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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 23, 2007 - 19 Experience the 2007 Ford Edge By Rob Beintema OAKVILLE BEAVER SPECIAL Great expectations. It seems somehow fitting that when the Ford Edge first debuted in Canadian commercials, it shared the small screen with Wayne Gretzky, a Ford spokesman who knows something about living up to the hullabaloo and hype of great expectations. Ever since its unveiling at the 2006 North American International Auto show in Detroit, Ford has been touting the Edge as the crossover of the year and hailing it as the segment-busting saviour of the company. Talk about pressure. But let's forget all the hyperbole and simply take the Edge on a test drive. The Ford Edge is a five-door, five-occupant, midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) designed to blend SUV utility and abilities with the more user-friendly handling, economies and features of a sedan. The Edge is based on an evolution of the Mazda6 platform that is shared with its upscale Lincoln MKX sibling and the chassis is also related to automotive cousins like the Mazda CX-7 and CX-9. It offers a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) abilities. As a midsize offering, the Edge fits nicely between the smaller Escape and the Taurus X (formerly the Freestyle). And that lineup will be bolstered further next year with the addition of the new Ford Flex, new full-size CUV and Freestar minivan replacement. The Edge has a handsome, sleek exterior design 538 Plains Road, Burlington ON L7T 2E3 that starts with phone: (905) 632-2400 · fax: (905) 632-4600 www.autotek.ca e-mail: info@autotek.ca the three-bar "It's worth the drive to Burlington" chromed grille that has become the new face of Ford, building on the ì427î design concept and the Fusion follow-up. The powerdome hood flows back to an aggressively raked windshield and along smooth powerful flanks to a sloping back window with high-mounted rear spoiler. The raised beltline and big wheels pulled to the corners give the Edge an aggressive stance, following the modern styling of some of the more daring crossover predecessors like the Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX. My tester came in the handsome Redfire Metallic. My favourite colour is the Blazing Copper Metallic, a striking shade of burnt orange that really compliments the Edge The 2007 Ford Edge, a five-door, five-occupant, midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) powered by a style. new 265hp 3.5-litre V6 with 6-speed automatic and designed to blend SUV utility and abilities with Inside, the cabin is spacious and comfort- the more user-friendly handling, economies and features of a sedan. able. Bigger than I expected, in fact with a wide-tracked, substantial feel but I keep tally, swallowing everything from laptop expanding the cargo space from 908 litres reminding myself that this CUV was computers and handbags to coins and MP3 (32.1 cu.ft.) to a maximum of 1970 litres designed to lure its bulk market of largeplayers. Which is handy, since the Edge (69.6 cu.ft.). bottomed Americans out of their even largdebuted with a segment-first MP3 audio Each rear seat can be folded manually er SUVs. jack. using an industry-first single-hand release The interior fit and finish is excellent, Ford engineers have really stressed rear or automatically with the available EasyFold blending the clean, modern layout with the passenger room in their most recent models electric system, triggered by switches in the slightly retro flavour of the gauge packaging and the 60/40 reclining split second row also and with good instrument ergonomics. folds flat to provide a level load floor, continued on page 22 A lot of nice details too. The deep centre console uses a removable divider and tray to organize the space both vertically and horizon- OAKVILLE HONDA OFFERS A LARGE SELECTION OF PRE-OWNED VEHICLES. 2004 Lexus RX330 2005 Mazda RX-8 GT Stock #P1411 Stock #P1438 Only 17,000 km, 6 speed transmission, full power group of options,power sunroof, Black leather, finished in Silver. Offered for only $29,900 Only 64,000 km full power group of options, power sunroof, Parchment leather interior, finished in Graphite. Offered for only $38,900 When Budds' throws a party, you don't want to miss it. June 6-9. move your mindTM 2003 Toyota Sienna LE 1999 Honda Accord LX Budds' SAAB cordially invites you and a guest to our 30th Anniversary Celebration June 5th, 6-8pm Plus, please join us for a week full of great Customer Events. Photo by Peterbrand.ca Stock #D031 Stock #70557A Please R.S.V.P. at 866-973-SAAB or e-mail events@buddssaab.ca Only 74,000 km features the power group of options, alloy wheels, finished in Jasmine Green. Offered for only $17,900 Only 104,000 km, automatic transmission, features the power group of options, very nice! Finished in Silver. Offered for only $11,900 The JL Racing Team will be at Budds' All Week BOOK EARLY! If you don't (yet) y (y )... · Meet SAAB Factory representatives Wednesday through Saturday. · Take the SAAB Test Drive Experience. · See the 2007 Special Anniversary Edition of the 93's. · Pop in for our great lunch BBQ all week long. · Special Anniversary sales and service offers all week. 2400 South Service Rd., W If you drive a SAAB... y · Book now for your Free Saab inspection during our SAAB Owner's Clinic, June 6th - 9th. A free SAAB gift bag is our thank-you gift. · Easily our most popular event, the clinic fills up fast. Call 866-965-7222 to book your spot today. · $1500 Loyalty coupons will be available for all SAAB customers attending. 500 Iroquois Shore Rd. 00 Oakville akville Phone: 866-973-SAAB www.buddssaab.ca Monday - Thursday 9am - 8:30pm Friday 9am - 6pm · Saturday 9am - 5pm 905-844-9831