THE Ford Edge was on sale in the USA long before it hit these shores back in 2016 to join theKugaandEcoSportin the company's SUV range.

Big, bold and roomy the Edge was successfully altered and engineered to suit European conditions and tastes and it seems to have hit the spot.

Its sheer size means that the Edge makes a real visual impact and fitted with the ST-Line kit it is even more striking.

It adds huge alloys, front, rear and side sportsbodystylingand detailing as well as sports suspension to an SUV that already boasts a handsome front grille, scuff plates and twin tailpipes.

ThisPowerShiftautomatic version features the 210PS 2.0-litreturbodieselengine which packs stacks of punch.

It can deliver a top speed of 131mph and takes 9.4 seconds to reach 62mph. The claimed combined economy figure is 47.9mpg but if you achieve 40mpg in real world conditions you will be doing well. That is still not bad for an all-wheel-drive car of this size.

Interior space is impressive and the boot is large enough to take all a family can throw at it.

The cabin is typical Ford with clean instruments and well laid out controls that are easy to read and use. Some plastics could be better but this model does offer all the creature comforts you could want.

Sadly there is no option to have seven seats but that may come at some point as the Edge certainly has enough room.

Out on the open road the Edge provides a relaxing drive and it handles well for a machine of this size. It cruises nicely at motorway speeds and it offers bags of grip.

The Edge is not designed for serious off-roadingbut there is good ground clearance and it will tackle some rough stuff and deal with harsh weather.

All models in the range offer lots of standard kit but the ST-Line is packed with goodies. You get a colour touchscreen with SYNC 3 connectivity withBluetoothand voice control, Sony DAB navigation system with 12 speakers, alloy pedals, roof rails, heated power adjustable seats, front and rear parking sensors, power tailgate, rear view camera, privacy glass and a host of other features.

Safety equipment is also impressive with Active City Stop and pedestrian detection, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a lane keeping aid. Adaptive Cruise control can be added for an additional £500 and active park assist with parallel and perpendicular parking can be had for £150.