Chinese SUV-based Ford Territory (Hyundai Creta rival) confirmed for LATAM

Ford has confirmed that it will launch the currently China-only all-new Territory in the LATAM markets in 2020. The Territory was showcased at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in 2018 and since then it has been touted as a solid contender to join the Ford Brazil's product portfolio.

“Consumer response to Territory was excellent, especially in key aspects of exterior and interior design, space and technology. I then told our team that we had to roll up our sleeves and quickly bring this vehicle to local consumers. It is a pleasure to confirm now that it will be launched in Brazil and Argentina in 2020, ” said Lyle Watters, President, Ford South America, confirming the launch. The first public exhibition of the Ford Territory following its launch confirmation will take place at the Rock in Rio festival in September.

The Ford Territory has been developed by Ford in China under its partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). It's basically a repurposed JMC Yusheng S330, and so, it shares the same platform with the Range Rover Evoque rip-off Landwind X7. In China, the Ford Territory is powered by the 1.5-litre EcoBoost145 petrol engine which churns out 105 kW (142.76 PS) and 225 Nm of torque. This direct-injection turbocharged engine comes linked to a CVT. Electrified powertrain options (48V mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid) are planned for the future.

In terms features the Ford Territory is loaded with bits like wireless charging, 10-inch digital instrument panel, 360-degree view camera, adaptive autopilot, auto parking, lane stay alert and blind-spot monitoring. In addition to this, it also gets real-time communication system with an embedded modem connected to the FordPass, a feature that allows the user to lock, unlock, start, locate and get information remotely. The company also claims that the SUV features the largest space in the category for rear passengers. More information on the same will be made available closer to its launch next year.

Also read: Mahindra-Ford partnership to churn out a total of 9 SUVs

In India, every new locally manufactured Ford SUV in the future will be co-developed with Mahindra. The company is working on a B-SUV and a C-SUV with the Indian automaker for our market. Whether the B-SUV is a sub-4 metre model like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, and thus the successor to the Ford EcoSport, or a premium model like the Hyundai Creta is yet to be known