Ford are making a return to the five-seater, compact SUV segment with the launch of the new Territory.
The C-SUV segment is the fastest growing segment of the South African market, representing 12,7% of the new car market. Following the discontinuation of the Ford EcoSport and Kuga, Ford needed a new model to ensure that they can compete for market share in this popular segment.
The answer comes in the form of the new Territory, a model that was designed particularly for introduction into emerging markets such as South Africa and developed and manufactured for Ford in China in conjunction with JMC at their manufacturing facility.
Chinese manufacturers have been enjoying incredible success in South Africa in recent years and this move sees Ford being able to offer a similar product at a similarly competitive price point.
Modern commanding design
Designed with Ford’s Progressive Energy in Strength philosophy, the Territory exudes a commanding presence on the road. The contemporary design features innovative LED lighting technology, including distinctive headlamps and 3D taillights that add to its unique identity.
The front-end features an integrated grille and distinctive LED daytime running lights, creating a signature light effect that enhances the vehicle’s presence on the road.
The athletic and expressive profile is accentuated by its sculpted body side and sharp crease that run under the beltline, giving it a dynamic aesthetic. The range of attractive alloy wheels, available in 18 or 19-inch sizes adds to the overall sporty and agile look of the vehicle.
Minimalist interior
Inside, the Territory offers a level of sophistication and practicality that can handle anything that life can throw at it. This is underpinned by a sophisticated and spacious interior along with modern technology that has been seamlessly integrated for an intuitive user experience.
The interior takes a minimalist approach with a coast-to-coast interior and screens while two rotary knobs dominate the centre console alongside an electronic parking brake.
A panoramic display integrates a 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster on the Titanium model, or a seven-inch TFT cluster with primary analogue gauges on the Ambiente and Trend derivatives. All models feature a 12.3-inch landscape infotainment screen which can be controlled via the touchscreen or a rotary controller on the centre console as well as Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability.
Ford’s SYNC technology has been left out of the Territory, making way for a unique user experience software suite which Ford says focuses on useable tech.
Safety features include an extensive range of driver assist and collision mitigation features, ensuring peace of mind for the entire family. These include Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system. In addition Titanium models feature Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The boot space measures 448 litres with all the seats upright and 1 422 litres with the rear seats folded down, meaning that the Territory can cope with a variety of luggage carrying requirements.
Under the bonnet
The Ford Territory is offered exclusively with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering both performance and fuel efficiency. This engine is mated to a smooth shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The drivetrain offers good, smooth power delivery and fair fuel consumption with the onboard computer measuring 8,5 litres per 100km across the launch route.
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance as well as a six-year/R90 0000 service plan (This can be unbundled and is valued at R14 000).
Territory Ambiente 1.8L EcoBoost &AT R590 000
Territory Trend 1.8L EcoBoost 7AT R632 600
Territory Titanium 1.8L EcoBoost 7AT R707 000
Credit: Reuben van Niekerk
