With the latest-generation Ford Territory slated to arrive in South Africa, let’s have a look at the model that pioneered the nameplate in our market and how the Territory of yore differs from the one just beyond the horizon.
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The Territory’s production began in Australia in 2004 and was the decade’s archetypical mid-size five-door SUV offered in five and seven-seat configurations. In terms of its size, the founding Territory model was 4 856 mm long, 1 898 mm wide, and 1 714 mm tall. The Territory had a 2 842 mm long wheelbase and shared the same platform as the preceding Ford Falcon. Interestingly, it relied on the Falcon’s thirsty 4,0-litre straight six-engine, which was rated for a maximum output of 182 kW @ 5 000 r/min and 380 N.m @ 3 250 r/min that allowed the Territory to hustle from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9,5 seconds.
When it arrived in South Africa, the Territory range consisted of three derivatives, with the TX trim serving as the entry-level model and the Ghia as the range-topper. The Territory with the TX suffix was offered in rear-wheel-drive format, whereas the range-topping Ghia could be configured with a permanent all-wheel-drive system which utilised a single-speed, full-time transfer case(although it lacked a low-range feature).
Ford SA has been very tight-lipped regarding the inner workings of the Territory model that will come to our shores. However, the Territory offered in the Phillipines serves as a yardstick for what we could be offered locally. The Philippine-spec model measures 4 630 mm long, 1 934 mm wide, and 1 706 mm tall and sits on a 2 726 mm wheelbase. This variant is powered by a 1,5-litre EcoBoost engine that affords the newer model with a maximum output of 117 kW and 248 N.m. The EcoBoost powerplant is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Related: Ford is Bringing the Territory to SA – Here is What it Will Rival
The interior of the original Territory model was lauded for its spacious, plush and technologically competent interior arrangement. Standard, the Territory was offered with air-conditioning, a CD player, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows and electrically adjustable foot pedals. The range-topping variant was equipped with auto-dimming mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, and even a park distance control system in the rear. Regarding driver assistance systems, the 2005 model featured dynamic stability control, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
Echoing its forefather’s generous interior, the latest iteration of the Territory badge features a well-appointed cabin that showcases Ford’s highest quality standards. The Philippine-spec model features a panoramic roof, a 12,0-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, active park assist, and a dual-zone air conditioning system to name a few of the latest model’s features. Additionally, the modern Territory offers several driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure and lane keeping assist, hill launch assist and hill descent control.
In 2005, an entry-level Ford Territory TX RWD cost R309 500, whereas the range-topping Ford Territory Ghia AWD was accompanied by an asking price of R389 500. At the time, the Territory was competed with the Subaru Outback, Volvo XC70 and the SsanYong Rexton.
We have yet to find out what the incoming Territory model will cost however, we will continue to provide updates regarding the price and specification for the returning Ford model.
