As part of One Ford->ke31, the company will launch a new crossover for sale in late 2014 that is tailored to the universal global preferences of value and style.
The new global SUV will be revealed to the world media at the 2013 LA Auto Show before going on sale almost globally by 2015. So why all the mystery about what the new world-wise five-seat crossover will be?
It is the 2015 Edge, scheduled for display in LA as lightly dressed as a concept car before going on sale in Summer 2014 all over the world.
The current Ford->ke31 SUV range in Europe consists of the EcoSport and the Kuga that can be categorized as crossovers unlike the new Ford Edge that is planned for launch next year.
The EcoSport and Kuga began life as a "global models" made specifically for certain target markets.
The rest of the Ford model range comprises of hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs that have been popular with folks in continental Europe.
Click past the jump for all the details known so far about the new Ford Edge, including the competition it will face in Europe for the first time.
New Ford Edge Heading Abroad - Platform Projections
CarSpyShots also did a “photochop” rendering of the next Edge, but this time includes more of the soft surfacing treatment from the Fusion versus the truck-like body sides of the blue rendering.
Leo Auto Car - Novo Ford Edge Rendering
Now, the new Ford global SUV will take shape as the Ford Edge. Built for Europe and markets beyond, the Ford Edge will be based on the Mondeo platform. This has been a strategy followed by many in order to keep development costs down to a minimum. It has also worked wonders for the Blue Oval not just in Europe, but also in parts of Asia and south America.
Ford of Europe recently said, "The expanding European SUV market is a unique opportunity for Ford and lands right in our sweet spot."
New Ford Edge Heading Abroad - Powertrain Projections
Take for example, the EcoSport which uses a Fiesta underpinnings. Similarly, the Ford Kuga sold across Europe employs a Focus platform. Once launched, we expect the Ford Edge to be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines.
A 2.0 litre EcoBoost SCTi with 240 horsepower could make it and so could the 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with 200 horsepower. Both these engines have proven to be reliable and highly efficient. The petrol does 36.7 mpg while the diesel manages 43.5 mpg over a combined European driving cycle. All-wheel drive could be optional. That said, a much larger diesel could also be on cards in order to take on the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and the likes.
Competition
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 in its current form came into view about 2 years back. Since then not much has changed with the Swedish off-roader apart from the R-Design package which was launched in recent times. The year 2014 will also see the introduction of the all-new Volvo XC90 which should spice things up a bit.
This mighty Swede will go up against Ford's newest Edge SUV next year. It will be an interesting battle given the fact that Ford once owned the Volvo brand. Ford has a brilliant record of making all-wheel drive cars but the XC90 might be tough to beat. The Volvo also comes with a bulletproof safety record and has proved handy on the toughest of terrains.
BMW X5
The 2014 BMW X5 has arrived in showrooms across the world. Will German "sheer driving pleasure" spoil Ford's party in Europe? Only time will tell. But, the new BMW X5 does seem quite a handful and should pose a threat to the upcoming Ford Edge. Prepped with all-wheel drive and various other tricked out electronics, the BMW X5 offers a range of four and six cylinder diesel engines along with large capacity petrol motors.
BMW also offers M Sport packages to its customers to add a bit of exclusivity. The new BMW X5 is a definite improvement over the past model and is among a few other German SUVs that will take on the 2014 Ford Edge in Europe.
Volkswagen Touareg
The VW Touareg is also touted to take on the Ford Edge next year. This German SUV combines premium luxury with all-terrain capabilities. The Touareg comes with a range of diesel and gasoline engines is a weapon choice for those who prefer to take the dirt road.
Conclusion
At the right price and the right style, Ford may be able to offer global buyers the style and all-weather traction of the X5 - for barely half the price in many markets.
Stay tuned for all the latest Edge updates.
