A little less than three years ago Ford Argentina presented in the country the SUV Territory, the first model of the brand manufactured in China to reach these lands. Now came his replacement that, like all evolution, shows improvements. But in this case the variation is remarkable.
Is it because the reference was low? Not exactly. This model was observed in great detail when it came to market, both by this means and by more traditional customers.
The preconception that existed about the models of Chinese origin evolved more slowly than the quality of the vehicles coming from the Asian country.
The change in figure and perception of quality of the new Ford Territory is remarkable.
The first generation of Territory proved to have a good interior quality, a large interior space and a high endowment of equipment. His figure was well achieved and gave a good ride comfort.
But it had its "chinadas". The first was the design offered at times by their screens, which could be strident and even alienating for the movements they produced. And the second was the mechanical set: optimal for day-to-day life in the city but short when required on the road.
Better where you look at it
The new Territory improves what was already good and almost completely amends the criticizable aspects of the previous model. And the first letter of introduction is your figure.
The Ford Territory changes its mechanics but retains front-wheel drive as the only option.
The new model has only the name left. The lines, the proportions, the concept of the vehicle have nothing to do with the previous one. Its image is solid, sober, without stridency, and with a horn whose style already looks some of the SUVs that the brand offers in the United States, such as the Kuga (sold as Escape) or the Edge.
That style generates an idea of a larger vehicle, when its dimensions are practically identical to those of the previous one. The touch of sophistication is given by its LED lighting system, which not only offers great light power but also gives another prestige to your figure.
Entering the interior generates an impact. Beyond tastes and preferences, it cannot be denied that it is an environment that is perceived with great quality.
The perception of quality of the Ford Territory is among the highest in the category.
There is a good variety of coatings: injected plastics, leather-like upholstery, elements that imitate wood and metal very well. And all these pieces with a high level of finishing, both on the surfaces and at the insertion level. Only time will tell if they are also durable, but the impression it gives initially is difficult to find in another model in the segment.
The driving position has improved, as it now also adds in-depth regulation of the steering column. The posture, however, is a little high, ideal for those looking for an SUV for its higher driving position.
Its style is rather minimalist, with two large screens protruding from its onboard plate and few more physical controls in sight. Between the front seats there is a small console with a knob (volume of the audio system) and about 8 buttons. A little further on is the gearbox selector, which is a rotary knob.
Inside, the Ford Territory offers ample interior space, especially in the rear seats.
Above the center console are the two-zone climate control commands, located on a capacitive surface. And above, the first of the screens. In this case, tactile and with good image quality. The interface is simple although the response is not so fast.
As in many of these multimedia centers that concentrate almost all the functions of the vehicle, to execute them you have to do several steps, which can generate distraction.
The second screen is that of the dashboard, also with good image quality and a friendly and easy-to-read design. Its design varies depending on the handling option selected (ECO, Normal, Sport or Mountain).
The front seats of the Ford Territory in the Titanium version include heating and cooling.
The new Ford Territory comes equipped with a new 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, with 185 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It is combined with a also new automatic dual-clutch gearbox with 7 speeds. Traction remains exclusively front.
Like the previous model, the response to low turns is also energetic but with greater forcefulness. However, the big difference is in the medium and medium-high range, since this new engine does not show loss as the laps go up. It offers good elasticity and the box accompanies with great performance: the step of gears is fast and with remarkable smoothness.
In this way, the response of the motor is constant and with the necessary energy to make overpasses without any problem. The only thing that was somewhat high is the consumption, since although it is a propeller with a relatively high level of power its expense is above what one expects: in a mixed use between city and road it gave us 10.5 L / 100 km.
The interface of the multimedia center of the Ford Territory is simple but has a somewhat slow response.
Their behavior gives complete confidence to the driver. It is a vehicle that travels with aplomb and absorbs irregularities very well, but the suspension can get a little "dry" if the pothole is deep. The soundproofing of the passenger compartment improved markedly.
What we liked least was the electronic management of the gear selector (you have to wait longer than usual when selecting Drive or reverse) and that it does not have a manual mode option.
We also did not notice much difference in response between the ECO, Normal and Sport options. But in any case, the common denominator is a vehicle that responds with solvency and that delivers great driving comfort, in a wide environment of high perceived quality.
Sheet
Entry version price:
Ford Territory SEL: $ 12,676,000
Price tested version:
Ford Territory Titanium: $ 14,690,000
Length: 4.630 mm
Width: 1.935 mm
Height: 1.706 mm
Wheelbase: 2,726 mm
Weight: 1.646 kg
Trunk: 448 dm3
Fuel tank: 60 liters
Engine: 1.8 Naphtha turbo
Power: 185 HP
Torque: 320 Nm
Traction: Front
Transmission: Automatic, dual-clutch, 7-speed
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10.5 seconds
Average consumption: 10.5 L/100 km
Main equipment
- ABS and stability control (ESP)
- Front, front side and curtain airbags
- Autonomous emergency brake
- Lane keeping alert
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
- Parking sensors
- 360° parking camera
- Panoramic sunroof
- Leather-like upholstery
- Front seats with electric regulation
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel
- 12" touch multimedia center
- 12" digital dashboard
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity
- Wireless charger for cell phone
See also
