Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa introduces an enhanced Territory range to the South African market. Available to consumers immediately, the Territory receives some specification upgrades and the introduction of a six-speed automatic transmission for the flagship AWD model.
South African motorists got their first taste of Ford Motor Company’s versatile new Territory in 2005. Developed and manufactured in Australia the Territory is athletic, energetic and appeals to the adventurous.
Designed to adapt endlessly to the ever-changing needs of motorists, Territory offers car-like styling and vehicle dynamics with the versatility of a traditional SUV or people mover as well as space for seven adults to ride in comfort.
“With the launch of the Territory, Ford created a triangle: a family sedan at the apex, a people mover in one corner and a traditional SUV in the other. It’s a recipe that we’re delighted to see has worked well in the local market where Territory has created its own niche,” explains André Oosthuizen, Ford Marketing Manager.
Territory seats seven passengers comfortably with theatre style seating. The 2nd row is higher than the front row, and the 3rd row is higher than the 2nd, giving all passengers tremendous visibility. Both 2nd and 3rd rows neatly fold away if need be.
The Territory features a 4.0l engine offering 190kW of power @ 5 250 rpm and 383Nm of torque at 2 500 rpm. Due to the flat torque curve of the DOHC dual independent in-line six cylinders, the Territory offers accessible grunt, making it substantially driveable no matter what the circumstance.
The range consists of:
Territory 4.0l A/T RWD TX
Territory 4.0l A/T RWD Ghia
Territory 4.0l A/T AWD Ghia
The principal change for the Territory line-up in 2006 is the move to a six-speed automatic transmission for the AWD Ghia. The two rear-wheel-drive derivatives adopt an improved 4-speed automatic transmission.
The six-speed box is a compact and lightweight, high efficiency, high torque capacity transmission with a low first gear, higher top gear and has smaller, more graduated steps between each gear.
Staying true to the Ford ethos of spirited driving and refinement the Territory continues to provide a comfortable driving experience with good flexibility within city confines. The new transmission offers excellent levels of refinement in a robust and durable package.
“With a larger spread of ratios, the six-speed transmission offers real-world benefits in the spheres of performance and fuel consumption,” adds Oosthuizen. “The low first gear greatly improves launch feel, while the larger and tighter spread of ratios delivers livelier performance, especially at wide open throttle, along with the added benefits of smoother shift quality and reduced fuel consumption.”
Already equipped with a myriad of creature comforts such as; climate control, CD player, steering wheel audio controls, power seats and power adjustable pedals, the Territory is not short on comfort and convenience.
The Territory range also receives some minor tweaking to provide further value for the customer. The entry level RWD TX benefits from the addition of front fog lamps and side curtain airbags. These two important safety features add to the already comprehensive safety package present in the TX model.
Both the RWD Ghia and the AWD Ghia are now available with a rear park assist system featuring a useful camera as standard. This will give the driver a comprehensive view of exactly what is going on behind the vehicle whenever the reverse gear is engaged. Other standard features include a reverse sensing system and dynamic stability control.
In summary the additions to the Territory line-up include:
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4.0 Litre DOHC DIVCT 6 cylinder engine
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New 6-speed automatic with Sequential Sports Shift on the AWD Ghia
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Improved 4-speed automatic transmission on the RWD TX & Ghia
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Improved fuel economy
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Auto headlamp on/off
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Fog lamps now standard on RWD TX
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New 6-speed automatic transmission shifter on AWD Ghia
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Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) improvements in relation to road, body and powertrain
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Side curtain airbags now standard on RWD TX
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Suspension: Optimised front springs
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Monotube shock absorbers
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Rear park assist with camera now standard on all Ghia models
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Reverse Sensing System on Ghia models
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Dynamic Stability Control on Ghia models
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Fuel cap tether strap now a standard addition on all derivatives
A Service Plan is standard with all models as is a three-year / unlimited kilometre Ford Protect Roadside Assistance Plan. The warranty is applicable for three-years / 100 000km, whichever occurs first, while the corrosion warranty is in place for five years / unlimited kilometres.
