If you don't have at least two or three crossovers in your lineup then you might as well pack your bags and go home. That's what the industry is telling us, and it seems to have told Ford long enough ago that they already have a more aspirational CUV to step in above its slow-selling Freestyle sibling. The Edge is a very significant design vehicle. It incorporates Ford's new face, as we know it from the Fusion, with very modern, very clean, very attractive styling. It looks so much like a concept vehicle, yet it is good to go for production, and is expected to hit showroom floors at the end of this year.

The interior features great functionality and accommodation, with rear seats that can be manually folded down with one hand, or electronically via a button located in the trunk. The Edge can handle items as long as 8 feet. And it can help keep you organized with an adaptable armrest storage bin. There is space for a laptop, books, CD's, grandma's pearls, a hoagie, or other great treasures you may carry in your travels.

The roof is exceptionally functional with Ford's "Vista Roof" glass top giving a wonderful visual enhancement ro perceived space available to occupants...Dual power shades help keep the sun's hat at bay.

Power will be supplied by a big 3.5 liter V6 pumping out 250 horsepower through a 6 speed automatic transmission to an optional all wheel drive system that varies torque distribution to limit slip. Enhanced on-road safety and composure is ensured through Ford's AdvanceTrak and Roll Stability Control systems. When an accident becomes unavoidable, you fall on the safety of nearly enough airbags to fill the entire cabin when inflated.

Above and behind and in front of all the flexibility and functionality of the Edge is design. The Edge shows off what a design powerhouse Ford now is. The Edge looks like a concept car with its mix of a bold front fascia and an entertaining rear, plenty of glass on all sides (including the roof) and a pair of sides which strongly tie the ends together. The Edge front incorporates the new face of Ford we know well from the Fusion, with three distinct and bold and tough bars visually stamped on above the bumper, yet integrating well with the bodywork as it flows on both sides into the body and seemingly continues on behind the headlights. But this crossover takes the Ford look and transforms it into a personna all its own, with sharp and undulating front fenders and a more upright appearance.

Suspension will be independent at all four corners for this 111in wheelbase chassis, with MacPherson struts and lower L-shaped control arms up front. This 4086 pound CUV will hold 5 people and 32 cubic feet of stuff behind the second row of seating, or 68.7 cubic feet of goodies in full cargo mode. This joins the Mazda CX-7 and Lincoln MKX as the Ford family’s assault on the hot and growing CUV market. The Edge will be built at Ford's Oakville plant in Ontario, Canada.