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New Ford Territory: A nostalgic revival of past glories
Indeed, the automotive industry is a dynamic landscape where car models are frequently revised, discontinued, and sometimes reintroduced with modern enhancements.
A prime example is the iconic ‘ti’ nameplate from BMW that resurfaced a few years ago as a 1 Series hot hatch that can now rival the likes of the formidable VW Golf 8 GTI.
The new Ford Territory is the most recent example of this. This model has been reintroduced as a replacement for the Kuga, which met its demise in 2023. Historically, the Territory has always been described by Ford as a combination of a typical family sedan, MPV, and SUV, which, at that time, had appeal, impressive space, and a powerful 4.0-litre straight-six powerplant under the bonnet.
As it returns, it is expected to retain these characteristics while incorporating modern advancements.
It's earmarked to land in South Africa in the second quarter of 2024 to slot between the Everest and Puma as the brand expands its presence in the SUV envelope with the Chinese-manufactured Territory.
The Ford Territory’s design aesthetic can be attributed to its origins. It was developed through a joint venture with Chinese carmaker Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). In China, the model is known as the Equator Sport, but it has been rebadged as the Territory for export markets.
For the local market, Ford confirms that the Territory will be sold in three guises: Ambiente, Trend, and the range-topping Titanium, all powered by a 1.8-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with 138kW and 318Nm sent to the front axle via a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Speaking of the Ambiente, it comes standard with features such as a 6-way manual adjustment for the driver’s seat, 4-way passenger seat adjustment, smart key passive entry, reach and height adjustment for the steering wheel, manual air-conditioning, privacy glass, rear air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
It also comes fitted with safety systems such as ESC, traction control, EBA, EBD, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and six airbags.
The Trend, on the other hand, adds an electric-powered tailgate, automatic headlamp activation, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, “Follow Me Home” lighting, a vinyl seat trim, a leatherette multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone electronic climate control, a wireless charger, a one-touch driver’s window, an integrated reversing camera, and electro-chromatic rearview mirror.
The range-topping Titanium comes with all the bells and whistles, such as 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, a chrome finish for the door handles, heated side mirrors with power-folding and puddle lamps, and front parking sensors. The interior is fitted with a full leather trim for the seats and steering wheel, a powered twin-panel panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch liquid-crystal display instrument cluster, and eight speakers.
When it comes to safety, the Titanium features a blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and lane-change assist, as well as adaptive cruise control.
Firstly, it’s commendable that Ford is aggressively expanding its product portfolio, which has predominantly been focused on bakkies in the past years. Secondly, the return of the Territory nameplate leaves a lot to admire, and it could very well be a surprise package as the brand revives its past glories.
Ford SA says that the indicative pricing for the Territory will start at R610,000, including VAT.
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