The Ford Territory will signal a new era in automotive interior design when the innovative new vehicle goes on sale next year.
Every interior element of the groundbreaking vehicle has been designed with one simple philosophy uppermost in the minds of Ford's interior specialists – Territory must be endlessly adaptable to cater to the Australian lifestyle.
Interior Design Manager Marcus Hotblack said his team used the famous Swiss armyknife as the inspiration for their work.
"A Swiss army knife has every gadget under the sun and can literally do anything. We wanted the interior of Territory to be like that.
"The Swiss army knife embodies the whole multi-function nature of Territory."
Territory will offer capacity for seven adults to travel in comfort, with each row of seats located higher than the one in front of it.
This innovative 'theatre style' seating design means passengers in the second and optional third row of seats will be able to see more and also provides excellent ergonomics to ensure a comfortable ride.
"One of the main reasons a lot of customers purchase SUVs is because they are positioned high and feel in command of their surroundings – but they don't like having to climb up into the vehicle," said Hotblack.
"The first thing you'll notice about Territory is the ease of access. There's no climb into the cabin. You'll simply step across into it.
"The command driving position in Territory provides good vision in typical urban driving situations, such as manoeuvring the vehicle in shopping centre car parks."
Hotblack said the passengers would enjoy similar levels of comfort with excellent visibility.
"We have added the option of a sliding second row seat, which can be moved backward or forward to provide extra leg room for passengers in the second or third row seat."
The second row seat features a 60/40 split-fold function and can be folded flat via a unique 'kneeling' seat arrangement – as the seat folds forward the seat base drops down and literally 'kneels', which means the seat cushion doesn't hold the back up.
Hotblack said Territory was designed for the second and third row headrests to stay with the seats when they are folded flat, unlike with many other vehicles.
"The third row seats can't be removed but they can be configured to fold flat into the floor so that when both the second and third row seats are folded down there is a long, flat load space for flexible cargo carrying.
"The target third row seat occupants are generally children and teenagers, but the vehicle has all the safety systems to cater for adult passengers in the third row, giving full seven seat capacity when it's required.”
Territory will also feature an amazing number of interior storage areas – with 30 separate compartments in the entry-level seven-seater vehicle and an astonishing 33 in the high series five seater.
The instrument panel includes a glovebox, a centre compartment and a top tray, while the centre console houses a tissue box holder, gearshift lever trinket bin, two cup holders, a bin and a removable rubbish bin. (9)
The front row seats have two front door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two compartments beside the seat and a lockable under seat bin. (7)
The second row seats house two door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two centre armrest cup holders and two seat pockets. (8)
The third row includes two armrest bins and two cup holders, while rear and overhead storage is made up of a large rear load floor bin (five seater only), a small rear load floor bin, a compartment to house the jack, an overhead sunglass compartment (high series) and a cargo net (high series).
"The high number of storage compartments is a direct response to feedback we got from customers in the numerous design clinics conducted as part of the Territory program," said Hotblack.
"They include compartments designed to cope with life in the 21st century, such as a lockable storage area that can house items up to the size of a laptop computer and slides under the driver's seat."
Handbags and large bottles are amply catered for in Territory's capacious interior.
The storage compartments located in both driver and passenger seat sides can easily hold a large bottle or a handbag – items which typically are left to roll around on the back seat or footwell.
Hotblack said Territory's interior was designed to cater for the active, outdoor way of life enjoyed by Australians.
"Territory five seater features two large storage areas underneath the rear floor that can house sporting equipment or wet towels from a day at the beach.
"As well, a reversible wet and dry rear floor panel is included on five-seat vehicles, allowing owners to transport wet surf gear or take a trip to the local nursery without damaging the luggage compartment floor."
Territory boasts six cup holders in total, with two for each row of seats.
"We've also taken the drink holder concept one step further, with flexible drink bottle holders in each of the front and rear doors. And there's an optional Territory branded drink bottle designed to match.
"Territory also includes three power sources and space for a travel fridge – which will be available as an option on all models. That's just part of an extensive accessory collection.
"Practicality has been a priority too. For example, one of the storage compartments in Territory is a rubbish bin, which can be removed and safely cleaned in a household dishwasher.
"Similarly, the rubber coated front row cup holder is removable for ease of cleaning. "
Hotblack said there were two specific aims the interior design set out to achieve.
"The higher seating position of Territory enabled the design team to make all the interior surfaces feel lower, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
"The other thing we wanted to achieve was creating what we call a T-shape. This is the central spine running up to a T-form on the dashboard, reinforcing the strong image of a robust, lifestyle vehicle. We have built on the aesthetic 'DNA' created by the acclaimed BA range and have successfully evolved the direction to this active lifestyle package.
"That has helped in creating an interior that includes all the passengers, making them feel part of the interior and not alienated from it. At the same time it gives the driver a feeling of control with its driver-orientated cockpit, something our customers were emphatic about. It's an active family vehicle, and the T-shape definitely helps in reinforcing that theme."
Hotblack said catering to the needs of customers was key.
"From day one, the needs of the customer have been uppermost in our minds.
"We were constantly thinking about the customer's interaction with the interior – what they're looking for, what they want.
"We included features that are enduring and usable – not just gimmicks. They include a sturdy folding loadspace cover, which perfectly complements the liftglass feature at the rear and gives the vehicle a beautifully tailored look.
"We targeted an active family feel and I'm confident we hit the bullseye with the finished product.
"Territory has a fantastic interior package we're very proud of – boasting an interior design and ambience perfectly suited to the active Australian way of life," Hotblack said.
Every interior element of the groundbreaking vehicle has been designed with one simple philosophy uppermost in the minds of Ford's interior specialists – Territory must be endlessly adaptable to cater to the Australian lifestyle.
Interior Design Manager Marcus Hotblack said his team used the famous Swiss armyknife as the inspiration for their work.
"A Swiss army knife has every gadget under the sun and can literally do anything. We wanted the interior of Territory to be like that.
"The Swiss army knife embodies the whole multi-function nature of Territory."
Territory will offer capacity for seven adults to travel in comfort, with each row of seats located higher than the one in front of it.
This innovative 'theatre style' seating design means passengers in the second and optional third row of seats will be able to see more and also provides excellent ergonomics to ensure a comfortable ride.
"One of the main reasons a lot of customers purchase SUVs is because they are positioned high and feel in command of their surroundings – but they don't like having to climb up into the vehicle," said Hotblack.
"The first thing you'll notice about Territory is the ease of access. There's no climb into the cabin. You'll simply step across into it.
"The command driving position in Territory provides good vision in typical urban driving situations, such as manoeuvring the vehicle in shopping centre car parks."
Hotblack said the passengers would enjoy similar levels of comfort with excellent visibility.
"We have added the option of a sliding second row seat, which can be moved backward or forward to provide extra leg room for passengers in the second or third row seat."
The second row seat features a 60/40 split-fold function and can be folded flat via a unique 'kneeling' seat arrangement – as the seat folds forward the seat base drops down and literally 'kneels', which means the seat cushion doesn't hold the back up.
Hotblack said Territory was designed for the second and third row headrests to stay with the seats when they are folded flat, unlike with many other vehicles.
"The third row seats can't be removed but they can be configured to fold flat into the floor so that when both the second and third row seats are folded down there is a long, flat load space for flexible cargo carrying.
"The target third row seat occupants are generally children and teenagers, but the vehicle has all the safety systems to cater for adult passengers in the third row, giving full seven seat capacity when it's required.”
Territory will also feature an amazing number of interior storage areas – with 30 separate compartments in the entry-level seven-seater vehicle and an astonishing 33 in the high series five seater.
The instrument panel includes a glovebox, a centre compartment and a top tray, while the centre console houses a tissue box holder, gearshift lever trinket bin, two cup holders, a bin and a removable rubbish bin. (9)
The front row seats have two front door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two compartments beside the seat and a lockable under seat bin. (7)
The second row seats house two door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two centre armrest cup holders and two seat pockets. (8)
The third row includes two armrest bins and two cup holders, while rear and overhead storage is made up of a large rear load floor bin (five seater only), a small rear load floor bin, a compartment to house the jack, an overhead sunglass compartment (high series) and a cargo net (high series).
"The high number of storage compartments is a direct response to feedback we got from customers in the numerous design clinics conducted as part of the Territory program," said Hotblack.
"They include compartments designed to cope with life in the 21st century, such as a lockable storage area that can house items up to the size of a laptop computer and slides under the driver's seat."
Handbags and large bottles are amply catered for in Territory's capacious interior.
The storage compartments located in both driver and passenger seat sides can easily hold a large bottle or a handbag – items which typically are left to roll around on the back seat or footwell.
Hotblack said Territory's interior was designed to cater for the active, outdoor way of life enjoyed by Australians.
"Territory five seater features two large storage areas underneath the rear floor that can house sporting equipment or wet towels from a day at the beach.
"As well, a reversible wet and dry rear floor panel is included on five-seat vehicles, allowing owners to transport wet surf gear or take a trip to the local nursery without damaging the luggage compartment floor."
Territory boasts six cup holders in total, with two for each row of seats.
"We've also taken the drink holder concept one step further, with flexible drink bottle holders in each of the front and rear doors. And there's an optional Territory branded drink bottle designed to match.
"Territory also includes three power sources and space for a travel fridge – which will be available as an option on all models. That's just part of an extensive accessory collection.
"Practicality has been a priority too. For example, one of the storage compartments in Territory is a rubbish bin, which can be removed and safely cleaned in a household dishwasher.
"Similarly, the rubber coated front row cup holder is removable for ease of cleaning. "
Hotblack said there were two specific aims the interior design set out to achieve.
"The higher seating position of Territory enabled the design team to make all the interior surfaces feel lower, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
"The other thing we wanted to achieve was creating what we call a T-shape. This is the central spine running up to a T-form on the dashboard, reinforcing the strong image of a robust, lifestyle vehicle. We have built on the aesthetic 'DNA' created by the acclaimed BA range and have successfully evolved the direction to this active lifestyle package.
"That has helped in creating an interior that includes all the passengers, making them feel part of the interior and not alienated from it. At the same time it gives the driver a feeling of control with its driver-orientated cockpit, something our customers were emphatic about. It's an active family vehicle, and the T-shape definitely helps in reinforcing that theme."
Hotblack said catering to the needs of customers was key.
"From day one, the needs of the customer have been uppermost in our minds.
"We were constantly thinking about the customer's interaction with the interior – what they're looking for, what they want.
"We included features that are enduring and usable – not just gimmicks. They include a sturdy folding loadspace cover, which perfectly complements the liftglass feature at the rear and gives the vehicle a beautifully tailored look.
"We targeted an active family feel and I'm confident we hit the bullseye with the finished product.
"Territory has a fantastic interior package we're very proud of – boasting an interior design and ambience perfectly suited to the active Australian way of life," Hotblack said.