The Ford Territory returned to SA in April this year. Though bigger and better, is it a solid choice for a road trip companion? Charlen Raymond took it for an out-of-town excursion to find out.
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Ford Territory 1.8T Titanium Fast Facts
- Price: R707 000
- Engine: 1.8-litre, turbo-petrol
- Power: 138 kW @ 5 200 r/min
- Torque: 318 N.m @ 1 750 – 3 000 r/min
- Gears/Drive: 7-speed Auto, FWD
- Economy: 7.0 L/100 km (claimed)
- Service Plan: Optional
- Warranty: 4-years/120 000 km
Let’s be real: South Africans love a good road trip. And the allure of a road trip lies not only in the destination but in the journey itself. Having donned the open road jacket recently, I sought to explore the Western Cape’s Overberg region in the Ford Territory, opting to take the Chinese-built SUV on a leg-stretching mission.
We hit the N2 from Cape Town over Sir Lowry’s Pass, just outside Somerset West. The Territory seated its passengers with ease, with the abundance of space immediately drawing attention. It’s quite a big SUV, this one, thanks to its 4 630 mm length, 1 706 mm height, and 2 177 mm width. Though we didn’t take luggage on this one-day outing, the 448 L of boot space looks more than happy to store suitcases – 1 422 L when you remove the load bay cover and fold the rear seats forward.
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In Caledon, we turned onto the R320, better known as the Hemel & Aarde Road, and headed for Hermanus. Throughout the drive, the Territory’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist made navigating the twists and turns of the Hemel & Aarde Road a breeze. The SUV felt planted and confident, with its suspension adeptly absorbing road imperfections.
On-road performance
On the open road, the Territory’s 1.8-litre turbocharged engine provided a smooth and responsive drive, with 138 kW and 318 N.m doing well propelling the front-wheel drive SUV. Fortunately, the kerb weight of 1 630 kg never hindered performance, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission remained on song.
But while this is a boon, the too-sensitive brakes are not the Territory’s strongest strength. An otherwise effective package is almost diluted with how intense and sudden braking prowess is because the slightest touch can send the SUV – and, subsequently, the passengers – into some form of electrotherapy. Of course, you learn the finer nuances of the brake pedal the longer you drive the Territory, but the ‘learning process’ should not have been there at all. Nevertheless…
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As we neared Hermanus, an unexpected incident demonstrated the importance of the Ford Territory’s advanced safety features. With road works in abundance on this normally scenic road, a car in front of us suddenly hit the anchors. The Territory’s emergency braking system kicked in instantaneously, bringing the SUV to a swift and controlled stop.
The moment highlighted the critical role of modern safety technology in preventing accidents, especially on unpredictable roads. The Territory’s system had detected the sudden deceleration of the vehicle ahead and responded faster than any driver could. Even if the train of cars travelled at under 60 km/h, it was a reassuring reminder that the Territory isn’t just about comfort and style – it’s also about keeping you and your passengers safe.
Ending the trip
As we rolled into Hermanus, known for its whale watching and stunning coastal views, it was clear that the Ford Territory was a solid road trip steed. The drive through Hemel & Aarde had been spectacular (despite the road works), and the SUV handled every aspect of the journey with aplomb.
The Ford Territory – a name returning to SA in 2024 after its market exit in 2009 – is a solid SUV. Though it is not without fault, it definitely hits a home run on many fronts.
