In Review; Solid SUV Option the Ford Edge

Over the last few weeks we have been testing/reviewing/blogging about the smaller and mid-size SUV and crossover options which seem to have flooded the UK automotive market.

Today we look at the bigger side of the market, with the Ford EDGE DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDCi 180 ST-Line 5dr manual we recently had on trial from the team at Ford Fleet.

With their new Ford Edge, a US/Canadian product, Ford have hammered home just how significant the SUV market really is. While their mid-size option in the Ford Kuga and their smaller-SUV in the Ford EcoSport have been performing well, there is still more market share to be utilised with the bigger vehicles.

We have been discussing about how many customers now want a universal car which essentially meets all of their needs and requirements – higher-driving position, space for family, boot space, aesthetically-pleasing and well-spec’d. In some ways, you do have sympathy for car manufacturers as it is almost impossible to ensure you keep every customer happy on every product.

You can see that while the Kuga has probably been sufficient for many families with a mid-range budget, Ford have not yet capitalised on the luxury side of the leasing industry and are now trying to benefit from it via the Edge.

Additionally, like many big SUVs, the main focus of the manufacturer will be on its diesel engine options. As we will be discussing in a future blog, Is Diesel Dead, we will explore the significance of diesel in the UK car industry (and political forum). In particular, as much of the recent controversy surrounding diesels seems to relate to three contributing factors, we will address each of these is a pragmatic and understandable manner:

1) diesels emit nitrogen oxide (“NO”);

2) diesel engines utilise a diesel particulate filter (“DPF”) which is causing issues for certain drivers;

3) scandals from VW (and others) have hit the press in relation to the stated CO²/MPG performance of the vehicle.

In terms of the car shown here, the EDGE 2.0 TDCi 180 ST-Line 5dr Manual, this is based on the following configuration:

· Metallic – Canyon ridge
· Dinamica/Leather – Ebony
· 20″ Platinum Grey Alloy wheels

The ST Line essentially supersedes the “Sport” and brings the product in-line with the rest of the Ford range. As standard you get black roof rails, cruise control, privacy glass, Quickclear windscreen, active city stop, velour floor mats, sports suspension, front/rear parking sensors, lane assist, adaptive steering, rear view camera, 8” colour screen, Sony DAB and audio with 12 speakers, electric folding mirrors, body styling kit, 20” alloys, spare wheel, heated seats, sports seats, 10-way driver adjustable seats and LED lights. In terms of additional factory options, consider adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, and the panoramic roof for the complete vehicle. You can also add a “lux” pack for the full effect.

On the technical-side, company car drivers can take note of the £37,410.00 P11d for a standard vehicle and CO2 at 152g/km. The 1997C 6 speed manual engine delivers 180ps, 0-62 times of 9.9 seconds and has combined MPG of 47.9. Service intervals are long-life, so the first will only be due after 24 months/18,000 miles whichever lands sooner. This adds food for thought as you consider the benefits of having a driver-maintained or funder-maintained arrangement.

When you are consider a new car lease contract, make sure you accurately measure the costs of both contracts.

So would the Ford Edge be your choice in the bigger SUV leasing market? Or would the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento or Nissan X trail command your business?