Ford Territory: Price & Release Date for South Africa 2024

Ford has officially launched the new Territory SUV in South Africa, marking the automaker’s entry into the competitive five-seater SUV segment. The vehicle, priced starting at R610,000, is expected to arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of 2024, according to multiple reports.

The new Territory represents Ford’s latest global rollout of the vehicle, which initially debuted in China in 2018. The South African model is an updated version of the Territory, with specifications and pricing recently confirmed by Ford.

Origins and Development

The Ford Territory’s origins trace back to a joint venture with JMC-Ford in China. The initial Chinese-built Territory, introduced in 2018, was based on the JMC-developed Yusheng S330. This first generation was presented at the 2018 Chengdu Auto Show and positioned as an entry-level compact SUV between the EcoSport and Escape models in the Chinese market. Production took place at JMC Ford’s plant in Nanchang, China.

In 2022, JMC-Ford launched the Equator Sport, which is now being exported as the new generation Territory. This updated model is the one now arriving in South Africa.

Specifications and Pricing in South Africa

While detailed specifications are still emerging, the Ford Territory in South Africa is confirmed to start at R610,000. Further details regarding trim levels and optional features are expected to be released closer to the official launch date. The vehicle is a compact crossover SUV with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout.

The first generation Chinese-built Territory offered a 1.5L JX4G15C6L I4 turbo petrol engine, as well as an electric motor option with a 49.14 kWh liquid-cooled battery. It remains to be seen which powertrain options will be available in the South African market.

Global Rollout and Market Position

The launch in South Africa is part of a broader global rollout of the Ford Territory. Ford Authority reported that the vehicle’s arrival in South Africa signifies its increasing presence in international markets. The Territory is intended to compete in the highly contested five-seater SUV segment.

The vehicle’s dimensions for the first generation model are: a wheelbase of 2,716 mm, a length of 4,580 mm, a width of 1,936 mm, and a height of 1,674 mm. This proves unclear if the dimensions will be the same for the South African model.

The updated Ford Territory is expected to be available in South Africa within a few weeks, according to TimesLIVE. Carmag.co.za also confirmed the South African price.