IRELAND - Ford prepares for the launch of the All-New Edge Sports Utility Vehicle.

All-New Ford Edge Arrives in Ireland - Ford’s New SUV Offers Class-Leading Space and Driving Dynamics, Premium Comfort and Refinement

• All-new Ford Edge SUV delivers premium comfort, cutting-edge technologies and advanced driving dynamics for greater numbers of European SUV customers
• Superior refinement delivered using noise-cancelling Active Noise Control technology alongside noise-optimised chassis, powertrains and body aerodynamics
• Ford Adaptive Steering enhances class-leading driving dynamics; standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive monitors road conditions to deliver a secure and responsive driving experience

The all-new Ford Edge upscale sport utility vehicle (SUV) has arrived in Ireland. Delivering premium levels of comfort, sophisticated driver assistance features and class-leading driving dynamics, the Edge is Ford’s latest offering in Europe’s best-selling vehicle segment.

“The all new Edge joins our Kuga and EcoSport to complete Ford’s SUV line-up in a segment which even in Ireland is seeing huge growth,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specification including Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive, the Edge will tick all the boxes for Ireland’s growing number of SUV owners.”

Ford’s refined and boldly styled new flagship SUV for Europe offers technologies including:

• Active Noise Control, which works like noise-cancelling headphones to counteract unwanted noises in the cabin
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can apply the brakes to avoid collisions with other vehicles or even pedestrians
• Ford Adaptive Steering, which automatically adjusts the steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision

The all-new Ford Edge sets new standards in its class for interior space; features high quality materials throughout the finely crafted interior; and offers comfort and convenience features including heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic roof.

Ford has developed the Edge to take the stress out of driving in town or country with sophisticated parking technologies that can locate and steer into or out of spaces hands-free; Front Wide-View Camera technology that can see around corners even when drivers cannot – reducing stress and potentially helping avert collisions; and standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for optimised traction in slippery conditions. Powerful and fuel efficient diesel engines that deliver 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg), 149 g/km CO₂* and up to 210 PS make owning a large, upscale SUV more affordable than ever.

Ford plans to sell more than 200,000 SUVs in Europe this year – a 200 per cent increase compared to 2013. Consumer demand for SUVs is growing; last year the SUV segment became the best-selling segment in Europe for the first time with a 24 per cent increase year-on-year. Registrations of vehicles in the Edge’s mid-size SUV segment grew 42 per cent year-on-year.**

Powerful and fuel-efficient engines

The Ford Edge uses the latest powertrain technologies to deliver optimised fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, making powerful SUV performance accessible to even more customers.

The Edge is offered with a choice of two sophisticated 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines; offering 180 PS with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), or a 210 PS Bi-turbo version that achieves 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.4 seconds and reaches 211 km/h (131 mph). Both versions deliver 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg) and 149 g/km CO₂.

Innovative aerodynamic features include Front Aero Curtains that channel air through vertical slots in the front bumper and out across the outer edge of the front wheel, creating a wall of high speed air that reduces aerodynamic drag caused by the rotation of wheels.

Edge 2.0-litre TDCi 180 PS models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, and 210 PS models with a six-speed PowerShift automatic option that can be operated via steering standard wheel-mounted paddles. All powertrains feature Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system that delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions. The system gathers data from 25 different sensors to measure how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink.

Intelligent All Wheel Drive can pre-emptively adjust torque distribution to avoid wheel spin, reducing the workload for drivers and delivering smoother journeys for passengers. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, the system has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency, CO₂ emissions and tyre wear compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.

Edge in Ireland

Ford Edge is available in two series (both 5-door): Titanium and Sport.

Key features for the Edge Titanium series include:19” alloys; front and rear parking sensors; Handsfree Power Tailgate and Keyfree system; Ford DAB navigation system; Active Noise Cancellation; Rear View Camera; Illuminated Scuff Plates.

In addition to above, key features for the Edge Sport series include: 20” alloys; Adaptive Steering system; SONY DAB Navigation system with 12 speakers; unique front, rear and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing; alloy pedals.

Bodystyle	Engine	Transmission	CO2	Price from*
Edge Titanium
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180PS AWD	6 speed  manual	149	€55,700
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 210PS AWD	PowerShift	149	€60,350
Edge Sport
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180PS AWD	6 speed  manual	152	€57,450
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 210PS AWD	PowerShift	152	€62,100

*quoted price range excludes delivery and related costs

**JATO Dynamics results are based on information provided by JATO Consult, the company's bespoke consulting service. Figures are based on 30 European countries.

Ford Kuga Vignale production model confirmed; upscale SUV available to order later this year.

• Ford Kuga Vignale production model confirmed; upscale SUV available to order later this year offering exclusive specification and meticulous craftsmanship
• Ford S-MAX Vignale sports activity vehicle available to order now alongside Ford Mondeo Vignale four-door and wagon; Ford Edge Vignale and Mondeo Vignale five-door available to order later this year
• Ford Vignale vehicles deliver individualistic styling options; high-power, fuel efficient powertrains; and sophisticated technologies including Active Noise Control
• Ford Vignale range available to order at FordStores across the UK incorporating dedicated Vignale Lounges; customers can now use Ford’s new dedicated Ford Vignale Internet destination and online configurator to explore pricing and options

Ford has revealed the production version of the new Ford Kuga Vignale upscale SUV that will expand the Ford Vignale product and customer experience when it goes on sale in Europe later this year.

The Ford Kuga Vignale is presented in pearlescent-metallic Vignale Milano Grigio exterior colour with Cashmere leather interior trim as part of an exclusive specification, delivers meticulous craftsmanship and will be offered with a range of powerful and efficient Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines – and with Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

The Ford Kuga Vignale joins the new Ford S-MAX Vignale sports activity vehicle and Ford Edge Vignale large SUV as one of three new Ford Vignale models presented this year, following the introduction of the Ford Mondeo Vignale in 2015. The Ford Mondeo and S-MAX Vignale are available to order now, with the Edge Vignale also arriving in late 2016.

The expanded Ford Vignale model range is available to order at FordStores across Europe, including Georgia and Turkey, and at customers’ Ford retailer of choice. FordStoresincorporate dedicated Vignale Lounges that deliver a personalised purchase experience supported by a Vignale Relationship Manager. Ford has 70 FordStores already established across the UK.

Customers can now use Ford’s new dedicated Ford Vignale Internet destination and online configurator to explore pricing and options – including new design options introduced earlier this year that enable customers to further personalise the exterior styling of Vignale models.

“Our customers have high aspirations, and they want more from Ford. On some vehicles, our top-of-the-line Titanium specifications make up 70 per cent of all sales,” said Jim Farley, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “With Ford Vignale, we can offer them the absolute best of Ford in terms of luxury and personal service. That’s why we are expanding from Ford Mondeo Vignale to our flagship products Edge and S-MAX, with Kuga to come soon after.”

Ford earlier this year also announced a new travel, event and lifestyle service that will offer Ford Vignale customers valuable offers and access to travel and lifestyle activities, including hospitality experiences at the Chelsea Flower Show in London and access to VIP premieres such as the Cannes Film Festival.

Ford Kuga Vignale

The new Ford Kuga Vignale is based on the Ford Kuga mid-size SUV revealed for the first time at the 2016 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

The upscale model’s unique Vignale pearlescent Milano Grigio exterior colour is influenced by rose metallic tones, and complemented with dark gloss effect finishes for the front and rear skid plates, door appliques and boot trim. The signature Vignale hexagonal grille design features at the front.

The premium character of the Ford Kuga Vignale interior is further heightened with unique hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors, offered in signature Cashmere colour. The upscale leather treatment also extends to the instrument panel.

Each Kuga Vignale model will be hand-finished by master craftspeople at the state‑of‑the‑art Vignale Centre at Ford’s manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain.The latest laser and camera technology supports the trained eye in closely examining every aspect of a Vignale vehicle from bodyshell and panel alignment to paint finish.

Passionate about precision and attention to detail, experts spend more than two hours hand‑polishing the paintwork to create the perfect high-gloss finish; and also carefully scrutinise the fine detailing and stitching of laser-cut pieces of interior leather trim.

Powerful and fuel-efficient Ford Kuga Vignale powertrain options include:

• 150PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost with six-speed manual transmission
• 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost with six-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All Wheel Drive
• 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed manual transmission
• 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed Powershift automatic transmission, both with standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive

Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink.

Over 80 per cent of the 33,000 Kugas sold in 2015 in the UK were high-specification Titanium models, indicating high demand for luxury variants in the SUV segment that is predicted, by industry sales analyst IHS, to increase to account for 27 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe by 2020, from 20 per cent in 2014.

“Our Ford Kuga Vignale speaks directly to the growing trend for luxury SUVs and represents the very best of Ford with premium design, materials and craftsmanship,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “We see great potential to extend the top end of our Ford product range and offer a special experience that meets the growing expectations of our customers.”

Ford Vignale individual style

The new Ford S-MAX Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale productionmodelswere unveiled for the first time earlier this year at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Both vehicles deliver the signature Ford Vignale hexagonal upper grille design with dark matte finish and polished aluminium surround, and exclusive exterior colour options.

Carefully executed exterior detailing enhances exclusivity, and includes the Ford Edge Vignale’s bespoke chrome-finish foglamps; the aluminium, Vignale-embossed wrap-around applique of the Ford S-MAX Vignale’s rear liftgate; and 19-inch polished aluminium wheels for both models.

Interiors offer hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors, offered in light Cashmere or dark Ebony colours. Ebony leather extends to the central armrest and storage console, and to the instrument panel, which features a woven aluminium applique on the passenger side.

“Ford Vignale design exudes sophistication and premium sportiness,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “For customers, Ford Vignale is a more individualistic way to enjoy luxury and express your style.”

Further customer tailored personalisation options including dark alloy wheels and foglamp surrounds, and exteriors without additional chrome detailing already are offered for the Ford S‑MAX Vignale and the Ford Mondeo Vignale – also available later this year in five-door bodystyle following the Ford Mondeo Vignale four-door and wagon models that launched last year.

Advanced technologies

All Ford Vignale models feature as standard the SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and features a redesigned 8‑inch touch screen enabling pinch and swipe gestures for the first time. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can find nearby cafés, petrol stations or car parks, as well as locate train stations, airports, and hotels. The system then guides the driver to the selected destination via the navigation.

Ford Vignale models also enhance the passenger experience with a premium audio system and front and rear ambient lighting. The Ford S-MAX Vignale offers tri-zone climate control and a full-length opening panoramic sunroof, adding to the cabin ambience.

Front Wide-View Camera technology for the Ford S-MAX Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale can see around corners even when drivers cannot – reducing stress and potentially helping avert collisions. Adaptive Cruise Control technology uses forward-facing radar to enable S-MAX drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.

Further sophisticated technology offered for the Ford S-MAX Vignale, Ford Edge Vignale and Ford Mondeo Vignale includes Ford Active Noise Control,* which uses three microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin to monitor engine noise in the interior, and directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise and improve cabin ambience.

Ford Vignale models also deliver a range of driver assistance technologies including Blind Spot Information System, Traffic Sign Recognition,Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.

Sophisticated Ford S-MAX Vignale powertrain options include:

• 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed manual transmission offering 129g/km CO₂ emissions and 56.5mpg combined fuel efficiency** and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission offering 134g/km CO₂ and 54.3mpg
• 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and Intelligent All Wheel Drive offering 149g/km CO₂ and 48.7mpg
• 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission delivering 144g/km CO₂ and 51.4mpg
• 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost with six-speed automatic transmission delivering 180g/km CO₂ and 35.8mpg

The Ford Mondeo Vignale also is offered with high-powered engine options including Ford’s 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel for effortless cruising.

Travel in style

Ford Vignale customers value experiences and consider time the ultimate luxury. Ford will offer a dedicated service to help customers across Europe efficiently arrange exclusive travel and lifestyle experiences.Delivered in partnership with Total Management – a global event, lifestyle and travel agency – the service will offer carefully selected experiences to Vignale customers.  

Exclusive offers for theatre, music and sporting events including French Open tennis also will be offered. Ford will keep customers informed about the latest exclusive travel and lifestyle opportunities via a monthly email update, launching across Europe this month.

Additional customer benefits offered by Ford Vignale include the Vignale Service smartphone app for Apple and Android™ operating systems.*** The app delivers a direct link to online lifestyle content from the Vignale Magazine, in addition to offering driving tips and information; a dealership locator; and GPS-enabled services including Ford Vignale Park Me, fuel stations locator, and a one-touch connection with emergency services or Ford Vignale One Call. 

Signature collection

Elements of the signature 2016 Ford Vignale Collection, created by the same Ford Design team behind the Ford Vignale model range are also displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This includes the all-new Vignale Smart Traveller, a slim expandable garment sleeve, inspired by the bold exterior styling of Edge and slim travel gadgets.

Presented in exquisite yet robust natural leather, artisan leatherworkers recreated for the sleeve the signature Vignale hexagonal graphic theme used in the handcrafted Vignale seats. The Vignale Smart Traveller offers large pockets with space for four garments, with zips and fastenings concealed by tuxedo stitching. The Vignale Collection is available to experience and order from Vignale Lounges and via a dedicated online store.

The Vignale story

Alfredo Vignale was one of the first coachbuilders, or carrozzeria, to see a car as something that could be personalised with unique, made-to-measure designs. Vignale learned his craft with master coachbuilder Pinin Farina, before creating his own iconic designs for Italian automobile makers under his own name, taking advantage of new fabrication techniques developed by the aviation industry. From 1948 until 1969, the Vignale Carrozzeria, near Turin, attracted customers from around the world.

The New Ford Edge has been added to the Ford UK range, making three SUV models now available.

The all-new upscale Ford Edge enters the UK’s surging SUV market priced from £29,995. 

This sophisticated new SUV from Ford – arriving in Ford dealerships this summer – offers class-leading space for up to five passengers, segment-first technologies and refinement to rival premium competitors. 

It joins the increasingly popular Ford Kuga ‘family-sized’ SUV and EcoSport compact SUV to complete Ford’s three-car SUV line-up.

Early indications of residual values also reinforce the strength of the Ford Edge, with CAP Gold Book expecting a 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi manual Zetec to retain 56.6 per cent of its new list price, after three years and 30,000 miles.

Ford Edge Model	Price	RV %  – 3 Years  30,000 Miles  Cap Gold Book       December              2015
Zetec 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi  AWD 6sp Manual	£29,995	56.6%
Titanium 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual	£32,245	55.1%
Titanium 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp PS Auto	£34,495	54.7%
Sport 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual	£34,495	54.4%
Sport 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp PS Auto	£36,745	54.1%

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: “The introduction of the stylish Ford Edge SUV is another incredibly exciting moment for Ford and its dealers. Joining performance products like Mustang and Focus RS and new luxury products like Mondeo Vignale already in showrooms, the Edge makes the Ford product line-up for 2016 never stronger.

“It will deliver more room for passengers than large competitor SUVs that cost considerably more. The styling and suite of comfort, convenience and safety technologies in Edge rival the premium offerings available in the UK,” added Barratt.

Available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport series, the all-new Edge is well-equipped as standard, offering Ford intelligent all-wheel drive, Active Noise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC 2 connectivity system, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels. 

The flagship SUV is offered with a choice of 10 exterior colours including new Electric Spice and Bronze Fire, and is available with a wide range of interior leather trim options.

Design

The all-new Ford Edge exterior is carefully sculpted and athletic with strong ‘shoulders’ and a muscular, more compact bonnet. To improve efficiency, unique air curtains are positioned on the lower part of the fascia to guide air from the front of the vehicle, out through the front wheel wells and down the vehicle side.

The interior has been designed with high-quality materials throughout, including soft-touch trims on the dashboard and centre console, high-gloss piano black surrounds on the switch bezels and a satin silver metal finish for the door handles, air vent bezels, glovebox trim and steering wheel detailing. The spacious Edge is also offered with heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats from the Titanium series.

Powertrains

The Edge will be offered in the UK with a choice of 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Both powertrains will aim to deliver 48.7mpg fuel efficiency and 149g/km CO₂ supported by Auto-Start-Stop technology.¹

Technology

All-new Edge will offer new Ford technologies, including Adaptive Steering, which automatically optimises the steering response according to vehicle speed, making it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, while remaining precise and intuitive at higher speeds; and Front Wide View Camera, which makes restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces easier to negotiate.

Edge debuts segment-first Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection; a camera- and radar-based system that can operate at speeds from 5mph to 110mph to detect vehicles and people in the road ahead. The system can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected and the driver does not respond to warnings.

The Edge will also feature Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology as standard, delivering a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions.

Measuring how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds – 20 times quicker than it takes to blink – the system can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, Intelligent AWD has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and CO₂ emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.

Outstanding refinement is achieved with acoustic windscreen glass and laminated glass for both front door windows, minimising the intrusion of wind noise. 

Underbody panels and wheel-arch liners further minimise road and wind noise. All Edge models are also equipped with Ford’s Active Noise Control technology that detects unwanted engine noise in the cabin and cancels it out with opposing sound waves fed through the integrated sound system.

History

The all-new Ford Edge made its European debut at Frankfurt Motorshow in 2015. In North America, the Edge was introduced in 2007 and has consistently been a top-seller in the segment, achieving record sales in 2013 with 129,109. It is built at Ford’s Oakville Plant in Ontario, Canada, and available to buy in The Americas, Europe, Russia and eastern Asia.