Montreal Gazette

Mid-sized crossover Ford Edge gets overhaul

- ALEXANDRA STRAUB

Since 2006, the Ford Edge has made quite an impression on consumers and in the crossover segment. It continues to do so today. But to keep it current, it needed an overhaul. So that’s exactly what the North American automaker has done.

With the unveiling of the midsized crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which ended Dec. 1, Ford has upped the ante on style, loading it with latest in technologi­cal gadgetry.

The concept embodies the six pillars of the Ford Design Philosophy, one of which is “Silhouette Innovation.” That comes in the form of a short, front overhang, as well as a swept-back hood. Next, the “Perceived Efficiency” is seen via its sculpted body. Furthermor­e, they’ve reduced its weight and flushed out a lot of features.

Ford says the Edge also has “Refined Surface Language,” which means it has drawn inspiratio­n from Fusion and Mondeo.

Up front the company employs the “New Face of Ford” philosophy, a hexagonal grille (a.k.a. the shield) that has been reinterpre­ted to take command of your gaze, thanks to a three-bar grille that fuses nicely with the headlights.

Look inside to find the amalgamati­on of various tones and textures. The cabin is fully trimmed in leather and the instrument panel is hand-stitched. There are also finely detailed brushed aluminum accents and a carbon fibre weave is made with copper wire.

As for technology, Ford says “advanced, automated driving technologi­es include self-parking and obstacle-avoidance systems currently under developmen­t; these technologi­es preview a future of semi- and fully autonomous driving options delivering tomorrow’s technology today.”

Engines for the upcoming Edge have yet to be specified, but to assist with fuel-economy improvemen­ts, a next-generation EcoBoost engine with start-stop technology will likely be an included option, along with a new high-tech applicatio­n of Active Grille Shutters.

 ?? ALEXANDRA STRAUB/ POSTMEDIA NEWS ?? The Ford Edge Concept is unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
ALEXANDRA STRAUB/ POSTMEDIA NEWS The Ford Edge Concept is unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada