Ford South Africa is looking to its reimagined Territory nameplate to reignite its prospects within the local passenger car market. Ian McLaren gained an exclusive first drive ahead of this significant new SUV prior to its local launch.
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Ford Territory 1.8 EcoBoost Trend Fast Facts
- Price: TBC
- Engine: 1.8-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder, petrol
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Power: 138 kW @ 5 200 r/min
- Torque: 318 N.m @ 1 750 – 3 000 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 7.0 L/100 km
- Emissions: 161 g/km
What are we driving?
Not to be confused with the Australian-sourced, six cylinder-powered Territory that CAR first tested in August 2005, this new version is built for Ford under an agreement with Jiangling Motors (JMC) in Nanchang, China. Broadly mirroring the current Haval H6 in terms of its exterior dimensions, the new Territory will be sold in South Africa in three familiar trim levels; Ambiente, Trend and Titanium, and exclusively powered by a 1.8-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol motor capable of delivering 138 kW and 318 N.m of torque to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Why is the new Ford Territory significant?
The news in early 2021 of the termination of talks between Ford and Mahindra for the latter to develop Blue Oval-badged products for so-called emerging markets stifled many of the plans Ford South Africa had for a continued local presence within several key passenger car segments. With products including EcoSport, Fiesta and, indeed, Fiesta Figo having reached the end of their respective production cycles, any plans for replacement offerings were temporarily scuppered.
While the recently introduced Puma is likely to remain a relatively niche offering, Ford is hoping the rebirth of its Territory nameplate will cause a stir within the ever-popular midsize SUV segment.
Related: Ford Territory Spec and Pricing – Arriving in Q2
Well-proportioned and with a deceptively large footprint, which is not immediately obvious from photographs, the exterior styling of the Territory is neat if not slightly generic, something likely to be highlighted once it’s parked alongside an altogether more novel-looking Puma or modern Everest in a local showroom. Available in a choice of seven exterior colours including a new metallic Moonlight Blue, Ambiente and Trend models are fitted as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, while Titanium derivatives gain 19-inch items.
Bespoke factory-fit enhancements granted to the models destined for South Africa include a reworking of the car’s architecture to accommodate a tow hitch (with a 1 310 kg braked towing capacity), as well as several security upgrades, including to the alarm and anti-theft systems.
What does the new Ford Territory cost?
While pricing for the new three-derivative range has yet to be confirmed, Ford South Africa says the starting point for the new Territory will be R610 000.
What are the new Ford Territory’s rivals?
Pricing will be key but expect the new Ford Territory to compete within the massively competitive – and significant – segment that includes everything from the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, to the entry-level versions of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
What is the new Ford Territory like to drive?
Behind the wheel, I was grateful for the standard height adjustment on the driver’s seat (electric in Titanium specification), as well as a sense of familiarity offered by the Ford-sourced steering wheel and switchgear. Ahead of this, digital instrumentation is incorporated – either partially via a 7-inch item or completely in the form of a 12.3-inch screen on the flagship model – within a display that stretches (flat) across the facia to include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While fit and finish seem on par with other modern Ford products, some of the materials used, including the synthetic leather on the door sills, are less on brand.
Related: Comparing the First-Gen Ford Territory to The Next-Gen Model
Indeed, the only element of the Territory’s interior that belies its roots – and hints at its country of birth – is the decidedly cheap-to-the-touch, chrome-look audio system controls presented on the centre console and a rotary transmission lever that pales in comparison to the look and feel of the item found in the modern flagship Everest SUV.
An impressive default ride quality seems unaffected by the fitment of the larger alloy wheels on Titanium specification. There’s a welcome level of weight and feedback from the electrically assisted steering and while I wouldn’t suggest this to be the most dynamically capable vehicle in this segment, there’s enough poise on offer to make the school run relatively enjoyable. Body roll is also kept neatly in check in most driving conditions.
Another standout feature is the levels of sound-deadening considered for this package. Combined with the ride quality and road manners, the new Territory offers impressive levels of overall comfort, capable of easily covering longer distances – and over varying road surfaces.
The decision to opt for the 1.8-litre EcoBoost over the 1.5-litre unit offered in other markets seems an inspired one. Although the displacement figure alone should gain approval from most traditional fans of the brand, that 318 N.m of torque comes in handy, especially during overtaking manoeuvres while at cruising speeds. I averaged 8.5 L/100 km for my mixed conditions (urban and open road) extended stint behind the wheel.
Verdict
The likely sweet spot in the range, Trend specification includes auto (LED) headlamps and wipers, a reverse camera, a power tailgate, wireless charging (smartphone mirroring is standard throughout), imitation leather upholstery, climate control and keyless entry. 19-inch alloy wheels aside, the most significant inclusions reserved for the flagship derivative are a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control and a full bouquet of active safety features including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection and forward collision warning with emergency braking. The range features ABS-assisted brakes and electronic stability control, as well as six airbags.
With no confirmed pricing available at the time of our exclusive first drive, I’m intrigued to learn where Ford South Africa decides to position its new Territory within the South African market. Based on first impressions there’s certainly enough substance, performance and refinement on offer to potentially slow the impressive monthly sales prospects of the likes of the similar-sized (and similar-looking?) Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Haval H6. While I sense Ford is targeting bigger fish, too, including the lower tier versions of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and forthcoming new VW Tiguan, based on the broad choice of materials and the fit and finish thereof (in admittedly pre-production units), perhaps Ford’s immediate target should be gaining territory on the nevertheless impressive modern Chinese offerings.
