Ford has seen a surge of online activity around its new Edge SUV, with over 60,000 versions of the vehicle configured on its website since January.

As right-hand-drive models roll off the production line for the first time the brand was able to determine that the flagship Sport model as the most popular choice among fans of the newcomer, making up 49% of the configurations, while just 11% were entry-level Zetec models.

Over 55% specified the 207bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with a Powershift automatic transmission, meanwhile.

The most popular colours on the online configurator were Oxford White (16%), Shadow Black (14%) and Electric Spice (8%), while the average price of Edge models being configured in the UK is more than £35,000.

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: “The UK team and our extensive Ford dealer network are very excited by this exceptionally fast start for the new Ford Edge. With our existing EcoSport and Kuga SUV models enjoying healthy sales growth, there isn’t a better time to launch our new flagship Edge SUV.”

The Edge is available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport series from launch, with a choice of 178bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission or 207bhp bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel with a six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

Among its standard equipment is intelligent all-wheel drive, active noise control, pedestrian detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC connectivity, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels.

The Ford Edge arrives in Ford’s UK dealerships this summer priced from £29,995.