The third SUV in the carmaker’s line-up, the Edge joins the Kuga and EcoSport as the flagship model, bringing technological advancements such as Adaptive Steering technology, the debut of Ford's Adaptive Noise Cancellation system in Europe and Front Split View Camera technology.

‘All-new Edge will deliver more room for passengers than large competitor SUVs that cost considerably more. The styling and suite of comfort, convenience and safety technologies in Edge rival the premium offerings in Europe,’ said Roelant de Waard, vice president, marketing, sales & service, Ford of Europe.

First launched in North America in 2007, the first-generation Edge is already sold in the US – where it achieved record sales in 2013 – as well as select markets in South America, Russia and eastern Asia, including China, but has not previously been available in Europe.

The new model will go on sale in North America early next year, followed by Europe, South America and Asia Pacific later in 2015 and will help Ford target a fast-growing SUV segment that has doubled in the past five years. According to Ford data, the European utility segment grew to 21% from 10% between 2008 and 2013.

‘We are delivering a truly technologically advanced SUV that can meet and exceed expectations in this growing segment, and complement new Kuga and all-new EcoSport to offer a complete SUV range,’ de Waard said. ‘Over the past few years we have seen a dramatic shift among customers from cars to SUVs around the world. The time is right for a larger, more upscale SUV at the top of our European line-up.’

The new model will feature Adaptive Steering, which makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn at lower speeds, whilst on the motorway it enables the Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.



The model also debuts Ford's Active Noise Cancellation system in Europe. This employs three microphones in the cabin and generates opposing sound waves directed through the audio system.

Meanwhile the Front Split View Camera technology makes negotiating difficult junctions or parking spaces with restricted visibility easier through the use of a 180-degree camera system installed at the front of the vehicle.

The new Edge will also include the Hands-Free Tailgate seen on the Kuga, the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity and voice-control system, Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation and Forward Alert, Enhanced Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking and Cross Traffic Alert, Inflatable Rear Seatbelts, Intelligent All Wheel Drive with Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control, Active City Stop, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Aid and Traffic Sign Recognition.

In Europe, the engine line-up will comprise two versions of Ford's 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, including a 178bhp version delivering 400Nm of torque and projected a 149g/km CO2, with 6-speed manual transmission plus a 207bhp version delivering 450Nm of torque and projected 159g/km CO2, with 6-speed PowerShift automatic and paddle-shift controls.

To read IHS Automotive's comment on the outlook and implications for the new model, click here.