Ford today revealed the all-new Edge, a high tech smart utility vehicle that will go on sale across Europe for the first time in 2015, as the third chapter in Ford’s SUV expansion plan for Europe – joining the new Kuga medium-sized SUV and the all-new EcoSport small SUV.
First launched in North America in 2007, the Edge helped reshape the industry’s definition of a traditional SUV, establishing the “crossover SUV” segment. Today, Edge is consistently a top-selling vehicle in the segment in North America – achieving record sales in 2013 – and is offered for sale in select markets in South America, Russia and eastern Asia, including China.
Featuring a four-door, five-seat configuration, all-new Edge is packed with advanced technologies. It will feature Adaptive Steering, which will make it easier to manoeuvre and more fun to drive, and introduces to Europe Active Noise Cancellation technology and Front Split View Camera.
Adaptive Steering continually changes the steering ratio with vehicle speed, optimising the steering response in all conditions. Active Noise Cancellation system employs three microphones in the cabin and generates opposing sound waves directed through the audio system that enhance the overall engine sound and cabin ambiance. Front Split View Camera technology makes negotiating difficult junctions or parking spaces with restricted visibility easier through the use of a 180-degree camera system installed at the front of the vehicle.
The Edge features a charismatic exterior design, with the prominent chrome grille, the thin and chiselled front LED headlamps, and the three-dimensional blade shape rear LED tail lamps. The pronounced wheel openings house 20-inch alloy wheels. Interior refinement also has been optimised through the use of acoustic glass, and the Edge utilises tyres that have been specially selected for reduced road noise.
In Europe, Ford will offer for Edge two versions of Ford’s 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine: a 180 HP version delivering 400 Nm of torque and projected 149 g/km CO2, with 6-speed manual transmission, a 210 HP version delivering 450 Nm of torque and projected 159 g/km CO2, with 6-speed PowerShift automatic and paddle-shift controls.
“We are delivering a truly technologically advanced SUV that can meet and exceed expectations in this growing segment, and complement new Kuga and all-new EcoSport to offer a complete SUV range,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe, “Over the past few years we have seen a dramatic shift among customers from cars to SUVs around the world. The time is right for a larger, more upscale SUV at the top of our European line-up.”
