recently, it set another benchmark in customer convenience and ease of driving with the introduction of a reverse camera on SY Territory Ghia. This feature is standard on Territory Ghia Turbo."

The image from the rear of the vehicle is displayed on the colour Interior Command Centre screen immediately when reverse gear is selected.

The camera covers a wide field of view of the area behind the car and is mounted in a position that provides the driver with a clear view of the area behind Territory, including the ground directly below the bumper, to a distance of about 15 metres. The wide angle of the camera – measuring about 130 degrees – means the area immediately outside the width of Territory can also be seen.

The reverse camera also proves to be an invaluable aid when backing up to hitch a trailer or caravan.

One of the cornerstones of the Territory safety story is Ford's Intelligent Safety System. The ISS is the brains behind the operation of the crash sensors which monitor and control all accident related events that the vehicle may encounter.

ISS features integrated front seat belt buckle pretensioners, energy management retractors, driver's seat belt usage sensor, driver's seat position sensor, dual stage inflating front airbags and crash severity sensor. Inflatable side curtain airbags are also standard on Territory Ghia Turbo and an option for the Territory Turbo.

The ISS is a fully integrated, computer-driven system that 'thinks' about, and responds to, different accident conditions. Sensors constantly feed data to the vehicle's Advanced Restraints Module (ARM) – the 'brain' of the system.

"The module takes into account the seating position of the driver, whether the driver and front passenger seat belts are engaged and the severity of the accident before deploying appropriate safety technologies during frontal collisions," said Mr Christophers.

The ARM controls the variable front airbag inflator output and pyrotechnic front seat belt pretensioners according to the severity of a frontal crash.

It also controls the deployment of the inflatable side curtain airbags and tells the Body Electronics Module (BEM) to unlock the doors in the event of a crash.

"In essence, the system determines the severity of the crash and deploys the airbags accordingly.

"Territory also features the acclaimed beltminder system, which provides an intermittent visible and audible warning if the driver's seat belt is not fastened with the vehicle in motion."

All seatbelts in Territory are three-point lap-sash, for enhanced safety in the front, second or optional third row seats.

Territory also includes an anti-intrusion brake pedal that decouples from the brake booster shaft in a frontal crash.

"Territory is the SUV of choice for more Australians than any other similar model," said Mr Christophers.

"Part of this appeal is Territory's undeniable functionality and versatility, but these attributes need to be balanced by accompanying safety standards.

"Safety is a major cornerstone of the Territory range, and an attribute that we pride ourselves on. With its combination of excellent safety structure, collapsible brake pedal and steering column, side curtain airbags* and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control, the new turbo Territory models look to build on what is already a firm family favourite."

*Standard on Territory Ghia Turbo and an option on Territory Turbo.

Turbo Territory Specification