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Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi AWD Powershift review

Ford Edge ST Line front three quart dynamic 3
Ford Edge DT-Line is an SUV with presence

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4 January 2018

Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi AWD Powershift 

  • P11D Value/BIK (2017/18)   £40,015 / 32%
  • Body Type                               5-door SUV
  • Power / Torque                      207 bhp / 450 Nm
  • Engine / gearbox                   2.0 litre, 4 cyl diesel/six-speed auto AWD
  • Economy (comb) / CO2         47.9 mpg / 152 g/km
  • 0-62mph/top speed:              9.4sec / 131mph

What is it?

THE Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi has actually been around for a couple of years, but known by another name. What was once the Sport model now follows the naming convention of the rest of the Ford range, which means the ST-Line sits somewhere around Titanium in terms of bang for buck.

While relatively reserved in the US from where it hails, on UK roads there’s no mistaking the Edge as a full-size SUV. It’s a big lump of metal, and that huge front grille and sharp lines along the flanks gives it a sense of presence that attracts more attention than you might expect.

The dark grille, large dark wheels and black roof rails mark the ST-Line out as being the fun model in the range, with the conventional-looking Titanium and blinged-up Vignale sandwiching it.

All are well specified though, with hands-free tailgate, SYNC3 infotainment system with navigation and DAB radio, heated seats and sound deadening side windows. ST-Line adds 20-inch wheels, some sporty bodystyling with sports suspension, electric seats and powered mirrors.

In terms of safety, there’s automatic headlights and wipers, a heated front windscreen, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assist and pedestrian detection. It’s all wrapped up in a spacious SUV body that offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, but only offers five seats.

The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine is the same as that found across Ford’s range of cars and promises as much as 47.9mpg. That was an optimistic target during the road test, but no two-tonne SUV will ever be truly frugal.

High CO2 emissions mean BIK rates are steep though, at 32% 2017-18, rising to 35% 2018-19, while private buyers will be hit hard by a £500 first year road tax bill – jumping to £800 for cars registered from April 2018 with the Chancellor’s 2017 Autumn Budget diesel surcharge of one band – and the £310 VED penalty years two to six for daring to have a car with a list price north of £40,000 – VED costs reflected in lease prices.

What’s hot

Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi
Plenty of room in the Edge ST-Line cabin
  • Reasonable ground clearance and four-wheel drive means the Edge can cope with some basic off-roading. A jaunt through the Darien Gap might be off the menu, but the Polo Club car park won’t trouble the big Ford.
  • Active noise cancellation makes for an eerily quiet and relaxed cabin. Combined with noise blocking side windows, it’s as quiet as anything this side of a Bentley.
  • Soft suspension, even in ST-Line models, gives a refined ride that remains settled and composed. It’s reasonably sharp for a heavy SUV too, although a sports car it is not.
  • Large dimensions on the outside translate to plenty of room on the inside. There’s acres of room for front seat passengers, while those in the rear won’t struggle to get comfortable. The boot takes a huge 602 litres of stuff with the seats up but extends to create a massive capacity of 1,788 litres with the seats down – more than in a Volkswagen Touareg.
  • Strong residual values should keep PCP and leasing rates in check.
  • Small options list indicates just how well specified the Edge is, with even the entry model being loaded with more buttons than you might know what to do with.
  • American styling means the Edge stands out on the UK’s grey roads. Great if you like attracting attention.
Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi
Generous boot expands to 1,788 litres

What’s not

  • American styling means the Edge stands out on the UK’s grey roads. Not great if you like to travel incognito.
  • Adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning systems are optional extras across the range,along with pre-collision assist and park assist.
  • The sheer weight of the Edge means that performance is compromised, with the 210PS engine only just being big enough for the job. Progress is refined and smooth, but not particularly speedy.
  • Sports suspension tightens up responses slightly, but not enough to leave the Edge feeling in any way engaging. It’s a huge, wafty, American-inspired SUV that is at its best when unhurried.
  • Interior material quality isn’t up to scratch compared to its more premium rivals, with large areas of grey, hard plastic around the dashboard.
  • SYNC3 isn’t particularly easy to use, but the option of switching to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay will numb the pain.
  • A two-wheel drive version would improve economy and reduce CO2 emissions, cutting costs for both company and private buyers, but Ford has no plans to bring such a model to the market.,

Verdict on Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi

The ST-Line trim looks the part on the Edge, but it misses the point by some margin. When your SUV is as big and comfortable as this, the last thing it needs is sports suspension and go-faster frippery.

It’s not that the ST-Line is bad, as it provides an excellent balance of function and design, but the more luxurious Vignale model actually makes more sense, while the cheaper Titanium offers almost as many toys without compromising economy or ride quality.

The Edge sits in a bit of a no-man’s land in terms of rivals though, which makes comparisons tough. It’s arguably not quite as well rounded as the Volkswagen Touareg, but then it’s significantly cheaper to buy and, with strong residuals, comparatively cheap to lease.

Looking at cheaper alternatives such as the Hyundai Santa Fe reveals how strong the Edge is, offering a whole lot more metal, toys and comfort for the money.

Which means that, despite its flaws, the Edge makes for a tempting proposition if you need a full-size five-seater SUV.

Ford Edge ST-Line 2.0 TDCi
Ford Edge ST-Line is a roomy five-seater

 

 

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff

Phil is a freelance motoring journalist who supplies commissioned car reviews to Business Car Manager. He has spent 20 years working around cars one way or the other, before deciding to commit fully to become a motoring journalist. Phil is a member of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers

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