[imagebrowser id=4]
At the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show, Ford Australia is showing off the all-new Ford Territory Titanium to test buyers’ reaction and also to gain exposure in the market. And yes, they have successfully done that. Hundreds of people are surrounding the Territory during the event and some sat into the car to feel the difference. Since the floods last year in Thailand, many consumers have changed their buying preference from sedan car to pickup trucks, PPV (Pickup Passenger Vehicle), or SUV to avoid their car drinks water if the floods come again.
In Australia, the Territory is available in three variants and two engine configurations, these being the Territory TX, Territory TS, and the top-ranging Territory Titanium. Transmission for all the models are available either RWD (Rear-wheel drive) or AWD (All-wheel drive).
Performance wise, there are only two types of engine available for the Territory – the 4.0L DOHC DIVCT I6 petrol engine and the 2.7L V6 common rail turbo diesel engine. The petrol engine gives a maximum output of 195kW at 6000rpm and 391Nm of torque at 3250rpm. However, the 24-valve petrol engine is not really welcomed in Thailand due to the Thai government’s local regulations that imposed a 60 per cent registration excise on all foreign cars with petrol engines over 3.0 liters. With this reason, the 2.7L diesel engine receives a warm welcome in the Kingdom. The diesel engine gives a maximum output of 140kW at 4000rpm and 440Nm of torque at 1900rpm.
The Territory Titanium features an 8-inch color touch TFT screen at the center of the dashboard. It also comes with a satellite navigation system with the traffic message channel. In front of the steering wheel, driver can clear see the trip computer that tells the average fuel consumption, outside air temperature, and distance to empty.
Third row seat is cramped. There is not much of leg room for it. However, third and second row passengers can enjoy the 10.2-inch Alpine rear DVD entertainment system inside the car. The entertainment system comes with two wireless headphones, remote control, and a premium audio single slot CD system with 150 watt amplifier and sub-woofer.
The Territory sits on a virtual pivot control link front suspension and control blade independent rear suspension. Together with the power from the engine, the maximum towing capacity (braked) for the Territory Titanium is 2700kg and 750kg for unbraked.
As for the wheels, the TX model comes with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with P235/60 R17 tires; The TS model comes with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels; The Territory Titanium comes with 18-inch 5 Y-spoke allow wheels. Both the TS and Territory Titanium use P235/55 R18 tires.
Safety and security features such as dual-front airbags, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, crash severity sensor, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), traction control, grade control logic, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), reverse camera, and reverse sensors can be found in the Territory.
Ford Territory’s competitors or similar cars: Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Holden Captiva, Hyundai Santa FE, Honda CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Kluger.
The Territory is without doubt a reliable car not only for the Thai market but also many other countries in Asia. But will we see the all-new Ford Territory successfully go on sales in the Thai market?
