Latest news with #Territory
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Ford Territory's new Dark touch not a full segment black-out
Blue Oval's first special edition Territory adds a series of unique touches supposed to swing a black-out punch to its rivals. Special edition models, or in the greater scheme of things, appearance packages, have dramatically increased in popularity in recent years despite often having no dynamic alterations or added power from the models they are based on. Striking gold In essence, style and the need to be different has become the biggest 'want' to buyers, even if it requires forking out an additional premium. NOW READ: Ford puts price on new Dark Edition attired Territory And in recent years, Ford has capitalised on this with considerable success with the introduction of numerous aesthetically enhanced Rangers and Everests. Titanium shine displaced Revived last year as the long overdue replacement for the ill-fated Kuga, the Territory has now become the latest special edition recipient with the self-explanatory Dark Edition. Sitting atop the local line-up above the previous range-topping Titanium, the joint venture model between the Blue Oval and China's Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), called the Equator Sport in the People's Republic, gets a series of cosmetic and interior enhancements without any dynamic or mechanical alterations. A total of four colours are offered, the depicted Ruby Red, arguably, contrasting the best. Priced at R733 300, a modest premium of R7 300 over the Titanium, the Dark finds itself in a segment befitting of its nomenclature against not only comparative products from other legacy brands, but also from much cheaper products made by its countrymen. Having amassed sales last year of 2 123 units last year, and looking set to improve on that with 1 828 units moved so far this year, the Territory Dark, admittedly, promised little in the way of massive gains from the mid-spec Trend and Titanium when it arrived for the usual seven-day test. Possibly, but unconfirmed, the final fling for the pre-facelift model as the updated variants have already been launched in China and Brazil, the Territory Dark proved little changed from a driveability standpoint, but, unsurprisingly, not aesthetically. Black-and-red work Finished in a striking Ruby Red hue – one of four colours available – the Territory Dark does its name justice by adding a contrasting black roof, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and a black grille to the mix, along with black mirrors caps and a black finish at the base of the bumpers. Territory Dark rides on gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels as standard. The darkened theme is rounded off by a black front skidplate, black wheel arch cladding and roof rails, black window surrounds and a black finish for the Territory name script on the bootlid. Although likely to raise the ire of some for being another black styling package, the applique works well in giving what has been a slightly generic looking Chinese SUV a sporty and upmarket look compared to the Titanium. Black meets orange and 'carbon' Inside, the Territory Dark's newly found flamboyant side continues as, apart from a black roofliner, Ford has replaced the tacky imitation wood veneer from the Titanium with faux carbon fibre and trimmed the seats in black leather. Dark interior elements involve imitation carbon fibre, expanded leather and Cyber Orange stitch work. The application of the latter continues on the dashboard and doors, with the final and most striking addition being the Ranger Wildtrak-derived Cyber Orange stitch work on the steering wheel, dash, doors and seats. Additions that dramatically spruce the interior up, the Territory Dark keeps hold of the same dual 12.3-inch displays as the Titanium, but with a 360-degree surround-view camera system incorporated into the infotainment system for the first time. Yes and no's Its interior having accumulated a reputation for being one of the most spacious in the segment, the initial sticky points highlighted at the Territory's market launch continue. While quality represents well with soft touch materials, the piano key black finish on the centre console remains a pain from a long-term practical standpoint, as does the lack of height adjustment on the driver's seat allowing it to drop all the way down. Infotainment system measures 12.3-inches, but lacks Ford's SYNC software. Noted on most other Chinese products as well, this means the driver sits too high and not 'behind' the wheel, but rather 'on top' of it similar to a forward control truck. The added downside is the lack of a full instrument cluster view, even with the steering column set to its highest position. As previously mentioned, the infotainment system doesn't come with Ford's SYNC software as this it not offered in China. Physical controls still adorn the floating centre control, as does the rotary dial for the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Locally, the system has been configured for South Africa and as such, includes both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus type-C USB ports on the lower section of the console. A system that works relatively well without the usual series of sub-menus, the Dark also keeps the physical buttons and volume dial, but not for the dual-zone climate control – this either requiring use of the screen or the touch-sensitive buttons recessed above the wireless smartphone charging pad. As practical as ever Although likely to take some time getting used to ergonomically, the lack of space-related complaints, head-and-legroom-wise, extends to the Territory Dark's boot where the electric tailgate opens to reveal a sizable 448-litres of packing space. With the rear seats dropped, space increases to 1 452-litres. With the 60/40 split rear seats dropped, which had to be implemented to accommodate a stack of vintage car magazines, space increases to 1 452-litres. The all-too familiar saga Sporting the same list of features as the Titanium, bar the camera, the Territory Dark's oil bits haven't been where up front, the Ford-made 1.8-litre EcoBoost petrol engine develops an unchanged 138kW/318Nm. Detuned by two kilowatts and two Newton Metres from the Middle East model as a result of our poor fuel quality, the unit is again mated to a rotary dial-activated seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox driving the front wheels. It remains the Territory's most contentious issue by virtue of the same typical Chinese vehicle throttle calibration mismatch with the gearbox. Detuned for South Africa because of fuel quality, the Dark retains the 1.8 EcoBoost engine from the rest of the Territory range. In isolation, the engine has satisfactory grunt and pulls strong, but is blighted by the slow reacting throttle that entices wheel spin once 'connection' is made. The knock-off is the gearbox becoming erratic and unable to be overridden as result of not only the rotary dial lacking a manual mode, but also the absence of paddle shifters. Admittedly, while likely to get accustomed to over time, the main criticism remains the overly sharp brakes, the lifeless electric power steering and the laggy start/stop system that makes the throttle calibration saga even worse. Fortunately, it can be switched off and because of Territory lacks the same overzealous array of safety and driver assistance systems as on other Chinese vehicles, fumbling through the infotainment to switch them off is eliminated altogether. The drive Once on the move, and with the engine/transmission foibles sorted out, the Territory Dark becomes a comfortable and refined cruiser, with little road and tyre noise intruding into the cabin. Bizarrely, the ride felt on the firm side on anything but smooth tarmac, something not noticed on the usually poorly maintained roads of the Eastern Cape where the national launch took place. Seats are trimmed in leather and feature the same Cyber Orange stitch work as on the dashboard, doors and steering wheel. While the tyre size doesn't differ from the Titanium, the soft suspension tended to 'hit through' on a number of occasions during the week, resulting in a wallow aftershock. Back on smoother surfaces brought the opposite as it felt composed and the ride pliant. As is the case with most vehicles hailing from China, the Territory Dark lacks for little in rear passenger head-and-legroom. As standard, the Dark has the same four driving modes as the rest of the Territory range; Eco, Normal, Sport and Mountain. Left in the second-tier option for the majority of its stay over 405 km, fuel consumption, in mixed conditions, was to be expected of a Chinese vehicle with the indicated best consumption figure being a heavy 9.1 L/100 km. Conclusion Its reputation built on comfort and practicality, the rather tasteful Dark applique to the Ford Territory has, to a large degree, been a success for doing exactly what an appearance package should do. Territory script has been given a black finish. Driveability, while a smidgen better than some its countrymen, remains a sticking point and while the majority of buyers are unlikely to associate it as hailing from the People's Republic based on its badge, the Black finds itself in tough company occupied by better equipped competition offering slightly more value for money. NOW READ: Intentions clear: All-new Ford Territory stakes its claim
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Outback Wrangler Matt Wright's high-profile conspiracy trial nearly ‘aborted' following ‘unfair' A Current Affair episode
A Territory judge has savaged a national television program for airing 'unfair' coverage on the eve of the trial of reality star Outback Wrangler Matt Wright. The Aussie reality television star has pleaded not guilty to three allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice, following the chopper crash death of his mate and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson three years ago. It took two hours for a jury pool of 107 Territorians to be whittled down into the final team of 12 jurors and two reservists on Tuesday. However overnight that careful selection process was put in jeopardy following the episode by A Current Affair. On Wednesday Justice Alan Blow ripped into the Channel Nine segment which he said threatened to 'abort' the high-profile celebrity trial. 'It was a piece of journalism that was aimed to suggest that Mr Wright is guilty of something — and that's not what TV journalists should be doing,' Justice Blow said. 'It's very important that Mr Wright gets a fair trial and watching that program could interfere with his right to a fair trial.' Justice Blow told the 12-person jury and two reservists that the program published a 'stale' witness list and a photo from the fatal helicopter crash site. 'This isn't a case about why the helicopter crashed,' he told the jury. 'It's not suggested that Mr Wright was responsible, in any way, for the crashing of the helicopter. 'If you watched the program, you might get the impression that he was responsible, and that he was guilty of something and that he's headed to jail for it. 'It was quite unfair and it created a danger of this trial having to be aborted.' Only one juror out of the 14 members said he had watched the segment. Under questioning from Justice Blow, the juror said he would be able to remain impartial, and had not discussed the ACA show with any of his fellow jurors. Justice Blow then warned the remaining 13 Territorians to not try and access the program played on Tuesday night. 'It's an excellent example of what I told you not to do yesterday,' he said. 'Please don't try to find out about that program.' Both prosecutor Jason Gullaci and Defence senior counsel David Edwardson said they were comfortable with the current jury continuing. The trial continues.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Supreme Court likely to hear plea seeking restoration of statehood to J&K on August 8
The Supreme Court is likely to hear on August 8 a plea seeking directions to the Centre for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan mentioned the matter on Tuesday (August 5, 2025) before a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. "The date (on SC website) shows as August 8. Let it not be deleted," Mr. Sankaranarayanan submitted. The CJI accepted the request. Tuesday (August 5, 2025) marks the sixth anniversary of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which accorded a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the revocation of Article 370, even as it ordered that Assembly elections be held in Jammu and Kashmir by September 2024 and its statehood be restored "at the earliest". Last year, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Centre for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir within two months. The application was filed by Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, an academician, and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, a socio-political activist. Delay in the restoration of statehood "It is submitted that the delay in the restoration of statehood would cause serious reduction of democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, causing a grave violation of the idea of federalism which forms part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India," the application said. The Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha polls were conducted peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir without any incident of violence, disturbance or any security concerns being reported, it said. "Therefore, there is no impediment of security concerns, violence or any other disturbances which would hinder or prevent the grant/restoration of the status of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as had been assured by the Union of India in the present proceedings," the plea said. It said, "The non-restoration of the status of statehood of Jammu & Kashmir will result in Jammu & Kashmir being given a lesser form of elected democratic government, especially in light of the legislative assembly results being declared on October 8, 2024." It submitted that despite the apex court's directions for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir "at the earliest and as soon as possible", no steps have been taken by the Centre to provide any timeline for the implementation of such directions. "It is submitted that Jammu and Kashmir is being operated as a Union Territory for a period of almost five years now, which has caused many impediments and grave losses to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and has affected the democratic rights of its citizens," it contended. Jammu and Kashmir being an individual state which has gone through many struggles and hardship requires a strong federal structure to help in developing the area and also celebrating its unique culture, the application stated. In its December 2023 verdict, the Supreme Court held that Article 370, which was incorporated in the Indian Constitution in 1949 to grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a temporary provision. The President of India was empowered to revoke the measure in the absence of the Constituent Assembly of the erstwhile state whose term expired in 1957, the court said.
Sydney Morning Herald
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why the big streamers failed at the Logies and what it means for Aussie TV
What did we learn from last night's Logie Awards? That we love free-to-air TV (hooray for the ABC!), Netflix is bad (only one win from 18 nominations) and Home and Away's Lynne McGranger is the 'best' dramatic actress on Australian television. Mostly, that's correct. We do love the ABC – however much we like to complain about it – and its domination of the Logies, with 11 awards, including five for Kitty Flanagan 's terrific comedy Fisk, is a definite win for our public broadcaster. The ABC is the only free-to-air station providing a regular home for locally made dramas and comedy (honourable mention: SBS) and that should be celebrated, particularly in the face of a dramatic drop in locally made productions. But does the ABC's dominance mean we have turned our back on the flashy streamers? How else can you explain that Netflix, the most nominated streamer, won only one award (best miniseries or telemovie for Apple Cider Vinegar)? That's where it gets tricky. Netflix is the most popular paid streaming service in Australia, with an estimated 6.2 million subscribers. But over its 10 years in operation here, it has produced only a handful of local dramas, including three of the shows nominated last night: Apple Cider Vinegar, Territory and Heartbreak High. And while those dramas all feature high-profile talent, how many of us are actually watching those Australian dramas on Netflix? For the purposes of voting in the Logies, we don't really know as, unlike the ABC and the other free-to-air broadcasters, the streamers are unwilling to provide concrete ratings data. And when ratings data makes up 20 per cent of the Logies vote – along with 50 per cent for the popular vote and 30 per cent for the expert vote – the streamers are automatically kneecapped. But, wait, there's more! If you look at the results, it also shows us that yes, while shows such as Territory, for example, were disadvantaged from the beginning, it seems the audience didn't show up and vote for it, either, despite Netflix trumpeting its worldwide success.
The Age
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Why the big streamers failed at the Logies and what it means for Aussie TV
What did we learn from last night's Logie Awards? That we love free-to-air TV (hooray for the ABC!), Netflix is bad (only one win from 18 nominations) and Home and Away's Lynne McGranger is the 'best' dramatic actress on Australian television. Mostly, that's correct. We do love the ABC – however much we like to complain about it – and its domination of the Logies, with 11 awards, including five for Kitty Flanagan 's terrific comedy Fisk, is a definite win for our public broadcaster. The ABC is the only free-to-air station providing a regular home for locally made dramas and comedy (honourable mention: SBS) and that should be celebrated, particularly in the face of a dramatic drop in locally made productions. But does the ABC's dominance mean we have turned our back on the flashy streamers? How else can you explain that Netflix, the most nominated streamer, won only one award (best miniseries or telemovie for Apple Cider Vinegar)? That's where it gets tricky. Netflix is the most popular paid streaming service in Australia, with an estimated 6.2 million subscribers. But over its 10 years in operation here, it has produced only a handful of local dramas, including three of the shows nominated last night: Apple Cider Vinegar, Territory and Heartbreak High. And while those dramas all feature high-profile talent, how many of us are actually watching those Australian dramas on Netflix? For the purposes of voting in the Logies, we don't really know as, unlike the ABC and the other free-to-air broadcasters, the streamers are unwilling to provide concrete ratings data. And when ratings data makes up 20 per cent of the Logies vote – along with 50 per cent for the popular vote and 30 per cent for the expert vote – the streamers are automatically kneecapped. But, wait, there's more! If you look at the results, it also shows us that yes, while shows such as Territory, for example, were disadvantaged from the beginning, it seems the audience didn't show up and vote for it, either, despite Netflix trumpeting its worldwide success.
