2016 Ford Edge SUV - on-sale date, specs and engines

This is the new Ford Edge, an upmarket SUV that has been confirmed to go on sale in the UK in spring 2016.

What is it?

Initially shown as a concept at the LA Auto show in 2013, the Edge will sit above the Kuga and the Ecosport in Ford’s SUV range. It’ll be the first time the model, a top seller in the US, has come to the UK, and it’s the first of many global vehicles being developed under the company’s One Ford strategy.

What engines can I choose from?

The Edge will be launched with a choice of two versions of Ford’s 2.0-litre diesel engine: a 178bhp version available with a six-speed manual gearbox and a projected CO2 figure of 149g/km, and a 207bhp unit linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with a projected figure of 159g/km.

How much equipment does it come with?

The Edge will have Ford’s new adaptive steering system, which alters the ratio of the steering for more confident steering with less effort at low speeds, as well as Active Noise Isolation, to cancel out unwanted noises.

All models feature Intelligent All-Wheel Drive too, as well as torque-vectoring and Curve-Control systems that adjust the engine and the braking to help prevent loss of control in fast bends.

There’s a front, split-view camera to aid parking manoeuvres, and a rear camera system that works, with a Blind Spot Information System, to show the driver cars approaching from either side when reversing out of a tight space. Expect Active Park Assist to aid parking, too.

The Edge will also comes equipped with systems to prevent low-speed and higher-speed collisions, as well as inflatable rear seatbelts to minimise injury in a crash. The Edge looks muscular and distinctive, with standard 20-inch alloy wheels, although it has an undeniably transatlantic look. Not surprisingly, it’s the huge chrome grille that dominates the car’s front, flanked by its stylish LED headlamps.

Inside, Ford claims the five-seat Edge has class-leading headroom and legroom. The driving position is commanding, and the cabin of the early prototype we saw certainly feels of a high quality, with plenty of leather and soft-touch plastics.

The instrument display is clear and easy to read, with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The centre console is remarkably neat and clutter-free, and features a 10-inch central infotainment screen, with voice control and touchscreen functions.

Boot space is large, with easy access and a flat floor. Ford claims a class-leading capacity of 1788 litres with the rear seats folded, but has yet to reveal capacity figures for the Edge with its rear seats in place.

How much will it cost?

Ford sees the luxury SUV market expanding by up to 26% by 2018, and hopes this new Edge, to be built in Canada, will help it capitalise on that growth.

Prices are likely to start at around £30,000, but you can expect the car to come in three trims: Trend, Sport and the range-topping Titanium, which Ford predicts will be the best seller.

How good are its rivals?

The Edge will be pitched against the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, both are very good cars but likely to be priced above Ford’s new SUV.

Can I get a discount?

It’s too early to say but the other Ford SUVs, the Kuga and Ecosport, are both available through online brokers with discounts of up to 20%, so the Edge could have a similar discount eventually.