Available in dealerships from this summer, the model joins Ford’s Kuga and EcoSport models to complete Ford’s three-car SUV line-up and is being is being positioned by the carmaker as a lower-priced, more spacious alternative to premium rivals.

Ford also says the model’s comfort, convenience and safety technologies rival premium models. Three trim levels are offered – Zetec, Titanium and Sport – with standard kit including Active Noise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC 2 connectivity system, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels.

New Ford technologies on offer include Adaptive Steering, which automatically optimises the steering response according to vehicle speed; and Front Wide View Camera, which makes restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces easier to negotiate.

It also debuts Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – said to be a segment first and using cameras and radars to detect vehicles and pedestrians and brake if needed.

The Edge will also feature Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology as standard.

Two diesel engines will be offered – a 178bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 207bhp bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Both come with Auto-Start-Stop technology and have an official combined fuel consumption of 48.7mpg and 149g/km CO2.