FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM
The re-introduction of the Ford Territory back into the South African market has bolstered the Blue Oval’s family option range to loyal customers and blends high-tech features and premium quality feels into its mid-size SUV competitor. Produced in China, the new range is quite unique in that it excels as a daily driver or family adventurer, but without the 4 x 4 pedigree an Everest gives you as it is front wheel driven. Recently we were fortunate to test drive the top of the range Territory Titanium for a week and were super impressed with its effortless charm and performance.
It is powered by a 1.8L turbocharged EcoBoost engine that pelts out 138kW and 318Nm of torque in an instant allowing for great performance and manoeuvrability. Power delivered through its smooth seven-speed automatic transmission is quick and seamless combined with light responsive steering allowing for an impressive drive. With a claimed fuel efficiency of just 7.0 litres/100 km, but we could only manage 9 litres/100km as we drove it quite spiritly, but if driven more economically or in the Eco mode together with the Start/Stop as a daily driver in traffic the factory figured could well be achievable.
With four driving modes available the driver has a choice of Normal mode, Eco mode, Sport mode and Mountain mode which optimises pedal response in different terrains such as sand, loose gravel, or mud. Also, the Territory offers highway adaptive cruise control technology which will automatically adjust your speed and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
From the outside the Territory Titanium’s sharp daytime running lamps and honeycomb grille give it a modern, tech-savvy look. Sitting comfortably on 19-inch alloys and adding to the vehicles 190 mm ride height offers the driver easy access and great off-road clearance for those family adventures. While the suspension is not quite on the level of Ford’s Ranger platform, it still performs well delivering a smooth and comfortable ride.
The cabin has a premium quality thanks to finishes such as dual tone leather, wood inserts and soft touch plastics. What really stands out is the level of spaciousness the cabin offers, accompanied by endless options for storage space such as the double-tier centre console. The minimalistic interior design of the Territory gives it a high tech feel and is complemented by a large 12.3-inch coloured touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and a 12-inch digital clocks display.
Another nice touch is having actual physical dials and buttons controlling the sound and ventilation, which make controlling the cabin climate easier and safer than fumbling with the touchscreen while on the move. Three USB ports and a wireless charging pad keep the family connected and charged up and an impressive eight-speaker sound system rounds off the Territory Titanium experience. Boot space is more than adequate to satisfy this five-seater family car with 448 litres of storage space being ideal for those longer-distance family outings.
With an almost endless feature list such as auto high-beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, electric seats, an electric tailgate, along with a power twin-slide moonroof (sunroof), the Territory Titanium excels in safety features too. Offering six airbags, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking – this just adds another solid layer of peace of mind for the buyer.
Overall, the Ford Territory Titanium is a blend of high-tech premium features and solid family-focused spacial design together with top class driving performance. What makes it even more enticing to own is being apart of such a reputable brand and its long history in South Africa and dealer-backed service, so you can rest assured that the asking price of R725 500 is arguably money well spent.
By Jay Groat
