Nashville, Tennessee—Ford’s crossover has been a resounding success. A few short days ago, the automaker announced that 400,000 Edges, originally launched in 2006, had been sold worldwide, a little over 40,000 units having gone to Canadian homes. That’s good news for our country’s economy, as the Edge is assembled in Oakville, Ontario.
But the news also puts a certain amount of pressure on the automaker who, after four successful years, was due to revitalize the little ute. Ford’s engineers proved up to the task, sticking to the formula that ensured the initial hit while adding a few extra ingredients for 2011 that make for an even more savoury brew.
Radically Different?
Those who are familiar with the Ford Edge’s looks won’t be disoriented. The new vehicle has indeed retained its unique and stocky profile. The hood has been tweaked, though, and now boasts a modified grille for instance. As for the Sport version, a lacquered black grill spruces things up in front.
The enormous 22-inch wheels have also remained on the Sport version, a by-no-means-insignificant detail. The American automaker’s executives took a gamble here, and won: the giant wheels lend the car a truly sportier, more confident look. But this “detail” is all the more striking when you compare it to the paltry 17-, 18- and 20-inch numbers on offer.
However, the real changes are found within. The cabin has been revamped and now boasts a very classy, contemporary feel.
The dials are more refined and easier to read, while the audio controls are now grouped together inside the centre console. The high-end versions also benefits from a unique design created in collaboration with Sony, who also provides the sound engineering and acoustics.
Note also that the seats are very comfortable, no matter your body type. Even the rear seats offer lots of room as well as a high sitting position, allowing passengers to see over the headrest of the person in front of them.
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| Ford’s crossover has been a resounding success. (Photo: Bertrand Godin/Auto123.com) |
But the news also puts a certain amount of pressure on the automaker who, after four successful years, was due to revitalize the little ute. Ford’s engineers proved up to the task, sticking to the formula that ensured the initial hit while adding a few extra ingredients for 2011 that make for an even more savoury brew.
Radically Different?
Those who are familiar with the Ford Edge’s looks won’t be disoriented. The new vehicle has indeed retained its unique and stocky profile. The hood has been tweaked, though, and now boasts a modified grille for instance. As for the Sport version, a lacquered black grill spruces things up in front.
The enormous 22-inch wheels have also remained on the Sport version, a by-no-means-insignificant detail. The American automaker’s executives took a gamble here, and won: the giant wheels lend the car a truly sportier, more confident look. But this “detail” is all the more striking when you compare it to the paltry 17-, 18- and 20-inch numbers on offer.
However, the real changes are found within. The cabin has been revamped and now boasts a very classy, contemporary feel.
The dials are more refined and easier to read, while the audio controls are now grouped together inside the centre console. The high-end versions also benefits from a unique design created in collaboration with Sony, who also provides the sound engineering and acoustics.
Note also that the seats are very comfortable, no matter your body type. Even the rear seats offer lots of room as well as a high sitting position, allowing passengers to see over the headrest of the person in front of them.
 |
| The dials are more refined and easier to read, while the audio controls are now grouped together inside the centre console. (Photo: Ford) |