Traversing new ground Ford Territory priced in full

Confirmed for South Africa at its 100^th celebration event last year, Ford has now revealed complete price and specification details of the returning, albeit radically different, Territory SUV.

More than a new suit

The Blue Oval’s long awaited C-segment replacement for the ill-fated Kuga, the Territory arrives as a joint venture model between Dearborn and China’s Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) known as the Equator Sport in the People’s Republic.

Derived from the three-row Equator that went on-sale three years ago, the Territory, like the Kuga and the Australian-made Ford Falcon-based original, again provides seating for five, but without the option of a diesel engine, all-wheel-drive or indeed a manual gearbox.

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Available in three levels, with South Africa also being the first right-hand-drive market to receive it, the Territory measures 4 905 mm long, 1 930 mm wide and 1 755 mm tall while sporting a 2 865 mm long wheelbase.

Despite its claimed ground clearance being unknown, the Territory’s boot offers up 448-litres of space, which increases to 1 422-litres with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down.

One heart

As previously reported, only a single powertrain option has been allocated for South Africa; a JMC co-built 1.8 EcoBoost strangely detuned from the 140kW/320Nm it makes in the Middle East, to 138kW/318Nm.

Unlike in China and South America, the local market Territory, for now, won’t be offered with the entry-level 1.5 EcoBoost engine that produces 125kW/260Nm.

The amount of twist going to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Territory comes standard with a drive mode selector on all three trim level variants offering four settings; Eco, Normal, Sport and Mountain.

Spec

In terms of specification, the Ambiente comes standard with a six-speaker sound system, 18-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster display, LED headlights and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also included are;

• LED headlights;
• multi-function steering wheel;
• four USB ports;
• fabric seat upholstery;
• LED daytime running lights;
• push-button start;
• six airbags;
• keyless entry;
• tyre pressure monitor;
• cruise control;
• rear parking sensors;
• traction control;
• Electronic Stability Control;
• Hill Start Assist;
• Hill Descent Control

Upping the ante, the Trend retains the same alloy wheel size, but swaps the manual air-conditioning for dual-zone climate control and the fabric seats for vinyl upholstery.

The expanded array of features and tech further comprise:

• rain sense wipers;
• auto on/off LED headlights;
• imitation leather-wrapped steering wheel;
• wireless smartphone charger;
• electric tailgate;
• electrochromatic rear-view mirror;
• reverse camera

Sitting atop the range, the Titanium becomes the recipient of 19-inch alloys, chrome accents, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and a two-tone leather interior.

Replacing the seven-inch infotainment is a 12.3-inch display, with the audio system gaining an additional two-speakers for a total of eight.

Completing the Titanium are;

• heated and folding electric mirrors;
• front parking sensors;
• puddle lamps;
• electric front seats;
• leather-covered steering wheel;
• Adaptive Cruise Control;
• Blind Spot Monitoring;
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
• Automatic Emergency Braking;
• Lane Keep Assist;
• Forward Collision Warning;
• Lane Departure Warning;
• Traffic Jam Assist;
• Lane Change Assist

Colours

In total, the Territory’s colour chart spans seven hues;

• Lustrous Grey;
• Panther Black Metallic;
• True Blue Metallic;
• Ruby Red Metallic;
• Moonlight Blue Metallic;
• Star White Tri-Coat;
• Crystal Pearl White Metallic Tri-Coat

Price

Included with each model’s sticker price is a four-year/120 000km warranty plus the option of a service plan up to eight-years/135 000 km.

• Territory 1.8 EcoBoost Ambiente DCT – R576 000
• Territory 1.8 EcoBoost Trend DCT – R632 000
• Territory 1.8 EcoBoost Titanium DCT – R707 000

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