Watching car reveal videos on YouTube is one of my favorite things to do while I’m on the platform. These types of videos give me an insight into the most important aspect of car buying which is understanding what appeals to most Filipino consumers. Out of all that I’ve seen, the Ford Territory almost always makes an appearance.
Ford Territory
One trait that makes the compact crossover a popular choice is its feature-loaded package, particularly in the top-spec Titanium variant. This is the likely reason why owners don’t have a difficult time flaunting their vehicle as the Territory provides a lot.
Ford Philippines gave us the key to test the acclaimed features out ourselves by arranging a drive to the Kaliraya Surf Kamp in Laguna. By the end of the out-of-town trip, I have listed down five things that make Ford’s five-seater compact crossover popular in the local market.
1. Moonroof
One can say that Ford hit the lottery when it equipped the Territory with a panoramic moonroof. It stretches the roof of the crossover which second-row passengers can also enjoy. This standard feature is one of the reasons why individuals decided to spend their hard-earned pesos on the model.
Panoramic moonroof
By simply turning the control dial, the cover of the moonroof retracts all the way to the back. And with a press of a button, the front half part of the glass opens, providing an open-air driving experience. You can also capture your best angle when taking selfies during stopovers easier as the moonroof allows natural light to come in. Modern problems require modern solutions.
2. Advanced Driver Assist Tech
The Ford Territory impresses with its wide array of advanced driver assistance technologies. One of which is the Enhanced Active Park Assist System, allowing the vehicle to steer itself into a parking space automatically. To note, this feature is available for both parallel and perpendicular parking spots.
10-inch fully digital instrument cluster with three selectable themes
Another feature in this category is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It is capable of reducing driver fatigue by automatically applying gas and brake pedals, preferably on the highway. This is a unique tech in the market to have for the Titanium variant, which is priced at Php 1,310,000.
3. Clutter-free Center Console
The ambiance of the cabin is cozy despite having a modern layout thanks to the clean-looking center console. This is complemented by ambient lighting with seven color options and the wood-like finishes on the dashboard. One of the ways the center console looks neat is because the climate controls have been made digital. Although some might prefer to have physical climate control buttons as it provides easier access when driving out on the road.
The center stack also houses the wireless charger
While that serves a cosmetic purpose, adjusting the A/C settings can be tricky considering that the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen isn’t the most responsive out there. To give the benefit of the doubt, the system utilizes a demanding quad-view function. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) which we enjoyed during the trip for music and navigation.
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4. Snazzy Design
Personally, I dig the design of the Ford Territory, especially when viewed from the side. It almost looks like the crossover is throwing it back, while the rear end looks stacked. As a way to highlight the proportions of the back part, the tailgate is embedded with the “TERRITORY” name in chrome finish.
Finished in Panther Black
Some even say that the crossover looks like a Land Rover model. By the sound of it, the statement should be a compliment as it suggests the vehicle looks premium and refined. Other exterior features include LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and a rear spoiler.
5. Fun Driving Characteristics
The light steering brought by its electronic power-assisted steering system makes the Territory easy to maneuver even for those who are just started driving. Drivers also benefit from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with cooling and heating functions so they can get their most desired driving position more conveniently.
Although I wasn’t sold with the Sport mode during my time with the Territory, the turbocharged engine still managed to deliver ample power despite using a fuel-efficient-biased continuously variable transmission (CVT).
A popular crossover in the local market
Overall, the crossover is fun to drive along with all the toys the automaker offers, enough to appeal to many Filipinos. With its bold and composed exterior, modern interior layout, tech features, and so on, it’s not that difficult to comprehend why the Ford Territory is one of the popular crossover vehicles in the Philippines. So much so that the model reached its 10,000 customer milestone despite arriving in the middle of the pandemic.
Learn more about the cars in the local market at Philkotse.com.