Ford Edge Concept revealed, production SUV to come in 2017

The Edge will be the company's first large SUV developed for Europe, and the production version of the model will go on sale by 2017. It will join the Ford's new Kuga and EcoSport. The New Ford Edge Concept presents a sleek and sporty appearance, capability, fuel efficiency and technology that assist the driver.

Ford Edge Concept is loaded with driver-assist technologies and semi-automated features. It comes with a fully assisted parking aid, a technology which builds on Ford's active park assist feature to let customers park their vehicles at the touch of a button, or even by remote control. This system can find a perpendicular parking space using ultrasonic sensors and allows customers to wait until the vehicle has pulled out of a tight parking spot before entering.

Ford has also begun a research project designed to refine advanced Obstacle Avoidance systems. It can issue warnings if it detects slow moving objects and stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead and – if the driver fails to steer or brake following warnings – the system automatically steers and brakes the vehicle to avoid a collision. Adaptive steering makes steering at low speeds dramatically easier, and steering in all conditions feel more confident and engaging.

The Edge Concept sports a new high-tech application of Active Grille Shutters. The Shutters automatically open and close to maintain ideal engine operating temperature and maximise aerodynamic efficiency. Premium interior elements include a leather-wrapped and hand-stitched instrument panel, 10in centre display featuring Ford SYNC with Voice Control and Touchscreen, and a dynamic centre stack with mechanical switchgear.