Forming New Bonds: Why This New Mom Chose the Ford Territory

Starting things during the pandemic.

Getting a new vehicle can celebrate the mark of a new life chapter. Such was the case for Anne Maralit, a 28-year old co-owner of The Bright Millennial, a social network brand which aims to promote financial literacy in the digital space, targeting the young population.

Anne and Garett Maralit baby

Getting ready for the new family member

Anne, together with her husband Garett, decided to get a Ford Territory as a family car in early 2020, knowing that upgrading to an SUV was a must, as they were expecting a new family member at that time after getting married.

“We‘ve previously owned a small hatchback and thought it was already good enough for us. But we eventually realized that we needed something larger, especially when I found out I was pregnant. We immediately decided on purchasing a bigger vehicle for our growing family,” recalled Anne.

Garett and Anne Maralit

Garett and Anne Maralit

According to the couple, the Ford Territory’s standout stylish looks, spacious interiors, and technology features made it an easy decision, considering the changes in their lifestyle and daily needs.

“It’s an affordable luxury! Comfort, safety, and style don’t have to be expensive. And since we purchased it, we are getting more than what we paid for,” said Anne.

The Ultimate Bonding Companion

Purchased on the last term of her pregnancy, the Ford Territory became the family’s bonding companion ever since.

“I was already pregnant when we got the Ford Territory last May. I’d always go with my husband wherever he goes because I had terrible morning sickness and I can’t be left alone at home. I would even enjoy just sitting in the Territory while waiting because it’s so comfortable and keeps me entertained. What I loved most were the cooled seats and the infotainment system.”

Starting Things During the Pandemic | Philkotse Stories

Upon giving birth in June, it was also inside the Ford Territory where Anne finally got to create memories with her newborn child.

“I wasn’t able to see or hold my child after giving birth due to COVID-19 hospital protocols. She stayed in the hospital for 7 days and we had to go home without her. The very first time I was able to see and hold her was the day we brought her home. Our ride home was very emotional, we even had our first photo together inside the Ford Territory,” shared Anne.

Ford Territory panoramic sunroof

Ford Territory comes with a panoramic moonroof

Six months since purchasing the Ford Territory, the SUV continues to be a vehicle where Anne’s family can safely bond. “We love taking our daughter out to get a bit of sunlight. The Ford Territory’s panoramic moonroof is a game-changer because we don’t need to get out of the vehicle to get our natural dose of Vitamin D,” she said.

It wasn’t easy for married couples like Anne and Garrett to undergo major changes in their lives especially during the time of the pandemic, but with a daily driver like the Ford Territory that supports them in their work needs and personal time with their baby, the Maralits are able to own and savor each moment as they both thrive in this ‘new normal’.

The New Standard for Small SUVs

Combining a sleek and stylish design, impressive performance, and driver-assist technologies that leverage Ford’s global expertise in vehicle design, engineering, testing, and manufacturing, the Ford Territory has set a new standard for the small and mini-SUV segments since it was launched in August 2020.

Ford Territory front shot

More stories, and family bonding with the Ford Territory

Over the last year, the Ford Territory has made its presence felt in the SUV category as a feature-packed vehicle that combines design, technology, and functionality to offer a new driving experience to young professionals and starting families. Ford Territory owners and enthusiasts have been loving the Territory’s panoramic moonroof, 360-Degree Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Information System, 10-inch infotainment system, and Apple Carplay with wireless connectivity feature and Android Auto capability.

This month, customers who purchase the Ford Territory can also enjoy a free 3-year scheduled service plan (SSP) as part of Ford’s Year-End Sale deals and offers on the original Ford Territory price.

To know more about the Ford Territory, visit www.ford.com.ph/suvs/territory/ or any Ford dealership nearest you.

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This story was produced in partnership with Ford Philippines.

Know more about Ford Territory 2024

Ford Territory 2024

The Ford Territory is a compact crossover SUV for the Philippine market. This five-seater model has three different trims, the Titanium which is priced at Php 1,335,000, the Titanium X priced at Php 1,599,000, and the Titanium Sport which has a price tag of Php 1,625,000.

Size-wise, the next-generation 2024 Territory is 4,630mm long, 1,935mm wide, and 1,706mm in height. It has a wheelbase length spanning 2,726mm, and a ground clearance of 190mm.

Propelling the Territory is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that’s able to produce up to 158 horsepower and 248 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Locally, the Territory competes against the Toyota Corolla Cross, MG RX5, Chery Tiggo 7, Geely Azkarra, etc.

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Ford Territory Launch

The next-generation Ford Territory was formally launched at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show. It comes in two variants, the Titanium X and the Titanium. During its initial introduction, its prices range from Php 1,335,000 to Php 1,599,000.

Ford Territory Exterior

The Territory features a modern design that’s equipment for convenience and ease of use. Standard on this Ford model is a pair of LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and LED taillights.

Likewise present on the Territory are power-folding side mirrors, a rear spoiler, roof rails, and front fog lamps. Depending on the trim, likewise present are puddle lamps, a panoramic moonroof, and a hands-free tailgate.

Ford Territory Interior

The Territory can seat up to five occupants. It gets leather seating, a digital gauge cluster, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a push-to-start button, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and a 60:40 split-folding second row.

Available for the top-spec Titanium X specifically is a PM 2.5 air monitor and ionizer, and a package tray. Also exclusive to the top-spec trim is a ventilation system for the driver’s seat.

Technology & Safety Features

Standard on the Territory is a 12-inch touchscreen headunit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the Titanium X, the said headunit has eight speakers. The Titanium meanwhile has six. Both trims come fitted with a wireless smartphone charger, a 12-volt auxiliary outlet, and USB ports.

Safety for the Territory is handled by six airbags, parking sensors, hill launch and descent control, anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, a car alarm, an engine immobilizer, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Both trims also get blind spot monitoring, an active park assist, a 360-degree camera, and tire pressure monitoring. Only the Titanium X is fitted with adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep aid, collision mitigation, forward collision warning, etc.

Platform & Chassis

The Ford Territory is classed as a compact crossover SUV. It comes in a 5-door, 5-seater body style, and it uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension.

Braking for this Ford model is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels and an electronic parking brake.

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Ford Territory is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine that can make up to 158 horsepower and 248 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Available color options for the 2024 Ford Territory include Ruby Red, Panther Black, Crystal Pearl White, Metallic Blue, Lustrous Grey, and Star White.

The next-generation 2024 Ford Territory, particularly the Titanium X, gets one of the most comprehensive safety kits in the local crossover market. In terms of power though, it is middling at best, as there are plenty more alternatives that produce more horsepower.