New 3.5L V6 and 6-Speed Auto Combo to Silence Critics Seeking More Blue-Oval Power
It would have been impossible to leave Detroit's Cobo Hall arena after Ford introduced its new Edge crossover without
feeling positive about the vehicle's future. While the Dearborn-based automaker might remain soiled by a corporate quagmire of challenges that even its "Way Forward" plan doesn't seem to wholly address, its new products, led by the seven-seat Freestyle crossover, Fusion midsize sedan, and Lincoln Zephyr luxury sedan, are just what is needed. The Edge, and its Lincoln MKX cousin, should make a big difference to the automaker's revenues when they come on the market later this year, and I, for one, am certainly looking forward to getting behind the wheel of both.
The Edge is modeled after and rides atop the same chassis architecture as the top-selling Fusion, which can't hurt its chances, and there's little doubt that crossover buyers will find it any less attractive for their purposes as midsize sedan buyers are pulled toward the stylish new Ford sedan. It features similar vertically stacked headlights, but even more unique in their wrap-around design, while its triple-ribbed chrome grille has become the height of auto fashion. Its taut skin is elegantly
simple in shape, capped off at the rear by two tidy clear-lens taillight clusters surrounding a raked, wide liftgate.
It's an attractive, athletic package, equally enticing on the inside. In top trim levels, cream-coloured stitching highlights black leather seats and steering wheel, a fashionable combination that really makes the Fusion sedan, which also offers the same interior package, appear more expensive than it really is.
A satin-silver surfaced centre stack protrudes out from the dash, making for easier an easier reach when sitting comfortably with the back nestled into the well bolstered front buckets. It houses an audio interface at top,
or optional audio/nav system, with a row of ancillary buttons below that, including the trip computer, stability control defeat and hazard lights. Under these is the climate control system. All buttons are large, making them legible even in dim light, as well as easy to operate while wearing gloves - convenient in colder climes. Below the HVAC system is yet another row of buttons, following a black oval on silver trim motif.
The Edge is a five-occupant crossover, leaving prospective buyers who need more seats looking to the larger and more conservatively penned Freestyle which seats seven - a vehicle capable of hauling seven adult occupants in comfort, by the way.
When the Edge arrives in Ford showrooms later this year, Ford will have a three-CUV lineup, starting with the best-selling Escape,
then the new model, and followed up with the popular Freestyle, resulting in more entries in the hottest new market segment than most rival entry-level automakers. And this speaks strongly for the blue-oval brand's future profitability.
But talking profits while in Detroit, it's hard not to think about the challenges the Big 3 faced only last year, General Motors and Ford especially, dealing with problems that haven't gone away and therefore will continue to wreak havoc to the bottom line throughout 2006, and probably beyond. The massive tri-tower Renaissance Center, recently renovated with the addition of an elegant glass atrium looming over the Detroit River, is a constant reminder that bigger isn't necessarily better.
It would have been impossible to leave Detroit's Cobo Hall arena after Ford introduced its new Edge crossover without
 |
| Is Ford's new Edge a winner? The common concensus during its introduction was positive. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The Edge is modeled after and rides atop the same chassis architecture as the top-selling Fusion, which can't hurt its chances, and there's little doubt that crossover buyers will find it any less attractive for their purposes as midsize sedan buyers are pulled toward the stylish new Ford sedan. It features similar vertically stacked headlights, but even more unique in their wrap-around design, while its triple-ribbed chrome grille has become the height of auto fashion. Its taut skin is elegantly
 |
| The Edge is modeled after and rides atop the same chassis architecture as the top-selling Fusion, which can't hurt its chances. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
It's an attractive, athletic package, equally enticing on the inside. In top trim levels, cream-coloured stitching highlights black leather seats and steering wheel, a fashionable combination that really makes the Fusion sedan, which also offers the same interior package, appear more expensive than it really is.
A satin-silver surfaced centre stack protrudes out from the dash, making for easier an easier reach when sitting comfortably with the back nestled into the well bolstered front buckets. It houses an audio interface at top,
 |
| A satin-silver surfaced centre stack protrudes out from the dash. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The Edge is a five-occupant crossover, leaving prospective buyers who need more seats looking to the larger and more conservatively penned Freestyle which seats seven - a vehicle capable of hauling seven adult occupants in comfort, by the way.
When the Edge arrives in Ford showrooms later this year, Ford will have a three-CUV lineup, starting with the best-selling Escape,
 |
| When the Edge arrives in Ford showrooms later this year, Ford will havea three-CUV lineup. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
But talking profits while in Detroit, it's hard not to think about the challenges the Big 3 faced only last year, General Motors and Ford especially, dealing with problems that haven't gone away and therefore will continue to wreak havoc to the bottom line throughout 2006, and probably beyond. The massive tri-tower Renaissance Center, recently renovated with the addition of an elegant glass atrium looming over the Detroit River, is a constant reminder that bigger isn't necessarily better.