Ford Edge buyer’s guide

SUV scores on space, and it can be yours from £22,000

IF ever there were a car maker that gave buyers what they wanted, it’s Ford.

For more than a century it has offered saloons, MPVS, coupés and hatchbacks that hit the spot with wide ranges and keen prices. So when SUVS became fashionable, Ford was there with the Kuga, then later the Ecosport and Edge.

The latter is the biggest SUV the company has offered so far in the UK and, considering its size, it’s a shame there’s no seven-seat Edge. But with only five people to accommodate, the car is spacious and looks sharp. How does the rest of the package stack up?

History

WE first saw the Edge in concept form in 2013 and as a production car in 2014, but it didn’t hit UK roads until 2016.

There was just one engine available, a 2.0 TDCI diesel in 180PS (177bhp) or 210PS (207bhp) guises. The former came only with a six-speed manual transmission, the latter only with a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.

Initially available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport trims, the Edge was offered in top Vignale spec from 2016, bringing hi-tech features and posher materials.

A revised model arrives soon, with a 238bhp 2.0 TDCI diesel engine, a new St-line trim, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the option of front-wheel drive and extra driver assistance systems.

Which one?

YOU don’t have many choices to make because there’s just one engine. While there’s a selection of power outputs, your decision will more likely be influenced by whether you want a manual or automatic transmission.

Entry-level Edges come with 19-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio and a rear-view camera, as well as automatic lights and wipers. Privacy glass, keyless entry and a heated windscreen are also fitted.

The Titanium model adds front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, satellite navigation and a hands-free powered tailgate opening mechanism.

Sport trim brings adaptive steering, sports suspension, 20-inch wheels, body styling and an upgraded Sony 12-speaker hi-fi. The Vignale has LED headlights and leather trim.

Alternatives

IN terms of size and cost, the Edge’s closest rivals are the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. Both offer a lot of car for your money, with seven seats, long warranties and strong reliability.

Other big five-seat SUVS to consider include the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and BMW X3, but

you’ll pay more for all of these models, especially the latter two. However, we’d say that they’re all more accomplished than the Ford, so if you can find the extra money it’s worth spending it.

The same goes for the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which comes with five or seven seats depending on trim level.

Verdict

WHEN we ran an Edge on our fleet, we were impressed by its ability to despatch motorway miles with four or five people aboard, but it was clear that this was a car designed first and foremost with US buyers in mind.

The Edge’s generous proportions mean parking in a standard space is tricky, while on twisty roads it’s disappointing dynamically; we have come to expect much better from Ford.

Unsurprisingly, value is a strong suit with the Edge; just don’t pay over the odds for a car with lots of options, because tech such as the Lane-keeping Aid and inflatable rear seatbelts can create more problems than it solves.