The all-new Ford Edge is the third chapter in Ford’s SUV expansion plan.
Sales of SUVs have quadrupled across Europe since 2005 and Ford are adding the new Edge to their line-up writes Suzanne Keane
What is it? The Ford Edge may have been on sale across the Atlantic for a number of years but has now been reconfigured for the European market as part of Ford’s SUV expansion plan.
First impressions of the new Ford Edge On the outside the Ford Edge is a sporty and aggressive looking SUV, especially in Sport trim with its darker detailing and large twin exhaust outlets. The wheels have been pushed out to each corner which adds to the sporty styling but also maximises interior space.
What about the interior? Inside the Ford Edge is quite impressive with high quality materials used throughout. Active noise control uses sound-cancelling technology to counteract unwanted noise inside the cabin and once you’re inside it’s quite spacious and airy. The seats are comfortable, all controls are within easy reach of the driver and there is plenty of legroom in the back for taller passengers. Luggage capacity ranges from 602 litres with the seats in place to 1,847 litres with the rear seats folded down and a hands-free tailgate comes as standard on Irish models.
Ford Edge on road? The first impression from the driver’s seat of the Edge was of just how wide it feels, in fact after 2 days of driving on German roads it was still difficult to gauge the width and lane positioning in city traffic. However, on the open road it feels steady and smooth and with the added sports suspension on the “Sport” version it was well able to tackle any winding roads while my passenger had a snooze – a great combination of ride quality and handling.
Ford Edge sets new standards in its class for interior space
Ford Edge off road? The Ford Edge was more than capable of conquering muddy forest tracks both up and downhill with only a slight amount of sliding before the intelligent all-wheel drive system sent power to the rear wheels and it was able to work its way through ruts and bumps.
What about engines? There will be two engine options available, both 2.0TDCI, and with CO2 emissions of 149g/km on the Titanium version while delivering 5.8l/100km. The 180bhp engine does 0-100kmph in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200kmph. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. However, my first choice would be the bi-turbo 210PS version with the 6 speed power shift automatic gearbox which has only slightly more power but suits the driving dynamics of the Edge much more.
How much? Prices for the Ford Edge start from €55,700 rising to €62,100 for a 2.0TDCi 210PS
How safe? Safety features include inflatable seatbelts in the rear, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Emergency Brake Assist, Driver Alert which monitors fatigue, Roll Stability Control, an airbag system that incorporates front seat pelvic and thorax airbags and a front wide-view camera which is extremely useful in situations where lateral view is impaired, such as pulling out of parking spaces.
What about my options? The Ford Edge will just be available in all wheel drive when it arrives in Ireland next month and there will be two trim levels on offer – thankfully it seems that the usual base levels of trim have been dropped and the Edge will be starting at Titanium level which come with plenty of kit as standard. The Titanium Edge comes with 19” alloys, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free power tailgate, Ford DAB navigation system, active noise cancellation and a rear view camera as standard.
The range topping Sport model will also come with 20” alloys, sports suspension, heated front sports seats, adaptive steering system (which adjusts the steering ratio to suit speed in order to optimise manoeuvrability and precision), a Sony DAB navigation system paired with 12 speakers, alloy pedals and sportier looking body styling with darker detailing all round. A further “Luxury Pack” upgrade is available (€3,125 on Sport models) which will enhance your cabin with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, opening panoramic roof and 10 way electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats
3 words to describe the Ford Edge Robust; Rugged; Capable
For more information on the new Ford Edge check out Ford.ie, the Ford Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Suzanne Keane
14th June, 2016
