Test Drive: The Ford Territory. A family SUV that ticks the boxes.

I road-tripped recently for three full days behind the wheel of Ford’s new offering. Coast to coast, city to city, town to town, the Territory ticked all the boxes and then some. In total, I ended up clocking up over 1 100 kms. National highways, gravel roads and urban driving all thrown into the mix and the Territory delivered with aplomb! It’s an all-round ideal design with smart tech and family features that is fit for work and leisure purpose. Let’s face it, the SUV market is very competitive at present and Ford has jumped into it, offering quality and comfort at a modest price. There are three models available: Ambiente, Trend and top-spec Titanium

Plush 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. 

 

Exterior: Easy on the eye

Commanding, agile and responsive. From front to back, a strong shoulder line enhances the power and progressive energy of the new Territory’s contemporary design language. The elements in the body and rear of the vehicle emphasize 3D floating graphics and represent youthfulness and energy. Innovative LED lighting technology is used for the headlamps and 3D taillights, giving this model a unique and distinctive identity.

The Territory’s front-end is framed coast-to-coast by the integrated grille and LED daytime running lights, creating a signature light effect. The strong corners with integrated main lamps enhance the new Territory’s look of readiness, purpose, and stability.

 

Hi Tech

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.

Safety First

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. 

Powered up!

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. 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.

Final Verdict

 “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.

 

Pricing (incl VAT):

Ambiente R590 000

Trend R646 600

Titanium R721 000

Includes optional service plan