Ford Edge long-term review

However, with our test car, things didn’t get off to an immediately positive start. We were struck by the sheer amount of space inside, certainly. But we also noticed all the hard plastics. And if we noticed this, you can bet Audi and BMW drivers would, too.

Ford’s hoping all the equipment fitted to the Edge as standard will help take their minds off it. Our long-term test car is an up-spec Titanium, which helps further here. And Ford has sweetened it further for us by adding £5000 of kit, such as heated and cooled leather seats, LED headlights, sat nav, adaptive cruise control, panoramic roof and a premium stereo. It’s around £40,000 all-in. Serious premium money.

First impressions of how it drives are more positive. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is swift, and the automatic gearbox is intuitive. This bit does feel more premium. The fact Ford’s added on active noise control also helps reduce the usual diesel SUV rattle to a much more upmarket murmur.

Like all Fords, it handles pretty well, with good body control and responsive steering. It’s a very big machine but it doesn’t feel its size on the move. The ride is cushioned too, and body control is very good at all speeds. More positive vibes.

We’re thus looking forward to an interesting six months with the Edge. First impressions were a little mixed, so how will it stand up to everyday use to a group of testers very familiar with how capable an Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are? Does Ford, ahem, actually have an edge? Here’s to finding out.

FORD EDGE TITANIUM 2.0 TDCI AWD POWERSHIFT AUTO

Price £34,495
Price as tested £39,215 (includes Lux Pack options)
Economy 38.7mpg
Faults None
Expenses None