Ford’s new Edge SUV will come to Britain in the second quarter of 2016. Built on the same platform as the Mondeo and S-Max, it will sit on top of the blue oval’s model line-up, above the Kuga and EcoSport.
Based closely on the concept car that’s been doing the rounds of the motor show circuit recently, the Edge will bristle with modern technology. This includes Active Noise Cancellation – which aims to neutralise engine and road noise using opposing sound waves.
The engine it’ll be battling is a 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel, available with a choice of power outputs. Most customers will be happy with the 177bhp, 295lb ft version, which comes with a six-speed manual box and puts out 149g/km of CO2.
If you want more, the range-topper will give you 207bhp and 332lb ft. Driving through a six-speed dual-clutch auto, it will be barely less clean at 159g/km.
Both vehicles will offer four-wheel drive as an option – which, if you choose it, will bring torque vectoring to the table.
Further new technology will include an active front grille that only opens as wide as necessary to keep the engine at optimum running temperature, thus keeping the car’s aerodynamics as smooth as possible. And there’ll be a split-view front camera on board, helping you out at junctions or when parking with a full 180-degree vista.
Another intriguing option will be inflatable rear seat belts, which have an airbag inside the chest strap.
Further safety features will include the now-familiar city braking and blind spot monitoring, and constantly variable steering ratios will adjust the weight of the wheel to suit whatever situation you find yourself in.
Prices for the Edge will only be confirmed nearer to launch. Set £30,000 aside now, however, and you won’t be far away when sales begin.
