The all-new Ford Edge – an upscale sport utility vehicle (SUV) has been given its international launch. Ford say that the Edge will deliver premium levels of comfort, sophisticated driver assistance features and class-leading driving dynamics to greater numbers of customers in Europe’s best-selling vehicle segment.The Edge will offer technologies including Active Noise Control – to counteract unwanted noises in the cabin, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Ford Adaptive Steering. The all-new Ford Edge sets new standards in its class for interior space; features high quality materials throughout the finely crafted interior; and offers comfort and convenience features including heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic roof. Ford say they have developed the Edge to take the stress out of driving in town or country with sophisticated parking technologies that can locate and steer into or out of spaces hands-free; Front Wide-View Camera technology that can see around corners even when drivers cannot – reducing stress and potentially helping avert collisions; and standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for optimised traction in slippery conditions. Powerful and fuel efficient diesel engines that deliver 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg), 149 g/km CO2* and up to 210 PS make owning a large, upscale SUV more affordable than ever.
“The spacious and high-tech Ford Edge responds to our European customers’ demands for a more premium Ford SUV,” said Ciaràn McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specification including Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive, the Edge makes advanced technologies and premium quality more accessible to Europe’s growing numbers of SUV customers.”
Ford plans to sell more than 200,000 SUVs in Europe this year – a 200 per cent increase compared to 2013. Consumer demand for SUVs is growing; last year the SUV segment became the best-selling segment in Europe for the first time with a 24 per cent increase year-on-year. Registrations of vehicles in the Edge’s mid-size SUV segment grew 42 per cent year-on-year.
The Edge uses Ford’s latest powertrain technologies to deliver optimised fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, making powerful SUV performance accessible to even more customers. The Edge is offered with a choice of two sophisticated 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines; offering 180 PS with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), or a 210 PS Bi-turbo version that achieves 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.4 seconds and reaches 211 km/h (131 mph). Both versions deliver 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg) and 149 g/km CO2. Innovative aerodynamic features include Front Aero Curtains that channel air through vertical slots in the front bumper and out across the outer edge of the front wheel, creating a wall of high speed air that reduces aerodynamic drag caused by the rotation of wheels.
Edge 2.0-litre TDCi 180 PS models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, and 210 PS models with a six-speed PowerShift automatic option that can be operated via steering standard wheel-mounted paddles. All powertrains feature Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system that 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 – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink. Intelligent All Wheel Drive can pre-emptively adjust torque distribution to avoid wheel spin, reducing the workload for drivers and delivering smoother journeys for passengers. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, the system has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency, CO2 emissions and tyre wear compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.
The Ford Edge will arrive in Ireland in July and it will be sold in two series (both 5-door): Titanium and Sport. Key features for the Edge Titanium series will include:19” alloys; front and rear parking sensors; Handsfree Power Tailgate and Keyfree system; Ford DAB navigation system; Active Noise Cancellation; Rear View Camera; Illuminated Scuff Plates. In addition to above, key features for the Edge Sport series will include: 20” alloys; Adaptive Steering system; SONY DAB Navigation system with 12 speakers; unique front, rear and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing; alloy pedals. Pricing will start from €55,700 – more comprehensive detail on the Edge will be available when the car arrives in Ireland.
