Fords new Territory has arrived, and — on paper at least — it seems like a good ‘un, as long as you can afford the fuel. Available only with a four-litre 182 kW six-cylinder in-line engine pinched from the Falcon, the Territory comes in two- wheel and four-wheel-drive derivatives, meaning it can serve as an urban multi-purpose-vehicle or, in all-wheel-drive format, as a reasonably capable sports utility vehicle.
The Australian built Territory – Car of the Year in its home country in 2004 – comes in three models, all equipped with a four-speed Tiptronic transmission. The top-of-the-range Ghia offers all-wheel drive, while the similarly well equipped Ghia RWD and the base-model TX both come in rear-wheel-drive only.
Before you go dashing off to join your local 4X4 club remember that the Ghia AWD doesn’t qualify for classification as a proper off-roader because it offers no low-range transfer box, but it does have a number of electronic aids that mean it should perform reasonably well in moderately rough terrain. These include dynamic stability control and a hill-descent mode that compensates reasonably well for the lack of hard-core mechanical off-road hardware.
All models offer the sort of luxury and safety features we take for granted in cars costing upwards of R300 000, but extras found in the Ghia versions include an improved sound system, side curtain airbags, enhanced power seat adjustments, an LCD display mounted amidships, dual-stage climate control instead of the basic aircon, leather trim, rear park-distance control, a steering-wheel operated cruise control and a host of other less important perks. Performance is similar in all models, with top-speed being limited to 180 km/hr and the 0 -100 dash claimed to require just over 9,5 seconds.
The Territory is a seven seater, with each row of seats mounted higher than the row in front. Both the second and third rows fold away to provide extra luggage space if necessary. Pricing kicks off at R309 500 for the 4,0 TX RWD, with the Ghia RWD priced at R349 500. The range-topping 4,0 Ghia AWD will lighten your wallet by R389 500, and all models come with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a five-year 90 000 km maintenance plan.
Toyota’s Prius, the only petrol-electric hybrid vehicle currently available in South Africa, is now being offered for outright purchase at R269 000, including VAT. The car was previously available only on a full maintenance rental agreement that cost R5 100 per month, with a surcharge for every kilometre over 120 000 covered during the four year lease period. At the end of the lease the vehicle reverted to Toyota, but the 44 people who took delivery between February and June this year will have the option of converting to ownership without penalty, either by paying cash or negotiating a deal via their bank. The original service plan will then be upgraded to match that offered to new buyers.
Toyota South Africa’s press release doesn’t say whether the condition that the car not be driven on dirt roads still applies, so we presume it does. Good news is that the price includes a 195 000 km / eight-year service plan.