WeeklySA_AdminTERRITORY: The five-seater SUV already available in other third-world countries such as Argentina and the Philippines is expected in Mzansi during second quarter
By Ali Mphaki
Ford SA recently stirred our curiosity with the launch of its compact SUV sedan – the likeable Puma.
With the manufacturer celebrating a century of motoring in 2024, the Blue Oval brand does not show signs of slowing down (ageing) with news that the next generation Ford Territory SUV is en route SA shores in the second quarter.
Whereas the manufacturer has lately been laser-focused on what Americans call trucks – the likes of Ford Ranger, Everest etc. – the new Territory is Ford’s answer to rivals in the same category as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail.
If anything, the next-gen Ford Territory is the manufacturer’s quest on keeping its ground in the five-seater compact crossover segment.
The Chinese-built Territory hasn’t been on sale locally since the early 2000s and promises to be one of the most spacious and advanced options in its segment, said Ford.
The company has revealed a few key details about the five-seater such as its powertrain and headlining equipment, but has remained tight-lipped about other aspects inclu
The newcomer offered in two variants: Titanium and Titanium X looks more assertive, comes with a revamped interior, and has a more powerful 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine.
The Territory is already available in other third-world countries such as Argentina and the Philippines, in which it has the same motor and standout features as what’s been confirmed for South Africa.
Thus, these markets give us a good indication of what the new Ford SUV might offer once it reaches local roads.
In Argentina, the Territory is available in SEL and Titanium specifications, separated by their looks and equipment only.
The base model wears full-LED lights, silver longitudinal roof bars, and 18-inch alloy wheels, whereas the range-topper is further treated with 19-inch alloys, electric side mirrors with courtesy lamps, and chrome appliqués on the door sides.
The SUV then occupies a footprint of 4,630mm long and 1,935mm wide, and it stands 1,706mm tall with a ground clearance measuring 190mm – lending it a boot capacity of 448 litres.
The differences continue inside the cabin with the Titanium being on the receiving end of more high-end hardware than its more affordable sibling, though both derivatives leave little to be desired.
The SEL version comes with black cloth up[1]holstery, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a urethane multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and start, rear-seat air vents, and a 12-inch central in[1]fotainment unit supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Moreover, standard kit includes six airbags, an electric handbrake with auto-hold function, and Ford’s “Co-Pilot 360” semi-autonomous driving assistance technologies which take the form of blindspot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and ABS with electronic emergency brake assist.
MOTORING:
Briefs
CONTAMINATED DIESEL
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has revealed that 70 petrol stations in South Africa were found to have been selling contaminated diesel between April and December 2023.
The diesel is allegedly mixed with illuminated paraffin. According to the department, this practice had tax evasion implications, as paraffin has no tax.
“Five of these petrol stations were in Gauteng, 15 in Limpopo, 12 in the North West, nine were found in Mpumalanga, four in the Free State and Western Cape, and only one store was found in Eastern Cape”.
V8’S FOREVER- FORD CEO
Ford’s global boss says his company will keep building eight-cylinder engines for as long as it possibly can.
At a time when most brands are moving away from big-old-school engines — Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, AMG and Nissan are all culling their V8s — you could forgive Ford for also caving to ever tightening emissions regulations.
But Ford’s V8-loving global CEO, Jim Farley, is having none it, stating he wants Ford to continue with the V8 for a long time yet. “..and if we’re the only one on the planet making a V8 affordable sports car for everyone in the world, so be it.”-WHICHCAR?
GOLF 8 REBOOTED
Volkswagen has pulled the covers off its refreshed Golf hatchback and Estate, as well as the GTI and GTE models. The 8.5 facelift might look extremely similar to the previous car, but the aim has mainly been to address some of the Golf 8’s biggest flaws – mainly surrounding infotainment, software and interior quality.
Due in the UK in April, VW is hoping to turn its fortunes and the car’s reputation back around with the Golf 8.5 as the nameplate celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024.-CARUK
LAMBO’S GLOBAL APPEAL
Lamborghini’s 2023 sales distribution showcased a global appeal with a well-balanced spread across major regions. The EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) region led the charge with a 14 percent growth, delivering 3,987 cars.
This was closely followed by the Americas with a 9 percent increase, totaling 3,465 cars, and the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region with a 4 percent increase, resulting in 2,660 cars.
UAW “ENDORSES” BIDEN
The UAW on Wednesday said it was endorsing President Joe Biden in his bid for a second term in the 2024 election, a boost for the Democratic incumbent who styles himself as the “most pro-union” president in history as he tries to maintain support of working class voters.
Last year — ahead of a strike against the Detroit 3 that resulted in major victories for union workers — Fain said the UAW would withhold its endorsement of Biden’s 2024 candidacy until concerns were addressed over the auto industry’s transition to electric vehicles.
While the UAW has traditionally endorsed Democrats,the much anticipated endorsement comes two days after Fain criticized former President Donald Trump but said union leadership had not yet made the decision to endorse Biden.
SENEGAL’S ‘REA VAYA’ GOES ELECTRIC
After a four-year wait, Dakar residents in Senegal will soon move around their city on board these electric buses. The 120 e-buses will be powered by solar energy.
The BRT will connect 14 communes of Dakar from north to south. The large-capacity buses (appromitalety 150 seats) are set to carry some 300,000 passengers a day.
Residents are hopeful the new fleet will help with the city’s congested traffic.
