Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi 210 AWD PowerShift Automatic

What is it?

This is the car that Ford hopes will give it the edge against other big SUV rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volvo XC60 and Volkswagen Touareg. Well, it’s finally in the UK and we’ve had the chance to drive the Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi 210 AWD PowerShift Automatic.

This is the top 210PS version of the 2.0-litre TDCi in Titanium trim. Is it good enough to take on the established rivals, We hit the road to find out.

What’s hot

• The 210PS version of the 2.0 litre TDCi diesel has 208bhp, a top speed of 131mph and 0-60 acceleration in just 9.4 seconds. A refined drive, it’s still capable of 48.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle and has CO2 emissions of 149g/km, this means a 29% tax band.
• The Edge is easy to drive, with sprinkles of the dynamic prowess that Ford have become known for on its other models. The handling is tidy with plenty of grip and the steering feels pleasingly sharp and direct. Despite being fitted with standard 19-inch alloys and this being a big SUV, the ride feels grown-up and impressively refined.

• Considering the Edge was originally an American model that has been European-ised, we generally quite like the look of this new Ford SUV. We particularly like the curvy roofline, sculpted flanks and the way the doors overlap the sills. The way the high-set, technically-styled light clusters spread right across the rear is attractive too.
• Inside, considering the Edge is built in Canada, we were surprised how European it feels. In fact, it’s a lot like the latest Mondeo and S-Max in terms of style. That’s because it shares the basic layout. The tall driving position is comfy and the seat supportive. Our test car was fitted with excellent cooling seats, that are part of the costly £2,000 Lux Pack. Rear legroom is also good and clever features, such 12V DC and 230 AC power outlets are welcome. Finally, the Ford’s 602-litre boot is practically shaped.
• Another clever feature, unique to the Ford Edge, is the noise-cancelling technology, which means this engine is almost silent on the move, thanks to clever speakers hidden around the interior.
• As you’d expect from a modern Ford, there’s a full suite of clever safety kit including Active City Stop with Pedestrian detection, a Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
• Okay, so with options, our Edge listed at a strong £39,215, but we reckon you’d struggle to match the generous spec on premium rivals without spending a lot more.

What’s not

• The Edge’s grille is massive and ungainly in our opinion – it looks even worse when painted in silver on our Titanium test car. Why can’t it be colour-keyed or even painted black such as on Sport models?
• The 208bhp version of the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine might be smooth, but with the standard Powershift six-speed auto, it feels slow off of the mark and needs to be worked hard to give its best.
• Generally good dynamically, but we felt that that the Edge’s steering was almost too sharp for the rest of the car.

• Like the S-Max and Mondeo before it, we’re not fans of the instruments, which are a mix of the analogue and digital, but are hard to read at a glance!
• The SYNC2 touch-screen infotainment system seems slow to respond to the touch.
• Rear headroom is compromised with the glass roof that’s fitted as part of the £2,000 Lux Pack.

Verdict on the Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi 210 AWD PowerShift Automatic

No class leader, but then again we reckon you’ll be paying a lot more for the class-leaders than the Edge.

However, the fact that the Ford drives well and offers a spacious, practical interior will be in its favour.

If you take into account that Ford are offering leasing deals on Edge from £311, Ford’s new big SUV looks even more attractive for business buyers.

The lowdown on: Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi 210 AWD PowerShift Automatic

…..and what it costs