DETROIT: The latest Ford to carry the Vignale insignia is based on the latest-generation Kuga mid-sized SUV but boasts the sort of creature comforts, craftsmanship and active safety tech more commonly associated with premium crossovers.
So, for instance, the Ford Kuga Vignale comes with a latest-generation voice-activated infotainment system complete with a premium audio system and ambient interior lighting.
It also boasts adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a lane-keeping alert, road sign recognition and can even see around corners thanks to front-mounted wide angle cameras.
Its seats are covered in quilted Windsor leather and before each model ships to its owner it is given a two-hour hand polish and must pass a craftsman's inspection.
"Our Ford Kuga Vignale speaks directly to the growing trend for luxury SUVs and represents the very best of Ford with premium design, materials and craftsmanship," said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.
However, in this instance luxury doesn't mean taking a basic Ford model and offering it with every optional extra as standard - although every Vignale is very well equipped.
Rather it's about simplifying and personalizing the ownership experience. So offering customers a relationship manager to not only take care of all the annoying details of specifying and buying a car, but to hang around and remain a constant point of contact once the deal has been done.
It also means taking the pain out of things like maintenance and servicing. The car is collected and a courtesy car delivered, and when the vehicle is returned, it's been cleaned and valeted as part of the service.
"Our customers have high aspirations, and they want more from Ford," 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."
The Kuga becomes the fourth Vignale model in the European range following the launch of the Mondeo, S-Max and Edge variants over the past 18 months. And like existing models, as well as the standard specifications, customers can heavily personalize their models further.
"[It] is a more individualistic way to enjoy luxury and express your style," said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe.
