Ford is busy unveiling seven-seated versions of its popular SUVs. While it was the seven-seated 2015 Ford Everest last week, which is headed for Australia and will be available across dealerships by mid 2015 – this time it is the seven-seated 2015 Ford Edge that has taken the Chinese market by storm. This new vehicle is a replacement for the Ford Territory, which will be taken off the dealerships soon.
However, the Chinese market is known to be the playground of the exotic and rare vehicles. Hence, will a seven seated Ford Edge be able to take on the challenge from the seven-seated Land Rover Discovery Sport? There’s only one way to find out, but a head-to-head comparison won’t be available till Ford officially launches the vehicle in the country, and we have a feeling that this could take a while.
The Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Jim Farley, revealed that the three-row of seats will be incorporated specifically to the models that are to be sold in the Chinese market. As confirmed reports are rare at the moment, it is difficult for us to enlighten you about the entire situation. However, we will keep you in the loop.
Ford is currently focusing on the Chinese automotive market as it is the world’s fastest growing auto market at the moment. While most European, American and Japanese automotive firms have set up shop in China, luxury vehicles and SUVs have received the maximum response so far. Ford hopes to cash in on the action with the 2015 Edge, although, only time can decide its fate.
Ford plans to introduce a 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost petrol engine block underneath the 2015 Edge’s hood, which is capable of displacing a respectable 300 BHP. The seven-seated version is also 400 mm longer than the standard version of the vehicle, which should not have any major impacts on comfort or drive dynamics in general.
We are not sure if Ford plans to launch this vehicle in associated markets such as Australia, although, the company is in no mood to divulge additional facts at the moment. The range of safety additions included in the 2015 Ford Edge includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking Assist, Collision Warning, Adaptive Steering System and Brake Support.
Ford also plans on including a smaller 245 BHP displacing 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine block, which is an improvement to their current-generation four-cylinder engine option. Ford has taken special care of the interior and ride dynamics too, and this is evident when you get behind the wheel.
What are your views on the 2015 Ford Edge that is headed to China? Would you like to drive a seven seated in America? Fill us in on your thoughts via the Comments Section below.