Ford Territory is nothing else if not a sensible vehicle. Aimed at those who want good seating space, the ability to carry up to seven people (though some are sold with five seats), a large boot and a good view outside to keep the kids happy, Territory has been a big success for Ford Australia. Though it must be said sales dropped during the high-fuel-price periods last year.

There are those who have said Territory is rather staid in its shape, which may be so, but it has stood the test of time in the almost five years that it's been on the market. However, Ford Australia is shortly to release a substantially facelifted Mark II version of the SY Territory that was launched in 2006, and used the Melbourne International Motor Show to give the public a sneak preview of the car.

All the bodywork in front of the windscreen is new. The bonnet has an edgier look that's complemented by the new guards and headlights. The biggest change is in the bumper and under-bumper areas where the big lower grille gives a much stronger look that almost has a sporting presence.

The upmarket Ghia models have the repeater lights for turn indicators built into the door mirrors in the modern manner, whereas the lower cost variants still have repeaters on the guards.

Inside, there are new designs and colours of trim, most in a more outgoing fashion than in the about to be superseded Territory.

Ford Territory TX now comes standard with body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, it runs 17-inch alloy wheels, and safety is covered by six airbags. Territory TS has a reverse parking camera, front foglights, and leather-wrapping is used on the steering wheel, handbrake lever and gearshift. The TS gets the third-row seat as standard.

The upmarket Territory Ghia models also feature seven seats and are fitted with a quality Alpine rear DVD system, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, side steps. The Ghia Turbo gets a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel.

Territory's is designed in Australia for local driver’s tastes and Australian road conditions. It's body has a lovely solid feel even when you drive it on rough roads. It continues to be powered by the latest version of Ford's long-running straight-six engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is installed on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. But the rear-drive models still use an old-style four-speed auto.

The complete Ford Territory Mark II range, with prices (excluding on-road costs) is:

Territory TX RWD: $39,490 (four-speed automatic)

Territory TS RWD: $44,490 (four-speed automatic)

Territory Ghia RWD: $52,490 (four-speed automatic)

Territory TX AWD: $44,490 (six-speed automatic)

Territory TS AWD: $49,490 (six-speed automatic)

Territory Ghia AWD: $57,490 (six-speed automatic)