YOU could make a strong case for suggesting Ford's rivals have enjoyed something of an edge when it comes to full-blown SUVs.

The compact Kuga may have been around for the best part of a decade and was joined in early 2014 by the smaller EcoSport, but there was nothing to really take on the big boys.

That was until last summer when Ford in the UK got an Edge of its own in the shape of a model with the size, strength and space to go head to head with the heavyweights.

To be fair, the Ford Edge has been selling successfully in the States for years and now, reworked and engineered for European roads, it is making up for lost time in Britain.

This is a vehicle that makes an instant impact - it isn't just the largest offering from Ford in the UK but it looks the part too.

It's a big bruiser in every way and, from the deep front grille and prominent scuff plates to the big alloys and twin tailpipes, has some real presence on the road.

A seven-strong line-up is powered by a 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine, the six-speed manual varaints featuring the 180ps output while PowerShift automatics get the 210ps version.

Prices are from £30,650 though the tested mid-range Titanium auto model has a tab of £35,900 and every model has permanent all-wheel drive.

Ford has made no bones about its quest, as we have seen with models like the Mondeo, to move further upmarket with the Edge.

And while they are clearly moving in the right direction, there are nonetheless some pros and cons attached to this model.

On the plus side, interior space is plentiful, the boot cavernous and the layout is classic Ford with the emphasis on simplicity and practicality.

The Edge has a strong engine - though my own fuel return of 35.8mpg was no better thanaverage and nowhere near the claimed combined figure of 48.7mpg - and is both comfortable and relaxing to drive.

Ground clearance is such that light off-roading poses no problems and the car rides well on broken surfaces too.

On the other hand the Edge's acceleration is steady rather than swift, so a stronger engine wouldn't go amiss, and the lack of a seven-seat option also holds the Ford back.

All models come with plenty of standard kit, even entry grade Zetec getting active noise control to keep the cabin quiet, pedestrian detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC connectivity, privacy glass, stop-start, lane keeping aids, a colour touchscreen and 19-inch alloys.