AFTER launching the new Everest Sports and updated Everest Titanium, Ford Philippines seeks to cover new ground with its latest vehicle, the all-new Territory.
And though the accepted practice now is for new vehicles to be launched via an online livestream, Ford took an innovative direction, presenting the car to the public virtually but allowing some local motoring journalists to have short test drives to get their quick impressions and feedback with vehicles delivered to their homes and affording them a few hours behind the wheel of the new SUV.
“The Ford Territory will boost our growing SUV lineup as a new product born out of Ford’s long-standing heritage and expertise in the utility segment,” PK Umashankar, president and managing director, Ford Philippines said in the virtual launch event.
The Territory the first co-developed project launched in China last year and was originally designed for left-hand drive markets in Asia. Large scale production capabilities in China however, quickly made it available also in right-hand form for the rest of the ASEAN region.
The new Ford SUV is positioned to meet the demands of young professionals and starting families. It combines a sleek and stylish look, impressive performance, and smart and safe technologies that will offer a new driving experience to its intended market.
“We are confident that the Ford Territory will offer a new driving experience to Filipino customers as a modern, spacious and technologically-advanced SUV that delivers great value,” Umashankar added.
Quick genealogy. The new SUV was co-developed with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) a well-respected truck and SUV assembler in China. This is not the first venture of the two companies. It has an interesting mix of shared platform and domestically assembled vehicles in its dual-brand line-up. This includes the Transit, a China domestic model MPV called the Tourneo, and the Everest.
Though the new Ford Territory seems to be its own, JMC had had a lot to do with its entry to the Chinese market. The Chinese car maker had initially penned two SUVs–the Yusheng 350 and the Yusheng 330–both would have benefited from Ford powertrain and suspension expertise.
Since both had gone through co-development with Ford later on, there were so many similar components that parts, except for exterior and interior bits, could be swapped.
Interestingly, the 350 was marketed in the Philippines in very limited numbers as the Orion–with a powerful 2.5-liter diesel and seven seating capacity. It looked strangely like the 4th generation Everest. The 320 was supposed to be sold here too but the distributor then, Star Motors, decided that a small-block gasoline powered variant would not be too saleable given the competition with engine sizes of 1.8-liters and up.
Ford marketed Territory in China initially as a full rebadge of the 320, but with a major redesign of its face and tail section. A lot of innovative technology also separated the two vehicles. But since the powertrain came from Ford, the perception turned the table the other way–the 320 became the rebadge of the Territory. The vehicle sold well since its introduction in the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.
Ford DNA. Ford was deeply involved, through its Design Studio in Melbourne, Australia, in the development of the Territory’s contemporary appearance and look. It has also been rigorously tested in its ride, handling and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels at Ford’s testing centers in Nanjing, China and at the Geelong Proving Grounds in Melbourne, Australia to ensure it meets Ford’s stringent engineering and quality standards. These tests also gave the Territory a finely-tuned Ford suspension, which is set for exceptional ride comfort and refinement.
Powering the Ford Territory is a 1.5L EcoBoost engine mated to a CVT transmission with Sport mode that delivers 143PS and 225NM of torque, balancing power and fuel efficiency. With this powertrain, customers can enjoy lower service maintenance costs with a once-a-year scheduled service interval for a better ownership experience.
“The new compact SUV had a great digital launch that showed the best of what it can offer. At its price range, the Territory is very affordable and full of value and that made it wonderful!” Mike Potenciano, Turbo Time host and racing champion commented.
“The interior is surprisingly spacious, especially for the rear passenger’s legroom and also the ceiling clearance. The dash design is nicely laid out but reminiscent of all Sino-assembled vehicles. The engine is peppy in stop and go traffic,” Earl Manalansan, Editor-of-chief of Autocar Magazine described.
Functional design, inside and out. Standard across both variants are LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, tail lamps with auto on/off headlamps and a follow me home feature. Standard halogen front and rear fog lamps are available as well as the panoramic moonroof, rear spoiler, and roof rails.
Inside, the Ford Territory offers a premium and refined experience with perforated leather seat material, Smart Keyless Entry with Push Button Start, leather steering wheel with mounted controls, power door lock with central locking, speed sensing door locks, rear view mirror with auto-dimming and high-mount USB port, leather-covered center console with dual-lid opening, sunglass holder, 7 cup and bottle holders, and 12-volt power outlet that come standard in both variants.
Exclusive on upper grade Titanium+ variant are 18” 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.
Its interior, on the other hand, features heated and cooled front seats, a 10-inch fully-digital display instrument cluster with 3 selectable 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 that complement every mood.
Smart and safe technologies. Standard for both variants are the in-vehicle infotainment display powered by a 10-inch touchscreen with adjustable quad view, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports and multiple speakers (8 for the Titanium+ variant and 6 for the Trend variant). Wireless charging comes exclusive to the Titanium+ variant.
Available driver-assist technologies standard in both variants are Electronic Stability Control including ABS, EBD and Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, six airbags, rear parking sensors (front and rear parking sensors available on the Titanium+ variant), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display. Both variants are also equipped with High Mount Stop Lamp and Child Seat ISOFIX Anchorage Points.
Ford Co-Pilot360, which is a suite of driver-assist technologies available only in the Titanium+ variant includes Active Park Assist with parallel-parking and the 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.
The Ford Territory comes in six colors at an introductory retail price of P1,179,000 for the Trend variant and P1,299,000 for the Titanium+ variant. From August 14 to September 15, 2020 buyers will get a free 3-year scheduled service plan (SSP) for a worry-free ownership experience. – with Gregory E. Bautista
