Ford launches the next two Vignale models, the Edge and Kuga, moving them up into the luxury car territory.

• Ford expands upscale Vignale model portfolio with new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale, meeting growing consumer demand for upmarket SUVs
• Ford Kuga Vignale mid-size SUV and Ford Edge Vignale large SUV deliver exclusive specification and premium materials including tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors
• Sophisticated technologies include SYNC 3 connectivity with enhanced voice-control and 8-inch touch screen enabling pinch and swipe gestures
• Powerful, fuel-efficient and refined powertrains include Ford’s 210PS bi-turbo TDCi diesel for Ford Edge Vignale, and 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for Ford Kuga Vignale
• Ford Vignale model range available to order across Europe; upscale product and ownership experience offers dedicated lifestyle service and exclusive benefits

The new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale are the first sport utility vehicles (SUVs) introduced as part of the Ford Vignale upscale product and ownership experience – and meet growing consumer demand for more luxurious SUV models.

Both the Ford Kuga Vignale mid-size SUV and Ford Edge large SUV deliver exclusive specification and high-quality materials including tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors, unique Vignale colours, and detailing including the signature Ford Vignale hexagonal grille design.

Cutting-edge 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.

Powerful, fuel-efficient and refined powertrains include Ford’s 210PS bi-turbo TDCi diesel for the Ford Edge Vignale, and 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for the Ford Kuga Vignale. 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 further 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, indicating high demand for luxury variants in the SUV segment.

Ford Kuga Vignale

Based on the sophisticated new Ford Kuga, the Ford Kuga Vignale is offered in exclusive 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 upmarket character of the Ford Kuga Vignale interior is heightened with unique 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.

Advanced Ford Kuga Vignale technologies include Ford’s Perpendicular Parking that 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.

Powerful and fuel-efficient Ford Kuga Vignale powertrain options include:

• 150PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost six-speed manual front-wheel drive (FWD) offering 44.8mpg and 145g/km CO₂ **
• 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost six-speed automatic AWD offering 37.7mpg and 173g/km CO₂
• 150PS 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
• 180PS 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 stylish and contemporary Ford Edge Vignale features carefully executed exterior detailing for enhanced exclusivity, including 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 refined 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 strategically 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 powerful diesel powertrains; 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed PowerShift AWD and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual AWD. Both deliver 47.9mpg and 152g/km CO₂.

Advanced technologies for comfort and security

All Ford Vignale models deliver as standard the Ford’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 the most user-friendly system to date.

SYNC 3 delivers faster performance, simplified commands, and supports five additional languages. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafés, petrol stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels.

Drivers can operate SYNC 3’s 8-inch touchscreen in the same way that they use their smartphones. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

iPhone users can activate Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car allowing drivers to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions, and more while they stay focused on the road. Android™ users can activate Android Auto™. Android Auto makes apps and services that drivers already know and love, accessible in safer and seamless ways including 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 – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink.

Meticulous testing

Each Ford Vignale vehicle is individually tailored to customer specification, and manufactured using a process that blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The latest laser and camera technology supports the artisan’s trained eye in closely examining every aspect of a Vignale vehicle from bodyshell and panel alignment to paint finish.

Passionate about precision and attention to detail, experts spend more than two hours hand‑polishing the paintwork to create the perfect high-gloss finish; and also carefully scrutinise thefine detailing and stitching of individual laser-cut pieces of leather trim fitted to each seat.

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 an even smoother finish.

Expanded Ford Vignale range

The new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale upscale sport utility vehicles expand the Ford Vignale portfolio to four models, following the introduction of the Ford Mondeo Vignale four-door and wagon in 2015, and Ford S-MAX Vignale seven-seat sports activity vehicle earlier this year.

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.

Ford also offers a dedicated lifestyle service that helps Ford Vignale customers across Europe efficiently arrange travel, event and lifestyle activities. Delivered in partnership with Total Management – a global event, lifestyle and travel agency – the service offers a carefully selected collection of experiences to Ford Vignale customers.

Additional customer benefits offered by Ford Vignale include the Vignale Service smartphone app for Apple and Android™ operating systems. The app delivers a direct link to online lifestyle content from the Vignale Magazine, in addition to offering driving tips and information; a dealership locator; and GPS-enabled services including Ford Vignale Park Me, fuel stations locator, and a one-touch connection with emergency services or Ford Vignale One Call. 

Customers can now use Ford’s new dedicated Ford Vignale Internet destination and online configurator to explore pricing and options – including the new design options introduced earlier this year that enable customers to further personalise the exterior styling of Ford Vignale models.

“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.”

IRELAND - Ford prepares for the launch of the All-New Edge Sports Utility Vehicle.

All-New Ford Edge Arrives in Ireland - Ford’s New SUV Offers Class-Leading Space and Driving Dynamics, Premium Comfort and Refinement

• All-new Ford Edge SUV delivers premium comfort, cutting-edge technologies and advanced driving dynamics for greater numbers of European SUV customers
• Superior refinement delivered using noise-cancelling Active Noise Control technology alongside noise-optimised chassis, powertrains and body aerodynamics
• Ford Adaptive Steering enhances class-leading driving dynamics; standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive monitors road conditions to deliver a secure and responsive driving experience

The all-new Ford Edge upscale sport utility vehicle (SUV) has arrived in Ireland. Delivering premium levels of comfort, sophisticated driver assistance features and class-leading driving dynamics, the Edge is Ford’s latest offering in Europe’s best-selling vehicle segment.

“The all new Edge joins our Kuga and EcoSport to complete Ford’s SUV line-up in a segment which even in Ireland is seeing huge growth,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “Offering cutting-edge style with commanding presence and high specification including Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive, the Edge will tick all the boxes for Ireland’s growing number of SUV owners.”

Ford’s refined and boldly styled new flagship SUV for Europe offers technologies including:

• Active Noise Control, which works like noise-cancelling headphones to counteract unwanted noises in the cabin
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can apply the brakes to avoid collisions with other vehicles or even pedestrians
• Ford Adaptive Steering, which automatically adjusts the steering ratio according to speed to optimise manoeuvrability and precision

The all-new Ford Edge sets new standards in its class for interior space; features high quality materials throughout the finely crafted interior; and offers comfort and convenience features including heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic roof.

Ford has developed the Edge to take the stress out of driving in town or country with sophisticated parking technologies that can locate and steer into or out of spaces hands-free; Front Wide-View Camera technology that can see around corners even when drivers cannot – reducing stress and potentially helping avert collisions; and standard Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for optimised traction in slippery conditions. Powerful and fuel efficient diesel engines that deliver 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg), 149 g/km CO₂* and up to 210 PS make owning a large, upscale SUV more affordable than ever.

Ford plans to sell more than 200,000 SUVs in Europe this year – a 200 per cent increase compared to 2013. Consumer demand for SUVs is growing; last year the SUV segment became the best-selling segment in Europe for the first time with a 24 per cent increase year-on-year. Registrations of vehicles in the Edge’s mid-size SUV segment grew 42 per cent year-on-year.**

Powerful and fuel-efficient engines

The Ford Edge uses the latest powertrain technologies to deliver optimised fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, making powerful SUV performance accessible to even more customers.

The Edge is offered with a choice of two sophisticated 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines; offering 180 PS with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), or a 210 PS Bi-turbo version that achieves 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.4 seconds and reaches 211 km/h (131 mph). Both versions deliver 5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg) and 149 g/km CO₂.

Innovative aerodynamic features include Front Aero Curtains that channel air through vertical slots in the front bumper and out across the outer edge of the front wheel, creating a wall of high speed air that reduces aerodynamic drag caused by the rotation of wheels.

Edge 2.0-litre TDCi 180 PS models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, and 210 PS models with a six-speed PowerShift automatic option that can be operated via steering standard wheel-mounted paddles. All powertrains feature Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system that delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions. The system gathers data from 25 different sensors to measure how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink.

Intelligent All Wheel Drive can pre-emptively adjust torque distribution to avoid wheel spin, reducing the workload for drivers and delivering smoother journeys for passengers. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, the system has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency, CO₂ emissions and tyre wear compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.

Edge in Ireland

Ford Edge is available in two series (both 5-door): Titanium and Sport.

Key features for the Edge Titanium series include:19” alloys; front and rear parking sensors; Handsfree Power Tailgate and Keyfree system; Ford DAB navigation system; Active Noise Cancellation; Rear View Camera; Illuminated Scuff Plates.

In addition to above, key features for the Edge Sport series include: 20” alloys; Adaptive Steering system; SONY DAB Navigation system with 12 speakers; unique front, rear and side sports bodystyling with dark exterior detailing; alloy pedals.

Bodystyle	Engine	Transmission	CO2	Price from*
Edge Titanium
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180PS AWD	6 speed  manual	149	€55,700
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 210PS AWD	PowerShift	149	€60,350
Edge Sport
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 180PS AWD	6 speed  manual	152	€57,450
5 Door	2.0 Duratorq TDCi 210PS AWD	PowerShift	152	€62,100

*quoted price range excludes delivery and related costs

**JATO Dynamics results are based on information provided by JATO Consult, the company's bespoke consulting service. Figures are based on 30 European countries.

More than 60,000 Ford Edge vehicles have been configured on www.ford.co.uk since January 2016.

More than 60,000 Ford Edge vehicles have been configured on www.ford.co.uk since January 2016, as right-hand-drive models roll off the production line for the first time. Ford data shows the flagship Sport model as the most popular choice, making up 49 per cent of the configurations, while just 11 per cent account for the lead-in Zetec series. 

Over 55 per cent specified the 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with Powershift automatic transmission and the most popular colours are Oxford White (16 per cent), Shadow Black (14 per cent) and Electric Spice (8 per cent). 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.”

Available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport series – and with a choice of 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission – the all-new Edge is well-equipped as standard, offering Ford intelligent all-wheel drive, Active Noise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC connectivity, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels.

Other innovative features available include Adaptive Steering, which automatically optimises the steering response according to vehicle speed, making it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, while remaining precise and intuitive at higher speeds; and Front Wide View Camera, which makes restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces easier to negotiate.

The all-new upscale Ford Edge arrives in Ford’s UK dealerships this summer priced from £29,995 – joining the increasingly popular Ford Kuga ‘family-sized’ SUV from £19,995 and EcoSport compact SUV from £14,445.

The New Ford Edge has been added to the Ford UK range, making three SUV models now available.

The all-new upscale Ford Edge enters the UK’s surging SUV market priced from £29,995. 

This sophisticated new SUV from Ford – arriving in Ford dealerships this summer – offers class-leading space for up to five passengers, segment-first technologies and refinement to rival premium competitors. 

It joins the increasingly popular Ford Kuga ‘family-sized’ SUV and EcoSport compact SUV to complete Ford’s three-car SUV line-up.

Early indications of residual values also reinforce the strength of the Ford Edge, with CAP Gold Book expecting a 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi manual Zetec to retain 56.6 per cent of its new list price, after three years and 30,000 miles.

Ford Edge Model	Price	RV %  – 3 Years  30,000 Miles  Cap Gold Book       December              2015
Zetec 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi  AWD 6sp Manual	£29,995	56.6%
Titanium 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual	£32,245	55.1%
Titanium 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp PS Auto	£34,495	54.7%
Sport 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp Manual	£34,495	54.4%
Sport 210PS 2.0-litre TDCi AWD 6sp PS Auto	£36,745	54.1%

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: “The introduction of the stylish Ford Edge SUV is another incredibly exciting moment for Ford and its dealers. Joining performance products like Mustang and Focus RS and new luxury products like Mondeo Vignale already in showrooms, the Edge makes the Ford product line-up for 2016 never stronger.

“It will deliver more room for passengers than large competitor SUVs that cost considerably more. The styling and suite of comfort, convenience and safety technologies in Edge rival the premium offerings available in the UK,” added Barratt.

Available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport series, the all-new Edge is well-equipped as standard, offering Ford intelligent all-wheel drive, Active Noise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC 2 connectivity system, privacy glass and 19in alloy wheels. 

The flagship SUV is offered with a choice of 10 exterior colours including new Electric Spice and Bronze Fire, and is available with a wide range of interior leather trim options.

Design

The all-new Ford Edge exterior is carefully sculpted and athletic with strong ‘shoulders’ and a muscular, more compact bonnet. To improve efficiency, unique air curtains are positioned on the lower part of the fascia to guide air from the front of the vehicle, out through the front wheel wells and down the vehicle side.

The interior has been designed with high-quality materials throughout, including soft-touch trims on the dashboard and centre console, high-gloss piano black surrounds on the switch bezels and a satin silver metal finish for the door handles, air vent bezels, glovebox trim and steering wheel detailing. The spacious Edge is also offered with heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats from the Titanium series.

Powertrains

The Edge will be offered in the UK with a choice of 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Both powertrains will aim to deliver 48.7mpg fuel efficiency and 149g/km CO₂ supported by Auto-Start-Stop technology.¹

Technology

All-new Edge will offer new Ford technologies, including Adaptive Steering, which automatically optimises the steering response according to vehicle speed, making it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, while remaining precise and intuitive at higher speeds; and Front Wide View Camera, which makes restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces easier to negotiate.

Edge debuts segment-first Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection; a camera- and radar-based system that can operate at speeds from 5mph to 110mph to detect vehicles and people in the road ahead. The system can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected and the driver does not respond to warnings.

The Edge will also feature Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology as standard, delivering a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions.

Measuring how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds – 20 times quicker than it takes to blink – the system can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, Intelligent AWD has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and CO₂ emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems.

Outstanding refinement is achieved with acoustic windscreen glass and laminated glass for both front door windows, minimising the intrusion of wind noise. 

Underbody panels and wheel-arch liners further minimise road and wind noise. All Edge models are also equipped with Ford’s Active Noise Control technology that detects unwanted engine noise in the cabin and cancels it out with opposing sound waves fed through the integrated sound system.

History

The all-new Ford Edge made its European debut at Frankfurt Motorshow in 2015. In North America, the Edge was introduced in 2007 and has consistently been a top-seller in the segment, achieving record sales in 2013 with 129,109. It is built at Ford’s Oakville Plant in Ontario, Canada, and available to buy in The Americas, Europe, Russia and eastern Asia.