Revamped Ford Edge is spacious and does enough to reignite enthusiasm
The latest Ford Edge has enough tweaks to make it worthwhile even if the changes do not grab you instantly
I’VE never felt more of a stereotypical bloke than when I climbed inside the new Ford Edge.
It reminded me of the countless times over the years when I have squirmed under the missus’ harsh glare as she stands over me — interrupting my favourite TV show or high-stakes PlayStation game — and utters the dreaded words: “Well, what do you think?”
Think fast! Is she wearing a new top? No, definitely seen that hanging on the washing line. Shoes? Christ knows.
I never look at her feet. Time’s running out. Hair? Got to be the hair. Doesn’t look any different from here on the sofa. But what else can it be?
“Love your new hair, babe,” I stammer. “Aww, thanks love. I just got it done at that new place on the high street.”
Crisis averted. Unpause the telly.
I drove the old Ford Edge for six months — longer, I’m sad to admit, than many previous relationships.
I should know it intimately. But I struggled to see what was different about this 2019 version.
I needn’t have felt bad, though. It is pretty much the same as before. It has a new drive selector — now a dial — on the centre console.
The instrument cluster is now completely digital — and very attractive, I might add.
The outside is a different story. Gone is that very American strip light wrapping the tailgate. It now looks much more . . . British.
The front is better-looking, too, with an imposing grille that puts all things Audi to shame.
The bonnet and bumpers are new, adding to what Ford calls an “athletic, confident and striking” aesthetic — and I have to agree.
To freshen up this model further, Ford has included a new, higher-powered diesel engine, the 238PS.
While slightly noisy, it delivers smooth, urgent power.
Opt for this over the 150PS engine, which comes in front-wheel drive, and you will get the benefits of a sophisticated AWD system capable of making decisions in under 20 milliseconds.
It will keep the car in front-wheel drive until loss of traction kicks in the remaining two wheels, saving fuel on normal journeys.
New tech like evasive steering assist and a lane-centring system, which works with the enhanced adaptive cruise control, means the Edge is now an intelligent beast.
It is the biggest of Ford’s SUVs but smallest in terms of sales. In 2017 and 2018, 5,800 were sold, as opposed to 80,000 Kugas shifted.
But for me it’s by far the best wagon Ford makes, bar the Ranger pickup.
It has a feel of enthusiasm about it, like it wants to be more than a kid-lugging chugger — and while the steering lacks feel, it corners with purpose.
Another thing you should be aware of is the Edge’s cavernous 602-litre boot.
But Ford has seriously missed a trick by not offering a seven-seat option.
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That alone might be enough to send customers towards things like the VW Tiguan Allspace, especially when you consider the Edge’s starting price is a hefty £36,995.
Having lived with the old Edge for some time, I have a real affection for it — and this facelift has done just enough to keep that affection alive.
It’s certainly had more than just a cut and blow-dry.
Key Facts
Price: £42,995
Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel
0-62mph: 9.6 seconds
Top speed: 134mph
Economy: 42.2 mpg
CO2: 175g/km
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