Ford reveals all-new Edge SUV for N American market

Ford Motor Co has taken the covers off its all-new 2015 model Edge SUV for the North American market at the Ford Go Further Consumer Event in Michigan, USA. Sales in South America, Europe – now including Western Europe – and Asia Pacific will follow. Eventually, Ford says the Edge will be sold in more than 100 markets worldwide.

In North America, the Edge has consistently been the top-selling vehicle in its segment, posting near-record sales in 2013. The Edge is also sold in Russia, select markets in South America, as well as Eastern Asia, including China. The all-new Edge will be the newest utility in Ford’s global family of utility vehicles, which includes the Expedition, Explorer, Everest, Escape (known as Kuga in Europe and Asia) and the EcoSport, among others.

The new Edge, described by Ford is an upscale utility vehicle, is based on the same platform that underpins models sold internationally such as the Mondeo sedan. The vehicle comes laden with tech features including adaptive steering, active noise cancellation system and front split view camera.

“Great product development is driven by innovation,” said Mark Fields, incoming president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, who replaces Alan Mulally on July 1. “At Ford, our job is to understand how global consumers are changing, anticipate their needs, and ultimately deliver the great products they want. This new Edge is an excellent example of Ford at its best.”

Ford’s European marketing chief, Roelant de Waard, said the Edge offers more passenger space than similar-sized SUVs that cost considerably more. “The styling and suite of comfort, convenience and safety technologies rival the premium offerings in Europe,” he added. Ford also promises its characteristic handling prowess for the Edge.

According to the company, the adaptive steering system which is on offer on the Edge continually changes the steering ratio with the vehicle speed, which it claims optimises the steering response anywhere between parking speeds and highway cruising speeds.

The Edge’s Active Noise Cancellation system features three cabin-mounted microphones which it uses to help generate opposing sound waves via the audio system’s speakers. These sound waves act as cancellation against unwanted engine and road noise in the Edge’s cabin.

The front split view camera helps the driver at difficult junctions and when maneuvering out of parking spaces. It uses individual camera units set to view at 180deg across the front of the car. Additionally, along with familiar technology such as automatic city braking and blind spot warning, one of the more unusual options are inflatable rear seatbelts, which have an airbag inside the webbing strap that runs across the passenger’s chest.

The new Edge will also come with all-wheel-drive system on offer in some international markets that can incorporate Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control. 

The vehicle will come with Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost petrol engines which will be available in 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre V6 guise and a standard V6 motor.  There will be 2.0-litre diesel motors also on offer in select markets. Transmission choices include a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox depending on engine. 

Ford says it will also launch the Edge in the Australian market where it will replace the Territory crossover.