All-new Ford Territory SUV now available from P1.179-M

MANILA: Ford Philippines continues to aggressively grow its portfolio of vehicles amid the pandemic. Today, it launched the all-new Territory, a “Ford-engineered and designed SUV which combines a sleek and stylish look, impressive performance, and smart and safe technologies that will offer a new driving experience to young professionals and starting families.”

The vehicle is co-developed by Ford Motor Company and joint venture partner Jiangling Motors Corporation. Its dynamic-looking exterior and interior were conceptualized at the Ford Design Studio in Melbourne, Australia and which had followed  “the same design principles of Ford SUVs.”

Meanwhile, it underwent rigorous NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) testing at Ford’s centers in Nanjing, China and at the Geelong Proving Grounds in Melbourne, Australia. The Territory receives a “finely tuned Ford suspension” to give is “exceptional ride comfort and refinement.”

On the other hand, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine was closely designed with Ford engineers in Europe for both power and efficiency, while assuring lower maintenance requirements and costs. Speaking of the engine, it delivers 143ps and 225Nm and is mated to a CVT transmission. A Sport mode setting for more spirited drive is available.

In a Zoom interview session with ZIGWHEELS.PH, Ford Philippines President and Managing Director PK Umashankar did a walkthrough of the Territory. He said that among the “key differentiators” that stand out in the vehicle are the size of its grille, the LED headlamps, and the boomerang daytime running lamps (possibly a nod to the Australian origins of the model) which double as turn indicators.  

The Territory also boasts LED taillamps, auto on/off headlamps with follow-me-home feature, front and rear fog lamps, a panoramic moonroof, rear spoiler, and roof rails.

Umashankar also showed the cabin of the Territory, which he described as “surrounding the occupants with technology.” He declared, “The way that the dashboard is laid out, the instrument cluster, the center console, the controls around it and the craftsmanship give a sophistication… What strikes me, and what I believe the consumer will be really impressed with, is what it can do for them.”

Ford calls it a “premium and refined experience,” as the SUV is given perforated leather seat material, smart keyless entry with push start/stop, leather steering wheel with mounted controls, power door lock with central locking, speed-sensing door locks, rearview mirror with auto-dimming and high-mount USB port, leather-covered center console with dual-lid opening, sunglass holder, seven cup and bottle holders, and a 12-volt power outlet. These come standard in both variants.

Appearing in the Titanium+ variant alone are 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black with chrome inserts on the front grille, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, power folding mirrors, puddle lamps, and chrome exterior door handles. Additional accoutrements within are heated and cooled front seats, a 10-inch fully-digital display instrument cluster with three themes (Normal, Sport, and Fashion), tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, power windows with one touch up/down function on all windows, as well as ambient lighting with seven color options. “This is one of the few vehicles having a dash panel like this in this price point,” said Umashankar.

A standard infotainment system for both variants is predicated on a 10-inch touch screen display with adjustable quad view, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports and speakers (eight on the Titanium+, six on the Trend). Wireless charging capability is exclusive in the Titanium+.

The Titanium+ comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies: Active Park Assist with parallel-parking and a segment-first perpendicular parking, 360-degree Around View monitor, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot information system and lane departure warning.

Standard to both are electronic stability control, ABS, EBD, traction control, hill launch assist, six airbags, rear parking sensors (front and rear parking sensors are available on the Titanium+), and tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire pressure display. Both variants have a high-mount stop lamp and child seat Isofix anchorage points.

The Ford Territory comes in six colors: Ruby Red, Diffused Silver, and Panther Black for both variants, Star White for the Trend variant, and Crystal Pearl White and Moonstone Blue for the Titanium+ variant. Introductory pricing Is at P1,179,000 for the Trend variant and P1,299,000 for the Titanium+ variant.

Customers who purchase from August 14 to September 15, 2020 get a free three-year scheduled plan.

Added Umashankar: “This vehicle needs to be serviced just once a year or 10,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. How good that can that be in a COVID/post-COVID setting (compared to competitors)? Territory customers need not go to dealerships as often as the owners of the competition have to do.”

For more information, visit www.ford.com.ph/suvs/territory or any Ford dealership.

Photos by Ruben Manahan IV

Also read: All you need to know about the Ford Territory