Cars & Autos | Sunday 9 October, 2016 12:47 pm |

The all-new Ford Edge upscale crossover utility vehicle delivers premium levels of comfort, sophisticated driver assistance features and class-leading driving dynamics as it joins Ford’s SUV lineup across dealerships in the Middle East. (Click to Tweet)

 

Ford’s refined and boldly styled new flagship CUV offers technologies including:

• Active Noise Control, which works like noise-cancelling headphones to counteract unwanted noises in the cabin
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can apply the brakes to avoid collisions with other vehicles or even pedestrians
• Ford Adaptive Steering, which automatically adjusts the steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision

 

The all-new Ford Edge sets new standards in its class for interior space; features high quality materials throughout the finely crafted interior; and offers comfort and convenience features including heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic roof. (Click to Tweet)

 

Ford has developed the Edge to take the stress out of driving in the cities with sophisticated parking technologies that can locate and steer into or out of spaces hands-free; Front Wide-View Camera technology that can see around corners even when drivers cannot – reducing stress and potentially helping avert collisions; and standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for optimised traction in slippery conditions.

 

“The spacious and high-tech Ford Edge responds to our customers’ demands for a more premium Ford CUV,” said Kalyana Sivagnanam, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Middle East and Africa. “Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specifications including EcoBoost engine technology and the first-ever application of Ford’s adaptive steering, Edge makes advanced technologies and premium quality more accessible to our growing number of CUV customers.”

 

Ford sold more than 1.5 million SUV’s globally last year and plans to introduce four all-new SUV’s in the next five years. Currently in the Middle East and Africa, SUV’s account for 16% of the industry share and forecast suggest a rise to 31% by 2025.

 

Material-led design

Harmonious, high-quality materials and cutting-edge design mean the Ford Edge interior conveys a premium impression from the moment the doors are opened. Functional components such as door handles, steering wheel controls, air-vents and cup holders are framed with a satin metal-finish, with a stylish piano black finish for the centre console. Soft, tactile materials are used for components occupants routinely handle. High quality leather covers the arm rests, steering wheel, and gear knob.

 

The instrument panel and centre console feature a one-piece design that flows seamlessly from beneath the windshield, through a floating centre stack with enough stowage space behind it for a foldaway umbrella, and into the front seat divide. The instrument panel design and materials merge into the front doors to create a streamlined, wrap-around effect. Customers can adjust between seven ambient LED lighting colours for the front and rear foot wells and storage areas.

 

Seats and interior detailing have a distinct look in each of the three different specification levels, Trend, Titanium and Sport..

 

Sport model seats can be specified in a combination of leather and Miko®-Dinamica, an ecological suede made from recycled polyester that accentuates the side bolsters to give a slim, sporty look. The same design and materials are used front and rear to deliver consistent quality for all occupants. The Edge logo is illuminated in the front scuff plates on Titanium and Sport.

 

Comfort and convenience

Luxurious seating options include cooled front seats that offer relief to occupants on hot days by directing cold air from the climate system through perforations in the seat leather.

 

To help prevent occupants from being dazzled, the Edge features sliding sun visors that, when turned sideways to block light from the door windows, can be extended to offer greater coverage.

 

Customers who welcome the sunshine into their cars will enjoy Edge’s expansive panoramic glass roof, with two large glass panels that add to the spacious, open and airy feel of the interior. The front panel slides rearward to create an opening three-times the size of a conventional sunroof. Quiet and water-tight even when opened to the vent position, the roof’s design prevents water leaking into the vehicle even if ajar during heavy downpours. A power-operated sunshade can be used to conceal the panoramic glass roof when not required, or to keep the interior cool when parked in strong sunlight. 

 

Every inch of the Edge interior has been utilized to make the most of the available space. Rear seat passenger comfort is enhanced with class-leading second-row head room of 1023 mm and shoulder room of 1536 mm Front row passenger space is also among the best in class.

 

An electronic parking brake button in place of a conventional parking brake lever helps maximize space in the centre console, which houses adjustable cup holders and a deep storage box with enough space for books, toys and tablets. An even larger swing-bin glovebox sits under the dashboard, and further stowage is available in the instrument panel top.

 

Luggage capacity of 1,847 litres with the rear seats folded is among the largest in the segment, and additional stowage areas are located around the wheel arches. Even the space around the spare wheel has been utilised; a removable, lightweight polystyrene storage tray slots neatly in to place to make use of space that would otherwise be wasted.

 

Superior refinement

A three-stage approach enabled engineers to minimise noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) in the Ford Edge, delivering a more refined and relaxing driving experience for consumers.

 

An initial focus on reducing NVH at source included:

• Developing a stiff body that minimises twisting forces
• Optimising powertrains to reduce knocking sounds often associated with diesel engines
• Tuning the induction and exhaust systems to minimise intrusive noise

 

Engineers additionally worked to isolate the cabin from road and powertrain noise, using;

• An underbody shield and special aerodynamic features on the front bumper, wing mirrors and rear window to reduces aerodynamic noise
• Sound deadening material in the headlining and interior panels
• Acoustic laminated glass for the windscreen, panoramic roof, and driver and front passenger door windows
• Windscreen and windscreen-pillar aerodynamics that reduce wind noise

 

The final stage is the introduction of Ford’s sophisticated Active Noise Control technology that works in a similar way to noise-cancelling headphones. Three microphones placed throughout the cabin monitor engine noise in the interior. The system then directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise and improve cabin ambience, even when the entertainment system is switched off.

 

“Noise can lead to distraction and stress,” said Ziyad Dallalah, Chief Resident Engineer, Ford Middle East & Africa. “By removing unwanted powertrain noise, Ford is helping customers to complete their journey calmly and in comfort.”

 

Advanced technology and safety

The Ford Edge uses cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors to support 18 advanced technologies that can reduce the stress of driving and help you control your vehicle, including: (Click to Tweet)

• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which applies braking if a collision with another vehicle ahead is imminent, and is designed to detect people in or near the road ahead and automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected
• Adaptive LED headlamp technology, which employs Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System to adjust the headlight beam angle to match the driving environment
• Glare-Free Highbeam technology, which detects vehicles ahead, both on-coming and travelling in the same direction, and blocks out light that could dazzle from the adaptive LED headlamp technology while retaining maximum illumination for other areas

 

The all-new Edge sensor technologies also make parking easier:

• Perpendicular Parking can detect and reverse the car hands-free into spaces alongside other cars in the same way that Active Park Assist helps drivers to parallel park
• Park-Out Assist helps drivers exit a parallel parking space, the system operating the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake
• Side Parking Aid delivers audible alerts and on-screen distance indicators to obstacles around the vehicle
• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them

 

All-new Edge also is offered with Ford’s innovative Front Wide-View Camera, which can help drivers see around corners using a 1-megapixel camera in the front grille to display a wide-angle view – both left and right – on the vehicle’s 8-inch colour touchscreen. At a blind junction or exiting a driveway, the camera enables drivers to easily spot approaching vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. A high-pressure jet washer is also discretely contained within the grille, extending to clean the camera lens when the headlight washer is activated, helping ensure maximum visibility.

 

Further driver assistance technologies offered with all-new Edge include Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert. (Click to Tweet)

 

The front seatbelts incorporate pre-tensioners with load limiters that can reduce pressure on the occupant in a heavy frontal collision to minimise seatbelt injuries. Edge also offers Inflatable Rear Seatbelts, which rapidly expand in the event of an accident to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt.

 

Also available for Edge Titanium models, and standard for Edge Sport models, is a navigation system, plus a premium audio system from Sony featuring 12 speakers including a subwoofer for improved sound quality.

 

Advanced driving dynamics

A fun-to-drive, responsive and agile character is further enhanced with the sophisticated Ford Adaptive Steering system, which changes the ratio between the steering and road wheels according to vehicle speed. At lower speeds, such as when pulling into a parking space or maneuvering in tight quarters, the system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn. At higher speeds, it enables the Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.

 

For drivers wanting a more sporting feel from the steering, the system also includes a driver-selectable Sport mode that raises the steering ratio so that even at higher speeds fewer turns are required to negotiate bends, making Edge highly responsive on fast, challenging roads.

 

Integral link rear suspension features reduced-weight aluminum components, high performance dampers and bushes designed to minimise road noise and harshness, enhancing refinement alongside ride quality and driving dynamics. The rear suspension is supported by a box-section sub-frame that is significantly stiffer than a frame with a conventional U-section design. This allows greater control of the suspension geometry for more precise and consistent handling.

 

“Ford vehicles have a deserved reputation for being the most fun to drive, and with the dynamic package we have developed for the Ford Edge, including Ford Adaptive Steering, we have set a new standard in the CUV segment,” added Sivagnanam.

 

Athletic character

The all-new Ford Edge cuts a bold, sporty and imposing figure on the roads. Wheels pushed out to each corner give a wide, aggressive stance and help maximise interior space. Raised ground clearance enhances off-road capability, and delivers a seating position for a commanding view of the road.

 

A large trapezoidal front grille adds to the CUVs imposing presence, and is flanked by sleek headlamps and stylish LED daytime running lamps. A heavily sloped windscreen delivers a feeling of motion even when the car is stationary, while a raised waistline and strongly sculpted wheel arches are designed to emphasise power and performance. The doors also wrap around a recessed floor that reduces the width of door sill, making it easier to get in or out.

 

LED taillamps run along the width of Edge’s rear, giving a premium, jewel-like and modern look. The tailgate window is steeply raked with a high mounted spoiler, adding to the cars feeling of movement, while chrome exhaust tail-pipes enhance the CUV’s sporty, aggressive look.

 

Powerful and fuel-efficient engines

The Ford Edge uses the latest powertrain technologies to deliver optimised fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, making powerful CUV performance accessible to even more customers. (Click to Tweet)

 

The all-new Edge features three engine options, two of which are new powerplants – a standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder and a powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 on the Sport model. (Click to Tweet). A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine is also offered. All are equipped with dual exhaust and a six-speed automatic transmission.

 

Innovative aerodynamic features include Front Aero Curtains that channel air through vertical slots in the front bumper and out across the outer edge of the front wheel, creating a wall of high speed air that reduces aerodynamic drag caused by the rotation of wheels.

 

All powertrains feature Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system that delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions. The system gathers data from 25 different sensors to measure how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink.

 

Intelligent All Wheel Drive can pre-emptively adjust torque distribution to avoid wheel spin, reducing the workload for drivers and delivering smoother journeys for passengers. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, the system has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency, CO2 emissions and tyre wear compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.