This crossover really has an edge
Ford hopes to get the edge on the competition with the completely redesigned 2015 Edge, their popular midsize crossover based on the same platform as their Fusion four-door sedan.
This is only the second generation of the Edge, a made-in-Canada vehicle created to appeal to buyers who want a more stylish and comfortable vehicle than a regular SUV.
There are four trim levels — SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport, with prices starting at $30,249. My tester was a front-wheel-drive SEL, one up from the base model.
The first thing most people notice as they walk up to the Edge is its size. While it is officially referred to as a midsize, with a 4,779-millimetre length, 2,179-mm width, 1,742-mm height and a wheelbase of 2,849 mm, the new Edge’s generous dimensions are fast approaching that of a fullsize vehicle.
You won’t hear adult pas- sengers complaining from the back seats, given the ample head- and legroom — the back actually offers more head, shoulder and hip room than the front. While ample, the seats are fairly flat and some may find them less comfortable to sit in, compared to ones with more contouring.
The rear seatbacks do recline a bit for more comfort. Combined with two power outlets — a regular 12V and a 110V — it is sure to be a hit with passengers who work or play with electronic devices on a long trip.
While it looks like it has the room for a third-row seat, none is offered. The space is used for cargo instead, with 1,111 litres with the back seat up and 2,078 when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down.
There can be one of three engines under the hood, dependent on the model chosen — a turbocharged 2.0-litre four, a 3.5-litre V-6 or a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V-6. All are mated to a six-speed automatic.
I drove the 2.0-litre, a direct-injection engine that produces 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. With the sound of the exhaust partially muffled by the turbocharger, the engine was very quiet on the road.
While it is the least-powerful powertrain option, it didn’t feel wanting for power during my test drive. Keep in mind that I test cars alone — the Edge could be a different beast when loaded to the gills with passengers and cargo and/or towing a camper for a camping trip.
For that reason, Ford has wisely made sure other, more powerful, engines are available. The 3.5-litre V-6, equipped with a Class II tow package, can tow up to 3,500 lbs. The top-of-the-line 2.7-litre V-6 engine is only offered in the Sport, but is designed for drivers with a need for speed, with towing not recommended.
My tester was a frontwheel-drive vehicle. People who need extra security in all weather conditions (read snow) can order the Edge with all-wheel drive.
Not surprisingly, the 2.0-litre engine/front-wheeldrive combination is the most fuel-efficient, with a 11.5-litre-per-100-kilometre rating in the city and 7.8 on the highway.
Occupants sit with a commanding view of the road — not quite as high as a conventional SUV, but higher than a regular car. Visibility is very good all round, with my tester fitted with a blindspot warning system and back-up camera as well.
I was underwhelmed with the previous Edge’s interior, so I was quite impressed to see a significant improvement in fit and finish in the new version. Seams are tight and there is obvious attention to detail. Soft-touch surfaces abound and the cabin is a calm place to spend time on the road in. It would make the short list if I were to embark on a cross-country trip. I have to admit seeing the workmanship give me a warm glow, as the vehicle is assembled in Canada and exported to the U.S.
The dash is uncluttered, with two customizable screens flanking the speedometer directly in front of the driver. The 8-inch My-Ford Touch screen, housing the infotainment and navigation system, sits on top of the centre stack. People who like physical, as opposed to virtual, buttons for controls will be happy to note Ford has re-introduced them to the dash.
Many of the most-frequently-used buttons, such as audio vol- ume, cruise control or phone are actually on the steering wheel.
People wanting the latest in electronic aids, such as the ability to park perpendicularly (with driver input) or forward-collision warning or even inflatable seat belts, will be happy to know all the high technology is available (at a cost).
All told, one can actually say the new 2015 Ford Edge now commands a slight edge (pun intended) over its competitors.
Type: Mid-sized crossover, front engine, front-wheel-drive Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 245 hp at 5,500 r.p.m., 275 lb.-ft. torque at 3,000 r.p.m. Transmission: Six-speed automatic Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,779 ; width, 1,928; height, 1,742; wheelbase, 2,849 Curb weight (kg): 1,774 Price, SEL with FWD (base/as tested): $35,099/ $40,089 (includes $1,690 destination and delivery and $100 AC tax) Options: 201A equipment group (includes Sync My-Ford, media upgrade, remote start, etc.) $800, navigation $800, Tech package (includes cross-traffic alert, etc.) $750, Utility package (includes foot-operated power rear liftgate) $850 Fuel economy (L/100km): 11.5 city/ 7.8 highway Warranty: Three years/60,000 km new car, five years/ 100,000 km powertrain and roadside assistance