Ford today launched its new medium SUV, the Ford Edge, which will go on-sale in more than 100 markets from 2015.
THE GLOBAL ROLL-OUT of the Ford Edge (which was shown in concept form at last year’s LA Motor Show), which has been spun-off the same ‘CD’ platform as the Ford Mondeo, is part of Ford’s plan to offer one car in all markets. Australia is likely to see the Edge arrive from 2016 when the local assembly plants close and the Territory discontinues.
Ford is touting the Edge as a technical tour-de-force, saying it will be the first Ford-branded vehicle offered with an adaptive steering system, a 180-degree front camera, an enhanced self-parking assist system that works for vertical and parallel parking, and a glovebox airbag.
It will also be the first Ford to get a redesigned 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder (an updated engine that appeared in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost). All up, there will be a number of engines available to the Edge globally – the Australian line-up will decided closer to the local launch – including, a 3.5-litre V6, a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (this will be available in two states of tune and will be the only engine available in Europe). The Ford Edge will be available in front- and all-wheel drive layout.
Ford says the Edge is 26% stiffer (bending resistance) and 16% stiffer (twisting resistance) compared with its predecessor. The suspension is MacPherson struts at the front and an integral-link independent rear suspension with coil springs.
According to Ford’s global design chief, Moray Callum this second-generation Edge was designed to have a more athletic look than its predecessor.
“It’s Edge the runner, as opposed to Edge the boxer,” said Callum. “It has a sharp nose, airy cabin, a shortened hood” and has “purpose and proportions.”
Ford says it’s positioning the Edge as a more premium product which, in Europe, it hopes will compete with the likes of equivalent product at BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Range Rover. Thus, for the first time, the Edge will be offered in Ford’s top Titanium trim level.
At first glance, it’s a good looking vehicle with some interesting sounding engines and technology. Might be on the shopping list … but I’d like to know where they’re planning to assemble the units destined for Oz?
Hi Phil, like the Ford Ranger, any Edge destined for Australia will likely be built in Thailand.
Will this be a 5 seater or a 7 seater?
Hi Deva, Ford Australia has said it will have a replacement for the Territory and that will most likely be both the Edge and the larger Explorer. The Explorer offers seven seats but the Edge (only a five-seater) will probably make it to Australia first. So, when we say replacement, we should probably really say ‘alternative’. Hope that helps. Cheers Isaac (Editor).
Dad (Phil Martin) is musing about considering one of these. I’m open to it if it has the 2.7L Turbo V6!
Hey Alex, don’t worry, I’ll drop a few helpful hints his way. I reckon it’ll be a good thing, especially, as you say, with the EcoBoost V6.
That’s be great, thanks! His next car will still be a good 2.5 years away, but it’s never too early to think about the next one…
Just in time for the Edge.
But too late for the new XR8. A shame…
Sadly, yes. Although, if the forums are correct, there aren’t any to be had now anyway… there’s a rumour production was pegged to a set number and that’s already been reached with pre-orders. But that could also be nonsense.
I hope it is!