By Asian Journal Auto Editor

For 2020 there is a real focus on technology and safety in the Ford line, and the mid-sized Edge CUV range is no exception. Handsome, stylish, and superbly made, the Edge has a strong, confident exterior styling that is aging well; this is one of the best-looking midsize CUVs you can get. There are a choice of fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, while the performance ST model as tested, offers a powerful V6. Across the range, the Edge offers a luxury ride, premium interior trims and a plethora of high-tech.

The Edge comes with Fords Co-Pilot360 Protect suite technology, now available as standard on all trims. The safety suite includes lane keep assist with active steering, blind spot system, auto emergency braking with pre-collision braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, backup camera with lens cleaner and auto high-beam assist.

Additional available features include evasive steer voice-activated navigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Technology wise, Ford has you covered completely with a new Ford+Alexa app. The Alexa unit can open your garage door, start your Edge for you, calculate fuel range, and lock or unlock via voice command! In addition, there is full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are capability, Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless charging pad. Rear-seat occupants get an 115V household power outlet and 12V outlet.

The Ford Edge ST as tested is a comfortable, performance enhanced CUV- it is differentiated by: a Ford Ecoboost turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, making 335 hp and 380 lb-ft, linked to an AWD with intelligent disconnect that frees the rear wheels as required. The unique Ford ST performance appearance package comprises: 20 – inch machined and black finished rims, a sport-tuned suspension leather sport seats with suede inserts, an ST perforated-leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, dual-polished exhaust tips and most of the upper cut Titanium’s equipment package. There is is also body-color exterior mirror caps, body-color Door handles, black beltline moulding, gloss black painted mesh grille, and trapezoidal fascia-integrated bright exhaust, and a black rear diffuser.

Interior wise, the offers a roomy, well finished interior with excellent occupant space front and rear. There are full power leather seats. Unique aluminum instrument panel appliqué, Four 12-Volt Power points, and Ambient Lighting are features in the along with BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Power Liftgate, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, Lane-Keeping System, Rotary Gear Shift Knob, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Cruise, Secondary Audio and 5-Way Controls, SYNC® 390 Two Driver-configurable 4.2-inch LCD Displays in Cluster. Options include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Auto-Dimming Driver’s Exterior Mirror, Enhanced Active Park Assist with Side Parking Sensors. Our Edge arrived   with options such as the Panoramic sunroof, cold weather package, ST branded heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, rear entertainment package and the class 11 trailer tow package. The ST’s sport seats are supportive and comfortable and have a luxury look. At 1,110 L behind the rear seats, cargo volume is generous, and the opening to the tailgate is easy and wide. Well thought out buttons remotely lower the second-row seats from just inside the liftgate, and using them opens the cargo volume to 2,079 L.  The Edge is supremely comfortable for all occupants.

On the road, the Edge offers excellent acceleration. On the road, the Ecoboost 3.7L proved plenty smooth with plenty of torque.  With the Ecoboost’s excellent engineering, Ford has overcome the traditional downsides of turbocharged engines — poor performance at low rpm, turbo lag and not so good fuel economy.  Ford’s Mazda engineering allows the engine to maintain the ideal air-fuel ratio over a wider output range providing usable low-end and mid-range power.

Handling is good, cornering is well controlled thanks to at Edge’s firmer suspension. Overall the CX-9 is a competitive CUV and has great interior luxury and offers excellent features, Other models in the Edge lineup still offer excellent value for the buck, but the Edge has the slinkier looks and the increased performance. Fuel economy is rated at: Est. City/Hwy 12.5/9.2 L/100km. To sum up, not a lot to complain about, apart from the lack of an available third row. The Edge is a great daily ride. It offers a versatile layout for families, is comfortable, and well featured. Highly recommended.

2020 Ford Edge ST priced from $48,899. More info at www.ford.com