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.”

FORD #1 - Mustang takes pride of place in Paris.

• European specification new Ford Mustang makes public debut in Paris; the first Mustang confirmed to go on sale across the region after 50 years of production will arrive in 2015
• New Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise world-class levels of performance and refinement; sleek design retaining classic Mustang key design elements
• New Mustang will deliver power of choice in Europe, from 5.0-litre V8 engine to the all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine
• State-of-the-art suspension is optimised to deliver world-class handling, precise steering control and ride comfort; innovative technology for enhanced control and connectivity

The new Ford Mustang will make its European production debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

The new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models will go on sale across Europe in 2015 for the first time after 50 years of production, and promise world-class levels of performance and refinement while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon.

“The Mustang’s reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of freedom and optimism precedes it even in those parts of the world where the car has never been sold,” said Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The new Mustang is modern, technologically advanced and creative, without forgetting the heritage that has inspired Ford customers for generations.”

More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games.

The new Mustang has been developed with world-class performance, driving dynamics and ergonomics in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies.

“The new Mustang is one of the most hotly anticipated cars ever, we are very excited to now give drivers in Europe the opportunity to experience the real thing,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.

Unmistakably Mustang

The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across Europe, including the long sculpted bonnet and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression and when you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including:

• A low roof height and wide stance
• Sleek profile enabled by steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps
• Contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature trapezoidal grille and shark-bite front fascia

Ford Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.

Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped bootspace that can accommodate two golf bags.

The Mustang experience

The way Ford Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience. The Ford Mustang offers outstanding power options and a sophisticated new chassis designed to meet the driving dynamics expectations of European drivers.

Ford’s acclaimed 5.0‑litre V8 engine – yielding 418 PS and 524 Nm of torque for Europe – is joined by an all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang; delivering turbocharged performance with the fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions demanded by Europe’s car consumers.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.

The Mustang’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver usable performance. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with 314 PS and 434 Nm of torque for Europe. An automatic transmission option features steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that deliver convenience and control for drivers.

A Mustang for the true driving enthusiast

The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes. Both 2.3-litre EcoBoost and V8-powered GT Mustang models will feature performance brake packages behind standard 19-inch wheels in Europe.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well-suited to European roads and high speed driving culture. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Smart technology

The new Mustang features a significant number of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control, and connectivity when they want it.

On a twisty road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The new Mustang will be among the first vehicles in Europe to offer SYNC 2. Ford’s advanced infotainment system features a high-resolution, 8-inch colour touch screen and advanced voice control for easier access to audio, navigation, climate control and compatible mobile phones.

SYNC 2’s navigation system also offers a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views, and the Michelin travel guide. SYNC 2 enables drivers to issue simpler “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants, which you can then get directions to.

“From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right,” Pericak said. “We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is fast, great-looking, refined and efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people around the world have associated with Mustang for decades.”