11 Jan 06
Video: Detroit 2006 Full Show Report
With plenty of space for fully-grown families, the Edge is a family-friendly SUV-crossover that will fit in the Ford range between the smaller Escape and the all-out Explorer.
Like its sister model, the Lincoln MKX, it is built on a version of the Mazda6 platform, shared with the Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr medium-sized saloons. It has the all-new Ford 3.5-litre V6 and six-speed automatic transmission, with fuel economy around the 25mpg mark. Torque-on-demand four-wheel-drive will be optional, along with traction control and a more advanced system that can distribute torque both between the front and rear axles and from side to side. Stability control is also only an option, giving the Edge a much lower starting price compared to the upscale MkX.
The Edge and MkX are also both very visually different. The Edge has the same bold grille as the Fusion saloon and is more utilitarian in its profile; its five-seat interior, with plenty of storage spaces and cupholders, is more about function than form. Options will, however, include DVD navigation and entertainment systems, and a large panoramic glass roof with a tilt-slide panel and shades.
