What's this?
This is the 2015 Ford Edge, a complete next-gen version of the model that was launched in the US back in 2006, then refreshed in 2011. It's built on the same platform that underpins the new Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max, so there's lots of familiar technology from the get go. But the big news is that it's going to join the UK line-up this autumn as a 2016 model.
What's it for?
In the US, the Edge nestles between the Escape (our Kuga) that outsells it three to one and the Explorer SUV that sells twice as many every month. That might make it sound like a marginal model, but it's not - the Edge has sold a solid 10,000 units a month almost since launch. The point is that crossovers of all shapes and sizes are the vehicles of choice in the US - and increasingly the rest of the world, too.
OK, so that's why it's coming here. What's it going to compete with?
More clues again from the US - the Edge has the highest transaction price of any vehicle in its class. So it's generally perceived to be a relatively premium thing. The styling and technology is as important to its customers as its ability to swallow a mall-load of shopping, which it can with ease. Following that lead, rather than competing with Nissans and Hyundais, Ford UK wants to stack the Edge up against premium competitors such as the Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60.
How does it compare with those two?
Difficult to say for sure at this point as there is going to be a laundry list of changes before it's unleashed on UK shores, but there are some positive signs. It's bigger inside and out than either of the European cars with up to 10cu ft of extra cargo space with the rear seats up. So it feels appreciably roomier and more spacious to drive or ride in.
The chassis has also been tightened up and there's now multi-link suspension at the rear, so road manners are fine. The ride is on the comfortable side, the cabin is well hushed thanks to acoustic glass and a 360-degree engine bay/bonnet seal, and visibility is excellent as you sit quite high in the car. The Edge Sport offered the best control and the most fun, but a large amount of that was down to the 2.7-litre 315bhp twin-turbo V6 engine.
And why's that a problem?
We won't get this engine - or either of the other two all-petrol units, a carryover V6 and a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four. UK-bound Edges will be - Ford is still working on the final spec - fitted with one of two turbo-diesel 2.0-litre engines: a 178bhp unit or a slightly meatier 207bhp motor, as per the Mondeo, with which it shares its platform.
Any other obvious changes?
There will be minor styling changes, less chrome and better interior materials in the Euro cars. Plus an extra flash of tech to include stuff like traffic sign recognition, Gen3 collision avoidance, and intelligent speed assistance. The UK cars will also include the first application of an enhanced active parking assistant that can now deal with perpendicular (i.e. side by side) parking as well as parallel (to the kerb). But not the upgraded SYNC 3 central operating system. This ditches the Microsoft package in favour of a QNX box of tricks, which is said to be faster and less complicated.
What's it like to drive?
Easy is a word that springs to mind. The steering wheel is canted forward quite markedly and the dash is low, which can make it feel quite van like. But, with all the glass and slim pillars, it gives great all round vision. We'll have to wait and see what the Euro chassis settings are like, but if they are comparable to the US Sport model, all should be well. It is also sure-footed thanks to a wide stance and active all-wheel drive. Think of it as a bigger, wider Kuga and you'll be about right.
Should I buy one?
If you like the look of it, sure. It's bound to be several grand less to buy and a few bob less a month to lease and it'll be loaded with tech. The HMI of the Audi and Volvo are still a little more premium, but they will be no more reliable. It's not as mould-breaking as the S-Max, nor as suburban as the Kuga. But definitely worth a try.
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