What started back in 2016 with the Mondeo and S-MAX, Ford is now continuing with its existing Sport Utility Vehicels (SUVs) Kuga and Edge. Ford is presenting its new top equipment line under the name “Vignale”, which also offers an exclusive purchase and service promise. Throughout 2017, approximately 500 FordStores “Vignale” lounges are to be created throughout Europe, which can respond specifically to customer requests in an exclusive atmosphere. Because one thing the potential Ford Vignale buyers do not have and that is "time". This was the result of a study leading up to this special sales concept. Like the models already introduced, the Kuga and Edge serve as additional brand ambassadors and, like the Kuga from € 34.650 and Edge from € 53.300, will find their starting price.
The new Ford Vignale Kuga and Edge in the first driving report
Kuga and Edge in luxury mode
For a long time, Ford had to let its customers go, who demanded a higher standard in connection with individual services. One has been trying to develop this philosophy itself since last year and is generating the "demanding" customer with the more than 360 FordStores in Europe. In the special setting of such a store, the buyer can now experience the “fascination of Ford”. An exclusive presentation area specially designed for the Vignale model family will make customers aware of the top equipment. The Cologne-based automaker is thus responding to surveys among users of premium vehicles. The artist and body builder "Alfredo Vignale" and Ford alike combine the visions of the Italian body shop and upholsterer. Carrozzeria Vignale was taken over by Ghia, which has been owned by Ford Motor Company since 1969. Back then, aerodynamically optimized racing cars and the aerospace industry inspired Vignale for particularly easy one-off production and delicate workmanship.
This know-how combined with traditional handicraft technology for new creations is the basic idea of the luxury line. Vignale also defines itself through the service concept conveyed by Ford. For example in the area of exclusive purchasing and service promises. So the customer can rely on a pick-up and delivery service for maintenance and repair appointments. In addition, he also has a service rental car in the same category. The service offer includes not only an extended vehicle cleaning after an inspection, but also a one-off monthly vehicle cleaning that the owner can have carried out by the selling and performing dealer.
Kuga with diesel and gasoline
The Kuga Vignale is offered with two diesels and a petrol engine in two performance levels. The two diesels are available with a total of three performance levels. If we experience 1.5 kW (88 hp) with the 120 liter TDCi, the 2.0 liter TDCi comes with the outputs of 110 kW (150 hp) and 132 kW (180 hp). While the small diesel delivers 300 Newton meters at 1.500 - 2.000 revolutions, the 2.0 liter diesel in the power stage 150 HP offers 370 Newton meters at 2.000 - 2.500 revolutions and in the output stage 180 HP a full 400 Newton meters at likewise 2.000 - 2.500 revolutions. Unfortunately, the intelligent all-wheel drive is only available as standard for the most powerful diesel engine. Not available for the 1.5 liter diesel, the iAWD in the 150 hp, 2.0 liter diesel engine is only available as an option. All units can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission as well as with a Powershift automatic transmission.
The petrol engine - an EcoBoost with a displacement of 1.5 liters - has either 110 kW (150 hp) or 134 kW (182 hp). In contrast to the 150 PS petrol engine variant, which can only be ordered as a front-wheel drive with a manual six-speed gearbox, Ford combines the power level with 182 PS only with the all-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
Entertainment system Ford SYNC in 3. generation
In addition to a multitude of customization options for inside and outside, the Cologne-based company will present driver assistance systems that have been further developed for the Kuga. This includes the “Active City Stop”. This system automatically brakes the vehicle if there is a risk of a rear-end collision. It works in the speed range up to 40 km / h. Other useful assistants are a lane assistant, high beam assistant, drowsiness warning, traffic sign recognition system and a blind spot assistant. The communication and entertainment system Ford SYNC is meanwhile in the 3rd further development its place in the Kuga Vignale.
SUV with noise cancellation
Ford wants to round off the SUV range with the Edge, which looks very American on the outside. The large SUV offers even more space and comfort than the Kuga already does. This is ensured, for example, by the standard active noise cancellation system. With three microphones strategically distributed over the passenger compartment, the system analyzes the engine noise in the interior. With oppositely vibrating sound waves, audio technology "neutralizes" these noises. The standard range also includes a front camera with “Split View” technology, which virtually looks around the corner at intersections with a hidden view for the driver. As already available in the Kuga, the Edge also has a blind spot assistant, the traffic sign detection system, a lane assistant and fatigue warning. Ford also sets accents and standards for the luxury liner Vignale with special materials and features for the chassis and interior.
Edge with clear motorization
Compared to the smaller SUV Kuga, the engine range is clear. Two diesel gensets, each with one power level, are available. There is a choice of an 2.0 liter TDCi turbodiesel with 132 kW (180 PS) and a six-speed manual transmission as well as a new bi-turbo diesel with an 2.0 liter displacement, which has an output of 154 kW (210 PS) and up to 450 Nm torque combined with the Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. According to the manufacturer, both drives have a nominally combined consumption of 5,9 liters / 100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 emission of 152 g / km.
And finally ...
Due to the constantly growing range of Vignale versions from the Ford vehicle range, Ford becomes an existing customer who can keep looking for the extraordinary. The Cologne carmaker is thus in line with its competitors' trend.
Kuga and Edge fit very well in Ford's Vignale concept and make a good luxury impression.
Text and image: Stefan Beckmann