Ford is running a high-profile campaign for us to ‘unlearn’ our preconceptions about it. And what better way to headline this than by launching a large £30,000 SUV that’s billed as the smart alternative to a premium machine? Hello, then, Ford Edge.
This is Ford getting serious, positioning itself as a cut above the mainstream norm. It wants to be the smart alternative to an Audi or a BMW. And the Edge, a machine that clever Q5 or X3 buyers might look at instead of a repeat premium purchase.
Like the sporty Mustang coupe, Edge is an SUV Ford’s brought over from America for European consumption. It’s not the first time we’ve been here – in the 1990s, Ford shipped over the Explorer from the US. That was dreadful. This is said to be a very different proposition.
However, with our test car, things didn’t get off to an immediately positive start. We were struck by the sheer amount of space inside, certainly. But we also noticed all the hard plastics. And if we noticed this, you can bet Audi and BMW drivers would, too.
Ford’s hoping all the equipment fitted to the Edge as standard will help take their minds off it. Our long-term test car is an up-spec Titanium, which helps further here. And Ford has sweetened it further for us by adding £5000 of kit, such as heated and cooled leather seats, LED headlights, sat nav, adaptive cruise control, panoramic roof and a premium stereo. It’s around £40,000 all-in. Serious premium money.
First impressions of how it drives are more positive. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is swift, and the automatic gearbox is intuitive. This bit does feel more premium. The fact Ford’s added on active noise control also helps reduce the usual diesel SUV rattle to a much more upmarket murmur.
Like all Fords, it handles pretty well, with good body control and responsive steering. It’s a very big machine but it doesn’t feel its size on the move. The ride is cushioned too, and body control is very good at all speeds. More positive vibes.
We’re thus looking forward to an interesting six months with the Edge. First impressions were a little mixed, so how will it stand up to everyday use to a group of testers very familiar with how capable an Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are? Does Ford, ahem, actually have an edge? Here’s to finding out.
FORD EDGE TITANIUM 2.0 TDCI AWD POWERSHIFT AUTO
Price £34,495
Price as tested £39,215 (includes Lux Pack options)
Economy 38.7mpg
Faults None
Expenses None
