BIG car makers must have a big range. They can't afford to leave sectors uncovered.

Ford, very much in the premier league as far as volumes are concerned may swell their coffers chiefly with small and medium sized family cars but it can't risk ignoring buyers in the market for something larger.

That's why its American big brother has helped out by sending over the Edge, a full cream SUV that has become the best selling crossover in the States.

Unlike the long forgotten Explorer of a couple of decades ago, the Edge is purpose-built and aimed at tackling larger luxury models from BMW. Land Rover and Audi that have had it all their own way for 10 years or so.

Generously proportioned it certainly is weighing in at 2,133kg and measuring nearly five metres long. But despite the dimensions it remains a strict five-seater without the option of a final row of seats to accommodate another couple of passengers.

This omission could risk steering some potential buyers in the direction of Discovery, Hyundai Santa Fe or Audi Q7, all of which are sever-seaters.

We tried out the Vignale version which sits at the top of the tree with a price tag of nearly £46,000.

Powered by Ford's well-used 2.0-litre turbo diesel which in this guise pumps out 235bhp - sufficient to give the Edge plenty of torque and endow it with acceleration to 62mph in 9.6 seconds, about par for the class.

Like most direct rivals it has standard intelligent four wheel drive and comes with eight-speed automatic transmission.

As the flagship model, there's plenty of kit included - glass opening panoramic roof, B&O sound system, rear view camera, sat nav, electrically adjustable front seats, metallic paint, leather seating and hands-free tailgate.

It's a well thought out package with a cabin that feels solid and suitably premium if not actually luxurious. Vignale badges on the door scuff plates remind you of its status.

With a sizeable hulk of a body to haul and just a four cylinder two-litre up front, the Edge performs pretty well. When stretched, the diesel unit makes its presence felt with a certain degree of agricultural gruffness but most of the time its quiet and unflustered with decent dynamics that keep the tall body in check well.

There's some cornering roll but no more than you'd expect in a vehicle designed to negotiate rough surfaces and the occasional muddy feel. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is slick and well suited to its task.

As you might expect, there's more than enough room for five on board. And ample luggage room with a rear boot that can absorb 602 litres of cargo. Fold the rear seats flat and this expands to more 1,600 litres. Family friendly trays, bottle-holders and cubbies abound, making it an easy car to live with.