Sales of SUVs have quadrupled in Europe since 2005 which explains why Ford is now adding the new Edge to their UK line-up writes Suzanne Keane. So what makes the Ford Edge different or better for women we wanted to know…
What is it?
The Ford Edge is a SUV and because of the popularity of this brand name in the UK, and Ford’s experience of this model in the US, it’s going to be a competitive proposition and part of Ford’s SUV expansion plans.
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. 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 is, 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 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?
The Edge offers a choice of 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Both powertrains will aim to deliver 48.7mpg fuel efficiency and 149g/km CO2 supported by Auto-Start-Stop technology.
How much?
Prices for the Ford Edge start from £29,995. rising to £36,745 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?
Available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport series, the all-new Edge is well-equipped as standard, offering Ford intelligent all-wheel drive, Active Noise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC 2 connectivity system, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels.
The flagship SUV is offered with a choice of 10 exterior colours including new Electric Spice and Bronze Fire, and is available with a wide range of interior leather trim options.
3 words to describe the Ford Edge…
Robust; Rugged; Capable
The Ford Edge Range
Zetec 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual
£29,995
Titanium 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual
£32,245
Titanium 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp PS Auto
£34,495
Sport 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual
£34,495
Sport 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp PS Auto
£36,745
For more information visit Ford.co.uk or the Ford UK Facebook page.
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This is a Guest Blog from wheelsforwomen.co.uk (Ireland’s first motoring website for women) written by Suzanne Keane. Suzanne is a petrol head with a penchant for retro VW’s. She writes for Wheels for Women and has been taking apart (and sometimes putting back together) her own cars for years! You can follow Suzanne on Twitter at @g60girl.
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