Revamped Ford Edge arrives Nigeria

Nigerians’ appetite for luxury cars is no doubt insatiable, and despite the recession raging across the country like wild fire, some garages are still more homes for many popular brands like Ford.

Only last weekend, the Ford Motor Company, with its business unit headquartered in the Dubai, Middle East through Coscharis Motors, Nigeria’s Ford dealer inside its showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos unveiled the all-new Ford Edge sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The Nigerian market was so important to the automaker that the special event attracted Jacques Brent, the new President/CEO of Ford Motor Company in charge of the Middle East and Africa business unit and Cosmas Maduka, President/CEO, Coscharis Motors, owners of the Ford franchise in Nigeria.

The 2016 Ford Edge comes in 3 variants of SE, SEL, and Limited editions respectively. According to Cosmas Maduka, President/CEO of Coscharis Group, the new Edge delivers premium levels of comfort, sophisticated driver assistance features and class-leading driving dynamics.

Ford’s refined and boldly styled new SUV offers a dazzling array of new technologies including Active Noise Control, which works like noise-cancelling headphones to counteract unwanted noises in the cabin, along with Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can apply the brakes to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.

It also features Ford Adaptive Steering, which automatically adjusts the steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision.

According to the local dealer, 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 on the high-spec models.

Ford developed the Edge to take the stress out of driving in town or country with sophisticated parking technologies that can locate and steer into in and out of spaces hands-free.

Some of these technologies include front wide-view camera technology that can see around corners even when drivers cannot and help in reducing stress and avert collisions including the option of Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive technology for optimised traction in slippery conditions.

A powerful yet efficient range of engines is on offer, thereby making owning a large, upscale SUV more appealing than ever. This includes the sophisticated but frugal 245hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost, the 280hp 3.5 Ti-VCT V6 and the range-topping 2.7 EcoBoost V6 with 315hp on tap.

“The spacious and high-tech Ford Edge responds to our customers’ demands for a premium Ford SUV,” said Rob Johnston, Regional Manager Sales and Marketing, Ford Customer Services Division for Sub Saharan Africa.

Rob Johnston, said, “Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specification including Ford Intelligent all-wheel- drive, the Edge makes advanced technologies and premium quality more accessible to the growing numbers of SUV customers around the world, and in Africa.”

With its rich material-led design as exemplified with an array of harmonious, high-quality materials and cutting-edge design mean the Ford Edge interior conveys a premium impression from the moment the doors are opened.

Functional components such as door handles, steering wheel controls, air-vents and cup holders are framed with a satin metal-finish, with a stylish piano black finish for the centre console, while soft, tactile materials are used for components occupants routinely handle. High quality leather covers the arm rests, steering wheel, and gear knob.

Inside, the instrument panel and centre console feature a one-piece design that flows seamlessly from beneath the windshield, through a floating centre stack with enough stowage space behind it for a foldaway umbrella, and into the front seat divide. The instrument panel design and materials merge into the front doors to create a streamlined, wrap-around effect.

With an athletic character, the 2016 model year Edge cuts a bold, sporty and imposing figure. Wheels pushed out to each corner give a wide, aggressive stance and help maximise interior space. Raised ground clearance enhances off-road capability, and delivers a higher seating position for a commanding view of the road.

MIKE OCHONMA