Latest model
The current version of the Edge is very much styled with the American market in mind, borrowing design elements from other vehicles exclusive to the US, but the interior bears more than a passing resemblance to our European Fords – the Mondeo and Galaxy in particular. The layout of controls and infotainment is very familiar territory.
It's a rather large vehicle, measuring more than 1.9 metres across and 4.8 metres in length, which may mean careful consideration of your driveway, garage or parking space. You might also expect to find a third row of seats inside a vehicle this size, but the Edge is only a five-seater. This does make for an impressive amount of interior room though.
There's just the two engine options for the Edge, both of which are 2.0-litre diesels. The lower-powered 177bhp version is exclusively paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the higher-output 207bhp biturbo unit can only be specified with a 6-speed 'powershift' automatic. All cars are four-wheel drive.
Trim levels as as per usual for Fords, with an entry-level Zetec car and a higher-specification Titanium model, but with the Edge there is also a Sport grade. The Edge is also subject to Ford's upmarket 'Vignale' treatment, which adds an extra layer of quality in materials and specification.
Value for money
For the sheer amount of car you get for your money alone, the Edge makes a great case for itself when it comes to value for money, but Ford adds to the mix an impressive level of equipment.
The cheapest Edge is the 177hp Zetec model, at £30,650. This is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, heated front windscreen, keyless start, auto headlights with automatic high beam, and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with DAB radio and a nine-speaker sound system.
It also has safety kit like active city stop with pedestrian detection, lane keeping and traffic sign recognition. Impressively, even at this lowest specification, the Edge has an active noise control system to keep the outside world out where it belongs – though be aware that the higher-output, 207hp engine and automatic gearbox combination isn't available at Zetec grade.
The Titanium model will set you back another £3,000, and adds even more useful features like front and rear parking sensors and satellite navigation. Keyless entry, hands free power tailgate and acoustic side glass – which reduces wind noise at speed – are also included with this grade, along with heated front sports seats, chrome roof rails and a different design for the 19-inch alloys.
Sport models start from £36,165 - £2,515 more than Titanium - and focus on sporty black styling, with a different grille and detailing, black roof rails and black 20-inch alloy wheels. Alloy pedals, sports suspension and an upgraded Sony DAB navigation system complete the kit.
The luxury-focussed Vignale adds perforated leather seats, with the driver and passenger seat including 10-way power adjustment, polished 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, chrome exterior detailing and illuminated Vignale scuff plates.
Adaptive cruise control is a £500 extra, a panoramic sunroof can be specified for £800 and heated rear seats are available as a £200 option.
Looks and image
Ford has something of an everyman image in the UK, but then as a brand it does make two of the most popular cars on sale. Even its traditional flagship, the Mondeo, was once used as a term for the ordinary voter. Pitching the Edge as an alternative to premium vehicles is a hard sell.
However, it certainly does look the part, with very distinctive – and very American – styling. It's an incredibly bold, large and rather imposing vehicle, in both the more chrome-heavy trims and the black Sport model. The rear lighting cluster is unlike anything else on the road too and looks great at night.
Space and practicality
If there's one thing the Edge has in spades, it's space. It's a very long and wide car, and while it lacks sixth and seventh seats and thus loses out on practicality for larger families, the five seats it has are rather roomy. Even headroom isn't affected by the optional panoramic sunroof.
The lack of additional seats grants the Edge a huge boot space, with 602 litres growing to 1,847 litres when you drop the rear seats. It's a supreme family vehicle – and the power tailgate option on higher specification models is an added boon.
It holds a five star safety rating from EuroNCAP, scoring particularly well in the Safety Assist category, thanks to the high level of standard driver aids, and Adult Occupant category.
