Ford gives a sneak peek of the new Territory in Silverton on 8 November 2024. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
After discontinuing the ill-fated Kuga in 2021, the Blue Oval has finally found a local replacement in the Ford Territory from 2024.
In this week’s edition of The Citizen Motoring’s Pitstop podcast, we discuss the importance of the Territory in the Ford stable.
The medium-sized SUV segment has become flooded with Chinese products over the last few years. While the Blue Oval has lost by not playing in it for so long, the Territory can help it gain lost ground.
Apart from the likes of Haval, Chery and BAIC, traditional rivals in the segment include the likes of the VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5.
It won’t be the first time the Ford Territory makes an appearance in South Africa. The badge first appeared locally in 2005 as an Australian-sourced model that shared a platform with the Falcon. It was offered up until 2009, when it was replaced by the Kuga.
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The new Territory is based on the Equator Sport, which is a collaboration between the Blue Oval and Chinese carmaker Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).
Ford describes the new Territory as “a spacious five-seater SUV that brings a commanding presence and smart technology to the compact sport utility segment”.
It says it will be “aimed at young, smart and connected customers”. And that it will “embody a modern design with a commanding presence”.
The Ford Territory will feature 1.8-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine which makes 140 kW and 320Nm. It will be mated to seven-speed automatic transmission that sends the twist to the front wheels.
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The highlight inside the Ford Territory’s cabin is a panoramic display. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system. Unlike the portrait-styled infotainment screen in the Ford Ranger and Everest, the Territory’s screen is landscape-styled.
Final pricing and specifications are only expected closer to its launch date in the second quarter or next year.
Later this month. Ford is also rolling out the Puma, a new compact SUV. Production of Ford’s current compact SUV, the EcoSport, has come to an end.
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