The arrival of the new Territory heralds Ford’s entrance into the five-seater small sport utility vehicle segment with a stylish and compelling package that provides exceptional space, comfort, smart technologies and safety.
“The Territory is an exciting addition to our South African line-up, with a modern design and advanced technologies that will appeal to young, smart and connected customers,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
“With a commanding presence on the road, exceptional space and practicality inside, and an extensive range of high-tech features, we expect the Territory to be a popular addition to the fast-growing small SUV segment in South Africa,” Mashinini says.
Sophisticated interior
The interior of the Territory is both modern and spacious, with the abundant technology seamlessly integrated to provide an intuitive user experience.
It is dominated by strong horizontal lines that emphasize the cabin’s width and sense of openness. Soft-wrapped inserts punctuated by stitching and high-quality finishes create a sense of layering, which contributes to a smart modern and yet warm environment.
The double-deck console design incorporates convenient wireless phone charging on the Trend and Titanium models. 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 space and freedom. LED ambient lighting on the top-spec model reinforces its luxury status.
The Ambiente is equipped with dark Domino fabric trim for the supremely comfortable 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 that reinforces sophistication and upmarket appeal.
Advanced technologies
At the centre of the new Territory experience is a panoramic display that integrates a 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster on the Titanium model, or a 7-inch TFT cluster with primary analogue gauges on the Ambiente and Trend.
Across all models a 12.3-inch landscape infotainment touchscreen is nestled into the soft-touch instrument panel. It can be operated by the user’s finger or a rotary controller on the centre console and helps to declutter the cabin by moving many vehicle controls onto the screen.
A Bluetooth audio system is integrated into the centre touchscreen that provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, complemented by convenient steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The Ambiente and Trend models have six speakers, while the Titanium audio system is enhanced with eight speakers. Three USB ports are provided up front along with an additional USB port at the rear, and wireless charging is included on the Trend and Titanium derivatives.
On the safety front, all Territory models are equipped with an extensive range of standard driver assist and collision mitigation features, including Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control and Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A total of six airbags are provided, comprising dual front side, and curtain airbags. Vehicle security is taken care of with the smart key Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS), supported by a Thatcham-grade alarm system and immobiliser.
Additionally, the Titanium model gains 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. It also boasts a Traffic Jam Assistant, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Refined EcoBoost performance
The new Territory is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that delivers a superb blend of performance and efficiency. It produces 138kW of power matched to a substantial 318Nm of torque.
The EcoBoost engine, which has Auto Start-Stop across the range, is matched to an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that delivers exceptional responsiveness and performance while maximising fuel economy. In keeping with the high level of technology deployed in the Territory, gear selection is by means of a rotary e-Shifter located in the centre console, in combination with an electronic parking brake.
Drive is delivered to the front wheels with four Selectable Drive Modes available, comprising Normal, Eco, Sport, or Mountain to optimize power, torque, and fuel efficiency according to the driving conditions. This is complemented by handy driver assist technologies such as Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control for optimal control on steep gradients.
