A Clear Edge

With five seats and a big boot, the upcoming 2016 Ford Edge slated for Spring 2016 majors on space and practicality on top of the brand’s signature comfort and safety features.

Following the success of the Edge line over the years, the 2016 Edge’s bold styling, roomy interior and plethora of modern tech options appeals to those seeking a do-it-all crossover with some style. A 245-hp 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder powers the base model; either a 280-hp 3.5 litre V6 or a 315-hp 2.7 litre twin-turbo V6 are optional. The Edge comes in either front- or all-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic transmission. Plus, that attractive grille was designed with aerodynamics in mind and features active grille shutters for extra fuel savings.

As before, this five-passenger midsize crossover is offered in four trims: the entry-level SE, the midlevel SEL, the high-end Titanium and the top-shelf Sport. Furthermore, all trims will offer 73.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seatbacks folded and the pair of turbocharged power plants return, complemented by a normally aspirated V6.

The standard engine in all 2016 Edge trims, except the Sport, remains a 2.0 litre turbocharged (EcoBoost) inline four-cylinder power plant that once again pairs with the ubiquitous six-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Look for mileage figures to return at an estimated 20 mpg city/30 highway/24 combined in FWD editions, and 20/28/23 in I4-equipped AWD versions.

A backup camera and rear parking sensors also remain standard in the upcoming year’s Edge, as does manual air conditioning in lower trims and dual-zone automatic climate control in upper-level versions.

Option-wise, look for select 2016 Edge trims to remain eligible for such available extras as rear-seat DVD entertainment, a power panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a power liftgate, as well as an auto-dimming driver’s-side exterior mirror and a power-adjustable steering wheel. Complementing those package-centric add-ons are standalone options like a front-mounted camera, upgraded wheels, voice-activated GPS navigation and upgraded leather upholstery.

Standard safety features adorning the 2016 Edge line-up include four-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, daytime running lights and a post-collision safety system. Higher trims also get standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a remote antitheft alarm and SYNC emergency telematics, while all Edge trims for 2016 additionally boast Ford’s MyKey programmable speed and audio volume limiting system for when the kids want to use the family car. Furthermore, optional safety stuff on the higher trims includes Ford’s BLIS blind spot monitoring, as well as lane-keeping assistance.

One unique feature that 2016 Edge will have is a new generation of adaptive steering wheel technology that improves steering efficiency at any speed, which grants easier manoeuvrability as well as adding more fun to the entire driving experience.

Adaptive steering alters the ratio between the driver’s actions at the steering wheel — the number of turns — and how much the front wheels turn. In vehicles without the technology, these variables are set a fixed ratio. With adaptive steering, the ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing the steering response in all conditions.

At lower speeds, such as when pulling into a parking space or manoeuvring in tight areas, fewer turns of the steering wheel are required. Adaptive steering makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn as it dials more steering into the road wheel. At highway speeds, the system optimizes steering response, letting the vehicle react more smoothly to each steering input.

This innovation was created in collaboration with engineers from TKAG, a Germany-based automotive supplier. It utilizes a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel and requires no change to a vehicle’s traditional steering system.
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