Ford looks to get the Edge on its rivals in prominent SUV segment

The rise in popularity of the SUV/crossover segment leads to an inevitable conclusion: People can’t get enough of them and manufacturers can’t do enough to give the public what it wants.

Thus we saw this week the launch of yet another SUV from Ford — the Edge. Described as an “upscale” machine, Ford promises it will deliver premium levels of comfort, sophisticated driver assistance features, and class-leading driving dynamics. It will go on sale here with prices ranging from €55,700 to €62,100.

The effort Ford is putting into the segment is obvious given the figures they are predicting for the number of SUVs it will build this year.

It plans to sell more than 200,000 SUVs in Europe this year —- a 200% increase on 2013. Last year, the SUV segment became the best-selling segment in Europe for the first time, with a 24% increase year-on-year. Registrations of vehicles in the Edge’s mid-size SUV segment grew 42% year-on-year.

Ford says the Edge will set new standards in its class for interior space and feature high-quality materials throughout the interior; and offers comfort and convenience with features including heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic roof.

Other technologies on offer include the new front wide-view camera which can see around corners even when drivers cannot — reducing stress and potentially helping avert collisions and standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology.

The Edge will be offered with a choice of two 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines. The first will offer 18 bhp with 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h, or a 210 bhp bi-turbo version that will do the 0-100km/h dash in 9.4 seconds and reach 211km/h. Both are said to deliver 5.8 l/100km (48.7 mpg) and 149 g/km CO2.

Manual and automatic gearboxes will be offered with the latter featuring paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Ford Edge is available in two series (both 5-door): Titanium and Sport.

Key features for the Edge Titanium series include: 19” alloys; front and rear parking sensors; hands-free power tailgate and ‘Keyfree’ system; Ford DAB navigation system; rear-view camera; and illuminated scuff plates.

The Edge Sport adds: 20” alloys; adaptive steering system; Sony DAB Navigation system with 12 speakers; unique front, rear, and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing; and alloy pedals.