Ford Edge 2.0TDCi 210 Sport 02 | 08 | 2016Scotcars rating

Ford finally delivers an SUV with a bit of 'Edge': but can it mix it with its German rivals?

FORD HAS FINALLY launched an SUV, the Edge, capable of mixing it with the modern day best from German rivals Audi and BMW. But let’s deal with the elephant in the room first: would you choose a Blue Oval-badged SUV over one of the dominant Germans?

That’s the major challenge Ford faces, because on many levels, the new Edge is as good, or even better, than the likes of the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. But does it have the ‘drive factor’? Is it a car you want your neighbours to see sitting outside our house?

It’s a tough call, because one of the areas where the Edge wins is in common sense: it’s generally cheaper than its Teutonic rivals.

All versions of the Ford get four-wheel drive and use a 2.0-litre diesel engine; this, in turn, is available in a choice of two states of tune. There’s 177bhp from a single-turbo unit coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, or a twin-turbo version with 207bhp and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

First point to Ford: the entry-level Zetec trim costs £29,995, which is around £4000 cheaper than a basic X3. Not only that, but it wins in terms of standard kit: a heated windscreen, a rear-view camera, automatic headlights and wipers, and 19in alloys are all standard.

Related: Exclusive — Ford boss Andy Barratt interview

And don’t forget the safety systems, including emergency city braking, lane assist and traffic sign recognition, all of which are pricey options on its rivals.

Having said that, the majority of buyers will opt for the more expensive Sport — fitted with a bi-turbo diesel engine with overboost function — which, at £36,750 costs more than the X3 or Q5. But — and it’s a rather BIG but — the Sport comes with bags of standard eye-candy, including 20in alloys, front and rear parking sensors, sat-nav, heated seats, a fancy adaptive steering system, a powered tailgate and that dual-clutch auto. So, on paper, it’s an attractive proposition.

The Edge is also big, both on the inside and the outside. In fact, as hinted at above, it delivers more space, more equipment and better — in certain areas — better refinement.

Better refinement? Than an Audi? Consider this. The Ford has very clever noise-cancelling software, which uses microphones dotted around the cabin to sample the engine noise before producing opposing sound waves, played through the cabin’s speakers to make the engine sound smoother.

In the larger 207bhp Sport, even when pushed around die Borders roads near Roxburghe House, the cabin remains a haven of relative serenity thanks to a combination the refined diesel, trick noise-cancelling software and acoustic glass. Aye, don’t forget the acoustic glass.

Related: New Edge leads Ford 'step change"

There’s also the optional active steering which uses an electric motor in the steering wheel hub to add, or reduce, the lock that you apply through the column. This helps make the steering more direct at parking speeds, but less twitchy on the motorway. Clever stuff.

And it’s vast inside. My six-foot plus co-driver could happily sit behind his comfortable front seat position; and the rear-seat is wide enough to accommodate three adults. and though the panoramic roof makes head room a little tight, it’s a must-have on the options list. As for bootspace? Shout into the vastness and it might be a few minutes before you hear tour echo coming back: the boot’s massive. And definitely larger the its rivals.

So far, so good then: the Ford — which will not introduce a seven-seat version — has a slight edge (I know: it had to be done!).

Speed, as we all know, is a relative term. And let’s face it, the Edge, and SUVs of its ilk, are not performance cars But there’s no getting away from it; the Ford is not quick. At least, it doesn’t feel quick.

Sure, it’ll still haul its near two tonnes in weight from standstill to 62mph in 9.4secs, which, means it’s no slouch. But it’s the way it does it. While the X3 auto ‘box has eight gears, the Ford auto has to make do with just six. The dual-clutch action too is also just a tad ponderous compered with modern rivals.

Related: Ford Edge SUV Exclusive

Splitting hairs? Possibly. As I said, the majority of buyers are not going to be hurtling their Edge down through countryside lanes in a race to get to their destination.

No; instead they’re more likely to be use it on the school run, where they run the risk of losing a couple of kids in the back of the cabin, by dint of the huge amount of space. It’ll could also mean the end of weekly shops: one a month would only half-fill the boot, and still carry enough to feed a family of four.

But whether you’re pottering around town or cruising on the motorway, you’ll barely notice the engine, it’s all so quiet. That serenity is further aided by the fact there’s very little, if any, wind noise.

So, we’re back to the burning question: would you rather have a Ford than an Audi or BMW?

Something else which might sway you towards the Edge is Ford’s PCP finance deals. because of the low interest rates, the Edge undercuts all its main rivals. On a 37-month PCP deal, you can get 0.8% APR, plus a £500 deposit contribution, meaning you can drive a 178bhp Titanium auto for £381 9, with a £500 deposit).

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That compares to £485 for an equivalent Kia Sorento, a whopping £500 for a Land Rover Discovery Sport, and even £558 for a Hyundai Santa Fe.

Even a 201bhp Edge will cost you £415 over 36 months on a Ford PCP at a fixed 0.9% APR.

In terms of economy, the 177bhp Edge will return 48.7mpg and emit 149g/km CO2, meaning it’ll cost you £145 per year to tax (£185 in the first year). The larger 207bhp, according to Ford, is good for 47.9mpg with 152g/km CO2 emissions, resulting in £40 more per year in road tax than Zetec or Titanium models.

The Edge doesn’t blow its German rivals out of the water. Even if it did, Ford bosses always knew it would have a tough task attracting conquest sales from Audi and BMW.

But as the SUV market continues to grow in the UK, there is no doubt Ford will harvest new buyers from across the industry, all attracted by the overall package the company, and the Edge, deliver. If you’re in the market for an SUV, the Edge is certainly one which serves your fullest attention … and a self-assessment on badge snobbery.

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Jim McGill