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2006 NAIAS :: Reviews and Interviews

Ford unveils the Edge crossover vehicle

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

The New Ford Edge Crossover vehicle.

by Jason Rzucidlo

AmericaJR@AmericaJR.com

 

Ford has given the blue oval a new Edge at this year's 2006 North American International Auto Show. I spoke with Ken, a product specialist from Ford. The Edge is brand new from the ground up.

The Edge comes with a 250-horsepower, V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. On the highway, it is expected to get about 25 mpg. It also has all-wheel drive. Ford has already announced that it will begin producing the Edge this year and will be in showrooms by the Fall. You will be able to pre-order an Edge starting in August.

Crossover vehicles are SUVs that are based on cars not trucks. Crossovers are expected to outsell SUVs this year. Sales of truck-based SUVs are declining while sales of crossovers are increasing. This year, you will see them take off.

Peter Horbury is the executive director of North America Design. "Edge is not an off-road adventure vehicle and it doesn't look like one." He adds, "The inspiration for the Edge is contemporary design and an adventurous state of mine."

The Ford Edge joins the Ford Escape in the crossover segment. Adding the Edge to the line-up will increase Ford's presence in this fast-growing segment. The new Ford Edge can seat five passengers.

There are many features on the Edge that are worth mentioning. First, it comes with the new three-bar grille that you will find on the Fusion. Secondly, you wil notice the panoramic roof in the front and back. This will be the first crossover vehicle that has a roof that moves so you can see the sky above. It's like a sunroof on a convertible.

On the inside the features are endless. You will get Sirius Satellite Radio, a DVD player for the passengers in the back row, and an MP3 audio jack. You have the opportunity to plug in your Apple iPod or any other mp3 player that you might own. There are two pairs of wireless headphones for listening to the DVD player. The front row of seats are heated and adjustable.

There is also a navigational system in the center in between the driver and passenger. It is located where you would traditionally find your radio. The center console is big enough to hold a laptop. There is also an electrical outlet so you can plug in your laptop and use it on the go.

Look for the 2007 Ford Edge to go into production soon. You will be able to pre-order one in August. They will arrive in dealer showrooms by the Fall.

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