The chrome is gone, the “blacked out” look is in, and the South African SUV market just got a little more intimidating.

Following its successful local debut in 2024, Ford South Africa has expanded the Territory lineup with the Dark Edition. Positioned at the top of the range, it trades the “”luxury-lite”” chrome of the Titanium trim for a stealthier, sportier aesthetic that feels right at home on Mzansi’s roads.

Stealth Mode Engaged

The Dark Edition is all about visual attitude. If the standard Territory is the polished professional, the Dark Edition is the one that shows up to the meeting in a black tailored suit and sunglasses.

1. Ebony Black Grille: The signature hexagonal grille loses its chrome scales in flavour of a satin black finish.

2. Blacked-Out Accents: High-gloss black finish is applied to the roof rails, window trimmings, mirror caps, and the lower bumper guards.

3. 19-inch Ebony Alloys: Gone are the silver-and-black rims, replaced by 19-inch alloy wheels finished entirely in Ebony Black.

4. Distinctive Badging: The “”Territory”” lettering on the tailgate is also finished in black, giving it a custom-shop look straight from the factory.

Dark with a Pop of Orange

Inside, the “”Dark”” theme continues, but Ford has added some clever contrast to keep it from feeling like a cave. The interior features Charcoal Black headliners and pillars, creating a cocoon-like feel. To break up the monochrome, the perforated leather seats and instrument panel are finished with Cyber Orange stitching a nod to the rugged “”Wildtrak”” heritage found in the Ranger and Everest.

Key Specs:

• Dual 12.3-inch Screens: A seamless digital experience combining the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.

• 360-Degree Camera: Exclusive to the Dark Edition, this provides a bird’s-eye view, making parking this mid-sized SUV in tight Cape Town or Joburg bays a breeze.

• Panoramic Moonroof: To let some light back into that dark interior.

The Reliable 1.8L EcoBoost

Under the hood, the Dark Edition retains the tried-and-tested powertrain found across the range. It’s a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that strikes a solid balance between urban commuting and open-road cruising.

Safety First

Being the flagship model, the Dark Edition comes standard with Ford’s full suite of driver-assist technologies:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert

• Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.

Pricing and Peace of Mind

As of 2026, the Ford Territory Dark Edition is priced competitively within the premium mid-size SUV segment.

The “”Ford Family Promise”” includes:

• 4-year / 120,000 km Warranty

• 6-year / 90,000 km Service Plan

• 5-year / Unlimited km Corrosion Warranty

If you love the space and practicality of the Territory which offers a massive 448-litre boot but found the standard model a bit too “traditional,” the Dark Edition is the answer. It bridges the gap between a family hauler and a style statement.

It sounds like you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a New Ford Territory ! CMH Kempster Ford Durban is a staple in the Durban automotive scene, known for our wide selection and professional service.

• Call us now: 031 313 0800

• Visit us at: 901 Umgeni Road, Durban

• www.umgeniford.co.za

From the Wild West to the Wild Coast: A History of the Mustang in South Africa

The Ford Mustang is more than just a car, it’s a cultural phenomenon. While it was born on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan, in 1964, its soul found a second home right here in Mzansi. For decades, South Africans admired the “Pony Car” from afar, but the local story is far deeper than just the modern models we see today. Let’s take a gallop through the history of the Mustang in South Africa.

The 1960s: A Rare Breed

When Lee Iacocca unveiled the Mustang at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the world went mad. South Africa wasn’t left behind, in 1965, Ford South Africa showcased the all-new Mustang during a national roadshow. While Ford didn’t mass-produce them locally back then, they were available as “luxury imports.” If you had the import tax and a taste for V8 power, you could secure a Poppy Red Fastback or a convertible. They were rare, they were left-hand drive, and they were the ultimate status symbol on the newly built Kyalami circuit.

The “Perana” Influence (The 1970s & 80s)

Because the Mustang wasn’t officially mass-sold here for decades, South Africans did what they do best, they innovated. Local legend Basil Green created the Capri Perana V8, using the Mustang’s 5.0L Windsor V8 engine. Later, in the 1980s, Ford SA gave us the Sierra XR8, affectionately known as “The Animal.” It featured the same 5.0L V8 found in the Mustang of that era. For a long time, these locally bred monsters were the closest things we had to a factory Mustang on our showroom floors.

The 2015 Revolution: The Pony Finally Arrives

After 50 years of waiting, the dream finally came true. As part of Ford’s “One Ford” global strategy, the sixth generation (S550) Mustang was produced in right-hand drive (RHD) for the first time. Fast forward to today, and the legend is only getting louder. The seventh generation (S650) Mustang has officially touched down on South African soil, bringing with it a digital-forward cockpit and the most powerful naturally aspirated Coyote V8 yet. The real talk of the town? The Mustang Dark Horse. With its sinister styling and track focused suspension, it’s a clear message that while the world moves toward electrification, the Mustang’s V8 roar isn’t going anywhere without a fight.

Why South Africa Loves the Mustang?

In a country that loves the open road and the sound of a “braai-side” V8, the Mustang fits our DNA perfectly. It represents freedom, a bit of rebellion, and a lot of noise exactly how we like it.

Here’s to many years more of the Legendary Ford Mustang, Visit CMH Kempster Ford Durban today and experience captivating service for yourself.

• Call us now: 031 313 0800
• Visit us at: 901 Umgeni Road, Durban
• www.umgeniford.co.za