Ford previews Territory-replacing Edge

FORD has revealed the vehicle that is likely to replace the locally-built Ford Territory SUV when it ceases Australian production in 2016, the Edge.

The styling of the production version of the second-generation family-sized SUV remains faithful to the concept shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November last year.

Based on the same global mid-size platform as the Fusion/Mondeo twins, the 2015 Edge is new from the ground up and features a number of technologies that are new to the nameplate, including adaptive steering, which changes the ratio depending on speed to boost response.

Ford says a new body structure and redesigned suspension makes for better on-road dynamics as well as improving noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Different powertrains will be offered in different markets, and in the massive American market, the Edge gains two new EcoBoost petrol engines as standard, kicking off with a 183kW/366Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbo.

A larger 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 will also be available in the more upmarket Edge Sport, with Ford saying it will “deliver more than 300 horsepower” (224kW), while European customers can choose between a pair of Duratorq turbo-diesel engines with outputs of 132kW and 154kW.

The Australian-made Territory offers a choice of a 195kW/391Nm 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol or a 140kW/440Nm 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine.

Each Edge variant will be matched with Ford's SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with paddles shifters and will feature dual exhausts, with an all-wheel drive system available on some variants.

This system uses an electronically controlled clutch that transfers power between front and rear axles and can send up to 100 per cent of the power to either the front or rear.

The cabin of the Canadian-built SUV features an eight-inch LCD touchscreen with Ford's Sync connectivity system built in, while the new Edge has more storage compartments that the previous model and the seats are thinner, yet more supportive than before.

Leg-room and head-room are up slightly over the outgoing Edge, and cargo space has risen by 198 litres to 1110L, rising to 2078L with the second row folded down. Luggage space in the Territory with the back seats in place is 1153L.

At 4883mm, the Aussie contender is 108mm longer than the Edge (4775mm), but the difference in wheelbase is less dramatic, with the Edge edging out the Territory by just 6mm, 2849 mm compared with 2843mm.

Ford has upped the technology for the second-gen Edge, with available features including adaptive cruise control, the aforementioned adaptive steering, idle stop, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), cross-traffic alert, an enhanced version of the park assist that parks the vehicle automatically, a hands-free tailgate and lane-keep assist.

As well as the standard reversing camera, the Edge gains a 180-degree front camera with a washer (the first Ford to be fitted with a camera washer), front and rear parking sensors and side parking sensors that warn of obstacles on either side of the SUV.

Curve control, which can slow the vehicle down in cornering to ensure drivers maintain control and follow their intended path is also included, as are inflatable rear safety belts and a glove-box knee airbag for the front passenger.

A release from Ford said the five-seat Edge would be sold in 100 markets across the globe, but did not specify which markets.

While Ford Australia has not confirmed that the Edge will replace the Territory as its family-sized SUV when it exits local manufacturing in 2016, it is widely believed that it will slot into the local line-up above the sub-compact EcoSport and mid-size Kuga at some point.

If it does join Ford's Australian line-up, it would sit under the Australian-engineered Ranger-based seven-seat Everest SUV, which is due to be launched sometime in 2015.