The updated Ford Kuga Vignale and the Ford Edge Vignale are the first sport utility vehicles introduced as part of the Ford Vignale up-market product and ownership experience. They are designed to meet growing consumer demand for more luxurious SUV models.
Both the Ford Kuga Vignale mid-size SUV and Ford Edge large SUV deliver boosted specification levels including tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors, unique Vignale colours, and detailing including the signature Ford Vignale hexagonal grille design.
Technologies include Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment, and Ford’s SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and an 8-inch touch screen that enables pinch and swipe gestures.
Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) is delivered as standard for the Ford Edge Vignale and is offered for the Ford Kuga Vignale, delivering a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road.
Refinement is enhanced for the Ford Edge Vignale with Ford Active Noise Control, which directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise and improve cabin ambience.
“Our Ford Vignale range speaks directly to the growing trend for upmarket SUVs and represents the very best of Ford with luxurious design, materials and craftsmanship,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “We see great potential to extend the top end of our Ford product range and offer a special experience that meets the growing expectations of our customers.”
The percentage of SUVs sold in the UK in 2015 rose over 25 per cent to 642,194 compared with 2014 sales. Over 80 per cent of the 32,944 Kugas sold in 2015 were high-specification Titanium models, which Ford says indicates high demand for luxury variants in the SUV segment.
Based on the new updated version of the Ford Kuga, the Ford Kuga Vignale is offered in specifications including the unique Vignale pearlescent Milano Grigio exterior colour influenced by rose metallic tones. Further detailing includes dark gloss effect finishes for the front and rear skid plates, door appliques and boot trim. The signature Vignale hexagonal grille design features at the front.
The Ford Kuga Vignale interior features hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors, offered in signature Cashmere colour. The upscale leather treatment also extends to the instrument panel.
Technologies include Ford’s Perpendicular Parking, which helps drivers park hands-free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Hands-Free Liftgate for simplified access to the luggage compartment.
Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment, including a Weather-Dependent Lighting mode that automatically adjusts headlights to help drivers spot roadside hazards in extreme heavy rain.
Ford Kuga Vignale diesel powertrain options include:
– 148 bhp 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual FWD offering 60.1mpg and 122g/km CO2, six-speed manual AWD offering 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO2, or six-speed PowerShift AWD offering 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO2
– 178 bhp 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual AWD offering 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO2, or six-speed PowerShift AWD offering 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO2
Ford Edge Vignale
The Ford Edge Vignale has exterior features such as bespoke chrome-finish fog lamps, signature Ford Vignale hexagonal upper grille design with dark matte finish and polished aluminium surround, and 19-inch polished aluminium wheels. Unique exterior colours include rich metallic brown Vignale Ametista Scura.
The interior delivers hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors, offered in light Cashmere or dark Ebony colours. Leather extends to the central armrest and storage console, and to the instrument panel, which features a woven aluminium applique on the passenger side.
“Ford Vignale design exudes sophistication and premium sportiness,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “For customers, Ford Vignale is a more individualistic way to enjoy luxury and express your style.”
Refinement is enhanced with Ford Active Noise Control, which uses three microphones placed throughout the cabin to monitor engine noise in the interior, and directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise and improve cabin ambience.
Additional technologies designed to help reduce stress for drivers include Front Wide-View Camera–which can see around corners even when drivers cannot to potentially help avert collisions; Blind Spot Information System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.
The Ford Edge Vignale is offered with two diesel powertrains; 207 bhp bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed PowerShift AWD and 178 bhp 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual AWD. Both deliver 47.9mpg and 152g/km CO2.
All Ford Vignale models deliver as standard the company’s SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and features a redesigned 8‑inch touch screen enabling pinch and swipe gestures for the first time. Ford has drawn on more than 22,000 customer comments, and insights gained from research clinics and surveys to ensure the new version is more user-friendly.
iPhone users can activate Apple CarPlay, giving access to phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, and get directions optimised for traffic conditions. Android users can activate Android Auto. Android Auto provides access to services such as Google Search, Google Maps and Google Play. Software can be updated over-the-air via Wi-Fi.
Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds.
Vignale models undergo 100 additional quality checks, and at Ford’s production facility in Valencia, Spain, ostrich feathers – each measuring up to 76 centimetres in length and weighing less than 3 grams – are used to remove tiny dust particles from the Ford Vignale bodywork immediately before painting, resulting in a smoother finish.
The Ford Vignale model range is available to order at FordStores across Europe, and at customers’ Ford retailer of choice. FordStores incorporate dedicated Vignale Lounges that deliver a personalised purchase experience supported by a Vignale Relationship Manager. Ford already has established 360 FordStores and expects to complete its roll-out of 400 early next year.
“Our customers have high aspirations, and they want more from Ford. On some vehicles, our top-of-the-line Titanium specifications make up 70 per cent of all sales,” said Jim Farley, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “With Ford Vignale, we can offer them the absolute best of Ford in terms of luxury and personal service.”