You probably know Ford’s Territory nameplate lives on, the most recent compact SUV version developed in China for the domestic market, with significant input from the Ford Australia design team in Broadmeadows.
But you may not be aware the once-proudly Aussie model name is also present in markets across South America and South-East Asia.
While the original small SUV, powered by a 1.5-litre (103kW/225Nm) turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels through a CVT, remains on sale domestically, an upgraded 2024 version of the ‘other’ Territory is now on sale in Latin American markets including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile as well as the Philippines and Vietnam in Asia.
Essentially a five-seat version of the usually three-row Ford Equator, and named Equator Sport in China, the upgraded ‘export Territory' now features a 1.8-litre (138kW/320Nm) ‘EcoBoost’ four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.
Like the domestic-market Territory, the 2024 ‘second-gen’ version is built by Ford’s joint-venture partner in China JMC (Jiangling Motors Corp).
At 4630mm long, 1935mm wide and 1706mm tall the sleek new Territory is in the same size ballpark as the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30.
In the majority of markets it is offered in two grades with alloy rims starting at 18 inch (rising to 19s), a 7.0-inch central multimedia touchscreen (rising to 12-inch), LED head- and tail-lights as well as ‘Co-Pilot360’ safety, climate control air, leather trim and ambient lighting on the top-spec model.
But don’t bother contacting your local Ford dealer just yet, a Ford Australia spokesperson telling CarsGuide there are currently no plans to offer the latest Territory for sale here.
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