Ford South Africa has confirmed the line-up and specifications for the all-new Ford Territory, which will arrive in local Ford showrooms in the second quarter of 2024.
The Territory name is not unknown to South Africans, as Ford sold a similar vehicle back in the 2000s (see image below). Developed in Australia, it used a thirsty inline-six petrol engine with a displacement of 4 litres. It was popular despite its drinking habit – maybe because fuel was much cheaper.
Now built in China, the new Territory is an exceedingly spacious five-seater SUV. It will compete with other soft-roaders like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, VW Tiguan, and Toyota RAV4.
Territory buyers will be able to choose the Ambiente, Trend and Titanium trim levels, arranged here from most affordable to most expensive.
The cabin
In the Titanium version, the driver enjoys a panoramic 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster. In the Ambiente and Trend, a seven-inch TFT cluster with primary analogue gauges faces the driver.
Across all models a 12.3-inch landscape orientated infotainment touchscreen is nestled into the soft-touch instrument panel. The user can operate it by using a finger or a rotary controller on the centre console. Ford says this helps to declutter the cabin by moving many vehicle controls onto the screen…
The double-deck console design incorporates convenient wireless phone charging on the Trend and Titanium models. It provides room for storing small, medium, and large objects, as well as a dedicated space for handbags.
The boot offers up to 448 litres of storage space. This can be expanded to 1 422 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folding completely flat to load bulkier items.
On the luxurious Titanium model, a powered twin-panel Panoramic Moonroof bathes the cabin in natural light for front and rear-seat occupants, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
The Ambiente has a dark fabric trim for the seats, while the Trend features high-quality Domino vinyl trim. The Titanium stands out with eye-catching two-tone Peacock Blue and Domino full leather trim.
Engine
The all-new Territory employs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that delivers a superb blend of performance and efficiency, according to Ford. It produces 138 kW of power matched to 318 Nm of torque. The old 4-litre petrol managed 190 kW and 383 Nm; useful when lugging around a 2-ton SUV.
The EcoBoost engine, which has Auto Start Stop across the range, is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Ford says this combo delivers responsiveness and performance while maximising fuel economy.
Transmission and driving modes
Gear selection is by means of a rotary e-Shifter located in the centre console. There are no paddle shifters, so manually selecting gears is not possible.
The drivetrain delivers torque to the front wheels. Four Selectable Drive Modes are available, comprising Normal, Eco, Sport, or Mountain. These optimise power, torque, and fuel efficiency according to the driving conditions, Ford claims.
To locate these modes, you have to dive into the touchscreen. Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control provide optimal control on steep gradients and there’s an electronic parking brake.
Model range
1. Ambiente
The Ambiente is the most affordable model in the Territory range. Its list of standard equipment includes the following.
The driver’s seat has six-way manual adjustment, with four-way adjustment for the front passenger seat. The steering wheel is reach and height adjustable, allowing the driver to achieve the ideal driving position. Privacy glass adds comfort for second-row occupants, along with the inclusion of a rear air vent.
A six-speaker Bluetooth audio system is integrated into the 12.3-inch centre touchscreen. It provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, complemented by convenient steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The Ambiente gets USB ports up front (along with an additional USB port at the rear), cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
On the safety front, all Territory versions are equipped with Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and tyre pressure monitoring. A total of six airbags is standard across the range, comprising dual front, side, and curtain airbags.
2. Trend
Trend customers get an electric-powered tailgate, automatic headlamp activation, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and “Follow Me Home” lighting, a feature that should really have been standard for the Ambiente too.
Ford says the Trend’s cabin gains a more upmarket edge, with high-quality vinyl seat trim and leatherette multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone electronic climate control in place of the manual air-conditioning in the Ambiente. The Trend also gains a wireless charger, one-touch driver’s window (should also be standard across the range), integrated reversing camera, and self-dimming rearview mirror.
Titanium
In line with its range-topping status, the Territory Titanium boasts a features list second to none, Ford boasts. The manufacturer distinguishes this version with striking 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, along with a chrome finish for the door handles in place of colour coding.
The heated side mirrors have a power-folding function and convenient puddle lamps, and Ford added front parking sensors.
Interior
The cabin features full leather trim for the seats and steering wheel. Additionally, the driver’s seat provides 10-way power adjustment, with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. According to Ford, the spacious ambience is further reinforced by the powered twin-panel panoramic moonroof and multi-colour LED ambient lighting.
The carmaker also claims that the 12.3-inch liquid-crystal display (LCD) instrument cluster “reinforces the high-tech appeal in combination with the similarly sized infotainment touchscreen”. The audio system has eight speakers.
Safety
The Titanium is equipped with Ford’s driver assistance package which includes the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Change Assist.
Additionally, there is a Traffic Jam Assistant, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The indicative pricing for the Territory will start from R610 000.
