Ford’s new Territory ST will benefit from all the safety and functionality developments introduced across the range since the original Territory was launched in 2005.
More recently, customer convenience and ease of driving was enhanced with the introduction of a reverse camera on the Territory Ghia derivatives, also a standard feature on the Territory ST.
The image from the rear of the vehicle is displayed on the colour Interior Command Centre screen immediately when reverse gear is selected.
The camera covers a wide angle view of the area behind the car. It is mounted in a position that provides the driver with a clear view of the area behind the Territory, including the ground directly below the bumper, to a distance of about 15 metres. The wide angle of the camera – measuring about 130 degrees – means the area immediately outside the width of Territory can also be seen.
The reverse camera also proves to be an invaluable aid when backing up to hitch a trailer or caravan.
One of the cornerstones of the Territory safety story is Ford’s Intelligent Safety System. The ISS is the brains behind the operation of the crash sensors, which monitor and control all accident related events that the vehicle may encounter.
ISS features integrated front seat belt buckle pretensioners, energy management retractors, driver’s seat belt usage sensor, driver’s seat position sensor, dual stage inflating front airbags and crash severity sensor. Inflatable side curtain airbags are also standard on the Territory ST.
The ISS is a fully integrated, computer-driven system that ‘thinks’ about, and responds to, different accident conditions. Sensors constantly feed data to the vehicle’s Advanced Restraints Module (ARM) – the ‘brain’ of the system.
The module takes into account the seating position of the driver, whether the driver and front passenger seat belts are engaged and the severity of the accident before deploying appropriate safety technologies during frontal collisions.
The ARM controls the variable front airbag inflator output and pyrotechnic front seat belt pretensioners according to the severity of a frontal crash.
It also controls the deployment of the inflatable side curtain airbags and tells the Body Electronics Module (BEM) to unlock the doors in the event of a crash. In essence, the system determines the severity of the crash and deploys the airbags accordingly.
Territory also features the acclaimed belt minder system, which provides an intermittent visible and audible warning if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened with the vehicle in motion.
All seatbelts in the Territory are three-point lap-sash, for enhanced safety in the front, second or optional third row seats.
Territory also includes an anti-intrusion brake pedal that decouples from the brake booster shaft in a frontal crash.
Already equipped with a myriad of creature comforts such as; climate control, CD player, steering wheel audio controls and power adjustable pedals, the Territory is not short on comfort and convenience.
Safety is a major cornerstone of the Territory range, and an attribute that Ford takes great pride in. With its combination of excellent safety structure, collapsible brake pedal and steering column, side curtain airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control, the new Territory ST looks to build on what is already a firm family favourite.
