The all-new Ford Edge received its Irish launch yesterday. The Edge has been available in the States for a number of years; where last year Ford sold 125,000 units last year making it the best-selling car in its segment. In fact, you may remember it from when it featured in the ‘Quantum of Solice’ film a couple of years back. As we all know, consumer demand for SUVs on this side of the pond is still rapidly growing and last year the SUV segment became the best-selling segment in Europe for the first time with a 24 percent increase on the previous year. So as part of Ford’s global strategy and in response to the growing demand for SUV’s and indeed, more premium SUV models, they are introducing the Edge to Europe for the first time.
So what’s the Edge like then, well Ford have really emphasised the comfort factor of the new Edge and my first impressions tell me they are right in doing so. It’s a very spacious SUV especially when compared to some of its more premium rivals. The front offers loads of leg and head room while the seats themselves were very comfortable and given the day that was in it – the air conditioned seats were a much appreciated feature on the test car. In the rear, there is easily space for three rather tall adults and yet even with such generous legroom for passengers, the Edge still retains huge boot space. However, comfort isn’t all about having the space to swing a cat above your head. The Edge is one of the most refined cars I’ve driven this year and it’s also one of the quietest. The Edge comes equipped with Active Noise Control. It’s essential the same type of noise cancelling technology which we often see in expensive headphones, only just now it’s on a far larger scale. With the ANC working in conjunction with Ford’s noise-optimised chassis, powertrains and body aerodynamics, the end result is a very quiet, relaxing cabin.
The Edge is offered with a pair of powertrains based around the 2.0 TDCi. First is the 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180PS which is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. It’ll accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). The alternative is the 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 210PS which comes with the Powershift automatic transmission and will do 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds and will reach 211 km/h (131 mph). Ford claim both versions deliver 5.8 l/100 km which is about 49 mpg in old money. With C02 emission ratings of 149 and 152g’s per km respectively, they both fall into band C which will cost you €390 per annum.
The Edge features Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system as standard on both engine variants. They state that it delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions. The system gathers data from 25 different sensors to measure how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds.
Ford Edge is available in two series – Titanium and Sport. The Edge Titanium series includes 19” alloys, front and rear parking sensors Handsfree Power Tailgate, Keyfree system, Ford DAB navigation system, Active Noise Cancellation, Rear View Camera Illuminated Scuff Plates.The Edge Sport gets a upgrade to 20” alloys and in addition to the Titanium’s spec gets Adaptive Steering system, SONY DAB Navigation system with 12 speakers, alloy pedals and unique front, rear and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing.
Speaking at the launch; Ciarán McMahon – Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland believes the Edge joins the Kuga and EcoSport models to complete Ford’s SUV line-up. He said, “Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specification including Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive, the Edge will tick all the boxes for Ireland’s growing number of SUV owners.”
Based on my initial experience it’s a big, comfortable and rather stylish looking SUV. It drives well and with the markets current appetite for SUV’s, it’s hard not to see the Edge being a bit of a hit with Irish consumers. Prices start from €55,700 and it’s on sale now.
