Fun like mini-golf, but make it turbo
From its spirited EcoBoost engine to neon-lit interiors, this stylish crossover turns every drive into playtime
By Jules Vivas
Published Nov 5, 2025 11:38 pm
When you spend the days being adults—serious, scheduled, and endlessly connected—the weekend arrives with an invitation to play. After a long work week, everyone’s looking for a reset button. For some, it’s the swing of a club under sun; for others, the calm rhythm of tires against asphalt. When you strike that right mix of adventure and ease, say, a drive in the Territory Sport and a mini-golf night-out, you realize the fun is just around the corner.
More light, space, and reason to look up, thanks to the moonroof
The blue oval invited us to swap gridlock for a Saturday tee time to test the Sport variant of their bestselling crossover. I had a weekend to bring it somewhere fitting, like Quantum Golf in Pasig.
The car arrived under a curtain of rain, its body slick with reflections from the wet pavement around it. Maybe it’s the black chrome honeycomb grille or the LED headlights catching every drop, but there’s something magnetic about this five-seater SUV. Its sleek lines flow from front to back as if sculpted in motion. Self-assured without being too showy, this urban cruiser turns heads through pure, effortless style.
On the road, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine comes alive, especially on the highway. It drives smoothly and steadily, with just enough punch to make overtaking instinctive. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, each shift is crisp and deliberate, allowing you to flow through traffic without the sluggish pauses typical of automatics.
In terms of handling, the electric power-assisted steering strikes that sweet balance between lightness and precision, making tight corners smooth while staying firm enough to keep you confidently in control. In city driving, it’s a relief. As the road opens toward Ortigas, switching to Sport mode gives it an extra oomph. The throttle sharpens, the grip tightens, and the faint growl of the engine becomes its own kind of soundtrack.
The MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension soak up bumps nicely, keeping the cabin calm even when the road isn’t. Inside, every detail leans toward comfort, from the ventilated leather seats to the dual-zone climate control and 12-inch touchscreen. The ambient lighting fills the cabin with a soft neon glow, almost like a preview of the vibrant mini-golf course waiting at the end of the ride. I arrived with my friends in the evening, the Territory gleaming under the parking lights as if it knew it was part of the event.
The author shooting; accuracy is a state of mind
Quantum Golf has a vibe that makes even non-golfers like us feel athletic. We went up to the third floor to register and pay at the reception desk, where the lounge sits just next to the gym and hitting bays. This area houses the simulator bays for serious golf practice minus the sunburn. Being far from pros and really there to unwind, we headed straight down to the second floor for the neon mini-golf area and bar. Think "Tron" meets "Top Golf," glowing fairways, fluorescent golf balls, and that familiar buzz of friendly competition.
The game heats up as the mini-golf course throws you tilted_edges,_loop-backs and neon reflex tests
The 18-hole neon course turns golf on its head, swapping sunlight for blacklight and giving the sport a nightlife flair that’s more party than par. Its setup makes it a great spot for any kind of gathering, whether it’s a casual hang with friends, a birthday celebration, or even a relaxed corporate wind-down. You can order food and drinks from Xin Xin Dimsum & Wine while playing, which gives the place all the makings of a great weekend fix. Between the bright, fluorescent greens, the pulsing music, and the laughter that follows every missed shot, it feels less like a game and more like a shared experience.
TravelEach mini-golf lane glows under neon light, a wash of greens, purples, and electric blues that dance across the walls. The moment you swing a club, you almost forget you’re still in Pasig. The holes aren’t just designed for skill, they’re built for chuckles, with twists and unpredictable slopes that keep the group laughing more than competing. Their signature boozy scorecard adds a clever spin that turns every missed shot into a sip and every round into a mini celebration. It’s immersive and a little surreal, like stepping into a different rhythm of the city. In many ways, it mirrors how I felt driving the Territory all week—bright, comfortable, and completely in the moment.
Prices are approachable, starting at ₱400 per person for unlimited rounds. At that rate, you never feel like you’re overspending. The food and drinks, on the other hand, sit at a slightly higher price point, but they more than make up for it in flavor and serving size. The restaurant serves up a well-curated selection of comfort dishes and bar bites that pair well with the laid-back, spirited vibe of the place. Some of the must-tries here are the all-day breakfast staples, particularly the Beef Tapa Rice Bowl and the standout Loco Moco, a 200-gram Wagyu beef patty laid over steamed rice, topped with a sunny-side egg, and finished with a rich mushroom and black-pepper gravy. For something to share, the bar chows don’t disappoint. Spiced French fries, steamed edamame, and the flavorful Smoked Duck Fried Rice make great companions between swings. And of course, no night here is complete without a drink (or two). The cocktail list leans playful but polished, designed to keep the energy up long after your final putt. By chance, we caught a vodka promo, a happy coincidence that turned every toast into another round of play.
Crispy Fried Pork
Golden Glazed Chicken Bites
Beef Tapa
From wagyu rice bowls to wine pairings, Xin Xin Dimsum & Wine brings a taste of indulgence to game night
Crispy Tempura Fish
I’d taken my turn behind the wheel, so this time I settled into the passenger seat, sipping a drink as the city and sky light slid by from the moonroof. From the second row, the ride feels remarkably smooth and composed cushioned in all the right ways. There’s room to stretch, too; noticeably more than what most in its class can offer. It’s the kind of space that makes even Manila traffic feel less like an inconvenience and more like a moving lounge.
By Sunday, the week had turned into a string of little adventures from short drives, shared meals, and unplanned detours. That’s what the Ford does best: make the ordinary feel elevated. The Territory Sport is stylish without being intimidating, smart without being sterile, and still fun for those of us who grew up loving the hum of an engine.
My purist friend who still loves the sound of a manual gearbox was impressed. Because while some modern cars feel disconnected, this one manages to keep things personal. You feel the road, the feel and pull of that turbo, and you remember why driving is fun.
For those who value driving feel, performance, and simplicity, this Sport variant is a smart pick. It gives you strong performance, full features, and less potential to worry about battery or hybrid system upkeep.
A week slipped by in a blur, but the Territory Sport did more than just get me from point A to B, it made every in-between moment count. Every mile, laugh, and missed putt came together into a kind of joy that lingered well past the weekend. It may not promise perfection, but it delivers something lasting — the feeling that life moves better when you’re enjoying the ride.