The Ford Territory launched in South Africa early in 2024 and was met with mixed reviews. The Territory is the result of a joint venture between JAC and Ford in China. After a year on sale, the Territory surpassed Ford's original projections for sales, doing much better than anticipated, and it was now time for a mini refresh.
Related: New Ford Territory launched in SA! (2024)
Enter the Dark Edition, a Territory taken to the next level. Ford has placed a significant emphasis on family when it comes to the Territory. To point this out, select journalists and their families were invited for a day out in Jozi, where we would get to drive the new derivative, experience the flagship Dark Edition, and spend a few hours doing family things at Gold Reef City.
Model T to Territory - 100 Years of Ford
Styling
The styling package sets the Dark Edition apart from the standard Territory range. Starting up front, the chrome grille is replaced with a satin black version, and all the chrome trim around the windows is replaced with gloss black. The roof is painted gloss black, hiding the large tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof. You get gloss black mirror caps and bodywork extensions coated in ebony or gloss black, and a set of one-off 19-inch wheels in gloss black fill the arches. The Territory badging on the rear hatch is redone in gloss black, setting the final tone and showing that this is no ordinary Territory model.
The interior gets the most significant change, with striking orange detailing on the mostly gloss black and brushed aluminium interior trim. It's reminiscent of the interior of an Everest Sport Wildtrak and suits the Territory very well.
Engine and Drivetrain
Under the bonnet, things are still the same. The Territory is powered by a 1.8-litre Ecoboost petrol engine, which delivers 138kW and 318Nm of torque, sent through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Ford claims consumption figures of 7.0 L/100km, but on our short drive around the south of Johannesburg, we returned real-world figures of 10.7 L/100km.
Safety
Unique to the Territory Dark Edition is a new 360-degree camera that provides all-around visibility. Six airbags, comprising dual front and curtain airbags, are provided. You also get a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Change Assist.
Additional driver assistance features include Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control and Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Models and Pricing
| Ford Territory 1.8 Eco Boost Ambiente DCT | R 593 500 |
| Ford Territory 1.8 Eco Boost Trend DCT | R 650 500 |
| Ford Territory 1.8 Eco Boost Dark Edition DCT | R 733 000 |
Ford includes a 4-year/120,000 km warranty and a 6-year/90,000 km optional service plan, as well as 4-year/unlimited-distance Roadside Assistance and a 5-year/unlimited-distance corrosion warranty.
Verdict
Despite its Chinese origins, I do like the Territory in its standard guise and with the model now getting this flagship derivative change, I like it even more. Yes, the Dark Edition is dethroning and replacing the Titanium spec model, but that's encouraging because, in my opinion, it looks even better and has a few more trinkets that make it more desirable. This is a step in the right direction, and the pricing is not bad at all. I hope to see more of these in the hands of South African families.
