Ford is offering an exclusive shopping and service promise with the new Vignale concept
"Ford is launching a new top line of equipment under the name" Vignale ", but at the same time offering an exclusive shopping and service promise." With these words opens Bernhard Mattes (Chairman of the Board of Ford-Werke GmbH) the presentation in Rome and promises that after the Mondeo and the S-MAX even more models from the Ford family will follow this line. With the new concept, Ford wants to address customers who do not have one and that is "time". The Mondeo serves as the first brand ambassador and will roll to the dealers in September from prices of € 40.700.
The American carmaker connects the visions of the Italian body and upholsterer with the artist and body builder "Alfredo Vignale". Carrozzeria Vignale - as his company was called - was taken over by Ghia in 1969, which has been owned by the Ford Motor Company since 1970. Alfredo Vignale got his inspiration for particularly light, one-off products and delicate workmanship from aerodynamically optimized racing cars and from the aviation industry. He then combined the know-how derived from this with traditional handicraft techniques to create new creations. Ford is now offering this work to its discerning customers in the new line.
The Mondeo Vignale comes with two diesel engines, a petrol engine in two power levels and a hybrid. The two diesels will be available with 155 kW (210 hp) and 132 kW (180 hp). The more powerful unit stands out due to a 2.0 liter high-power diesel with bi-turbo charging. The 450 Newton meters used at 2.000 revs bring a lot of power to the road. The second diesel - also a 2.0 liter machine - is available with intelligent all-wheel drive and optionally with a six-speed manual transmission and a Powershift automatic transmission.
The petrol engine - an EcoBoost with 2.0 liter displacement - has either 140 kW (203 hp) or 176 kW (240 hp). Both power levels are combined with a six-speed manual transmission. The hybrid, which has a system output of 140 kW (187 hp), is fuel-efficient.
As standard, Ford will use an Active Noise Cancellation system for its diesel engines. With three microphones distributed strategically across the passenger compartment, the system analyzes the engine noise in the passenger compartment. With oppositely oscillating sound waves, the audio technology "neutralises" these sounds. Other advanced technologies for the entire Mondeo range include a "pre-collision assistant" with pedestrian detection, the communication and entertainment system (Ford SYNC 2), the parking assistant with parking and parking function (Active Park Assist) , dynamic LED headlights and the Active City Stop system. This system brakes the vehicle automatically when a rear-end collision threatens. It works in the speed range up to 40 km / h.
The vehicle will be available as a 4-door sedan as well as a combined version tournament and will satisfy the customers of Ford also in the area of exclusive shopping and service promise. Thus, the customer can rely on a pickup and delivery service for maintenance and repair appointments. In addition, he has a service rental car of the same category available. Further included in the service offer is not only an extended vehicle cleaning after an inspection, but a one-time monthly vehicle cleaning at the selling and carrying dealer.
In the extraordinary setting of a FordStore, the buyer can experience the "fascination Ford". An exclusive presentation area for the Vignale model family will sensitize the customer for the top equipment.
If the EcoBoost (petrol engine) starts at € 40.700, you can get the entry-level diesel version with 300 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox for € 180 more. The hybrid, which is available from € 41.500, is responsible for an economical variant. The most powerful diesel (155 kW / 210 PS) is offered from a price of € 44.500.
And finally ...
All in all, Ford wants to absolutely satisfy its customers, who strive for more equipment and service, and is fully in line with the Vignale concept.
Ford Mondeo Vignale 2.0 l TDCi bi-turbo, tournament
| For sale: | September 2015 |
| Base Price: | 45.500 € |
| Engine performance: | 155 kW (210 PS) |
| Drive and transmission: | PowerShift automatic transmission with dual clutch |
| Acceleration: | 8.1 seconds from 0-100 km / h |
| Consumption - combined: | 5.0 liters on 100 km |
| maximum speed: | 228 km/h |
| Length, width, height, wheelbase | 4.867, 1.852, 1.501, 2.850 mm |
Photos in the article: Stefan Beckmann Cover photo: Stefan Beckmann