FORD, THE BRAND that built the iconic Mustang and priced it low so that the average worker at the time could afford one, has seemingly done the reverse with its new Edge SUV. It is priced higher, far higher, than most of its rivals, a fact that could deter potential customers.
Let’s look at what you do and do not get for your money with the Ford Edge.
The starting price for Ford’s large SUV is €55,700. That’s more than the BMW X3 (€46,000) and Audi Q5 (€48,766), cars that both wear arguably more desirable badges. It’s also more than the Kia Sorrento (€38,995) and Land Rover Discovery Sport (€39,825), both of which come with the option of two extra seats. With the Ford, you can only have five.
You do, however, get an awful lot of metal for your money. That’s 1,970kg to be exact, and it is styled well. It comes with nice 19-inch alloys and chrome roof rails as standard. It has a very handsome face, with a large grille and big bright headlights. The rear end is also quite striking with lights that run across the tailgate and a body-coloured spoiler.
It is imposing and has a great road presence but it doesn’t look bulky or ungainly. It really is a fab-looking car.
At the back, you get an electrically-operated tailgate that opens to a very usable carpet-lined boot that can hold 600 litres with the rear seats in place. The boot is very well designed too, with a low loading lip and flat loading area.
Inside, there is buckets of space for all onboard. Legroom and headroom in the back are impressive and three adults will fit across the large seats comfortably. Also in the back are a 12v socket, a three-pin plug socket, two air vents, electric windows, and a central armrest with two cup holders.
Up front, there is loads of usable storage and cubby holes and a general feeling of spaciousness all-round. The heated sports seats are very comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment all of which is done electrically. The driving position is spot on.
But the main plus of the cabin is the fit and finish. Everything feels well screwed together and of high quality. There are lovely accents of chrome, brushed chrome and gloss black. I absolutely loved being behind the wheel of the Edge.
What I didn’t love so much was the eight-inch touchscreen – the buttons were too small and close together (and I have small hands) and some of the functions, like the radio, were not intuitive to use. In fact, I would go so far as to call it frustrating.
Technology and safety wise, you do get a good amount of equipment as standard. The Edge gets front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as a hands-free power tailgate and key-free system, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The Ford Edge also comes with a five-star EuroNCAP rating.
So far so good, but then you get to the mechanicals. There are only two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi making 210hp mated to a six-speed Powershift automatic gearbox and a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi making 180hp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Let’s face it, when buying a big luxury SUV not many people will want a manual so you are left with opting for the more powerful auto, which pushes the price up to €60,350. But the more powerful engine is the one I’d go for as it is needed to pull all that weight around. CO2 Emissions for this powertrain are 149g/km putting it in Tax Band C with annual motor tax of €390.
Out on the road, it is hard to see that €60k put to good use. The diesel engines are reasonably well muted but when you demand more of them they do lose some of their refinement.
Given its size and weight, Ford’s engineers have done a good job with how the Edge handles. There isn’t a great deal of body roll in the corners and overall, the ride quality is good. However, its steering feels a bit wooly and doesn’t match the likes of the BMW X3, nor is the automatic transmission as slick as that of the Audi Q5.
The Edge is far from a bad car, but the pricing is the elephant in room. Even if it was every bit as refined as its premium German rivals, and offered more seating, the price is still a difficult pill to swallow. This is one SUV that, for now, will not be a car for the masses.
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