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New car review

Ford Edge test drive

Ford’s refreshed Edge is a compelling, if pricey, premium machine

What’s the Ford Edge like inside?

As the top-of-the-range trim line, the Vignale specification means you get an interior with all the bells and whistles. There’s stitched leather on the dashboard, quilted leather heated (and cooled) seats and even illuminated kick plates. But the key aspects of the interior which you’ll find on all Edge models are good; there’s a great sense of airiness inside the car, while those in the back are treated to plenty of leg and headroom.

Cubbies and storage areas are plentiful, and though it’s let down in some areas by poorer quality plastics (the pop section at the top of the dashboard feels particularly flimsy) the cabin feels solidly made and of a good quality.

Because of its large overall size, the Edge can offer a cavernous boot too. There are 602 litres of space back there, which can be expanded to an impressive 1,847 litres by lowering the rear seats.

What’s under the bonnet?

As mentioned, one of the key additions to the Edge is a new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine. Despite being relatively small in terms of capacity, it produces an impressive 238hp and 500Nm of torque, which is driven to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Ford’s ‘Intelligent’ all-wheel-drive system.

Ford claims that this engine can return the economy figures that you’d expect from smaller diesel, while pushing out far more power than you’d traditionally get.

It seems that it’s achieved that, too; a claimed 40.9mpg combined is good for a car of this size, yet it’ll still hit 60mph in a respectable 9.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 134mph. Emissions, however, still seem quite high at 180g/km of CO2.

What’s the Ford Edge like to drive?

We test drove the Edge in range-topping Vignale spec, which rides on standard suspension. For those after a slightly sportier ride, then we’d opt for the newly-introduced ST Line version – this adds a sports suspension kit.

On the roads of our Swedish test route, the Vignale remained composed and unflappable. Even certain snowy and icy patches failed to unsettle it, with the car’s all-wheel-drive system shuffling power around all four wheels to maintain traction. Thanks to the inclusion of Noise Cancellation Technology it’s also very quiet when travelling at speed, too.

It’s worth mentioning that since the majority of our test route was conducted on snowy or icy roads, we’re going to have to wait to get the car in the UK to report back on its full dynamics. Initial impressions are good, however.

But the biggest feature is that new engine. Smooth and refined, it gives the Edge a far more premium drive than before. It’s also punchy, and when matched with the new (and very good) eight-speed automatic gearbox makes whisking the Edge up to motorway speeds an effortless task.

Summary

When close to its entry price, the Edge makes a lot of sense. It’s comfortable, good to drive and can provide an awful lot of usable space – both in the cabin and the boot. The new bi-turbo engine suits the package down to the ground, and we’d argue that it’s easily one of the best features of this updated Edge.

However, when the price tag nudges near the £50,000 mark the Edge doesn’t tally up quite as well, particularly when you consider how many premium offerings are currently on the market.

Go for a low to mid-spec version and you may walk away with the keys; any higher than that and you may find a better deal elsewhere.

Similar cars

Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Touareg

Key specifications

Model as tested: Ford Edge Vignale
Price: £46,995
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power: 238 hp
Torque: 500 Nm
Top speed: 134 mph
0-60mph: 9.4 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 40.9 mpg
CO2 emissions: 180 g/km

Jack Evans
Jack Evans
Articles by Jack Evans are provided for The Car Expert by PA Media (formerly the Press Association). They include test drives of the latest new cars and features on various aspects of automotive life.
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