Ford’s new Edge SUV will go on sale in Europe next year and will go up against models like the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.

According to Ford data, the SUV segment of the total European passenger car market more than doubled to 21% from 10% between 2008 and 2013. In the first four months of 2014, the SUV share has further increased to 22.5%, and Ford expects the segment in Europe to show further significant growth.

Sales of the new Kuga in Europe increased by 38% year-over-year for the first five months of 2014 to 39,700 units, and the 500,000th European Kuga rolled off the production line at Ford’s  manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain, this month.

The larger Edge model comes with 2.0-litre TDCI turbodiesel engines, offering 178bhp or 207bhp. UK models will only be available in four-wheel drive initially.

The first generation Edge has been on sale in the US for the last seven years and the European model gets the second generation model which will be sold globally as part of Ford’s One Ford strategy. European equipment tweaks include LED headlights and a heated windscreen.

Equipment will include Adaptive Steering, which will make it easier to manoeuvre, Active Noise Cancellation technology which blocks outside noise for a quieter cabin and front split view camera. More technology features include hands-free tailgate, Sync 2, Ford’s in-car connectivity system, adaptive cruise control, park assist, inflatable rear seatbelts, active city stop, blind spot indicator system, lane keeping system, traffic sign recognition and heated steering wheel and heated and cooled front seats.

The Ford Edge is expected to go on sale in time for the September plate change in 2015.