Ford has revealed its forthcoming Kuga Vignale crossover ahead of its market introduction later autumn.
The Kuga is the latest Ford model to join the S-max and Edge and receive the premium trim level, following the introduction of the Mondeo Vignale in May 2015.
All Ford Vignale models come with the Sync 3 infotainment system as standard which includes a redesigned eight-inch touch-screen controlled by swipe gestures.
Exterior detailing includes chrome-finished foglamps, 19-inch wheels, while the interior benefits from tuxedo-style stitching for the seats.
Ford Vignale models also include a range of driver assistance technologies as standard including a blind spot monitoring tool, traffic sign recognition alert and functions to help the driver on long motorway journeys such as a lane keeping assist tool and a system which detects fatigue.
The Kuga Vignale will be powered by the following engines:
- 150hp 1.5-litre petrol
- 182hp 1.5-litre petrol
- 150hp 2.0-litre diesel
- 180hp 2.0-litre diesel
CO2 emissions have been revealed yet, as the engines are undergoing homologation, but a spokesman for the company told BusinessCar that he expects the 2.0-litre diesel to be most popular fleet model. In the Focus, the lower-powered engine emits 105g/km of CO2 and returns 70.6mpg.
According to Ford, 80% of the 33,000 Kugas sold in 2015 were finished in the Titanium trim level, while industry analysts IHS has predicted that sales of luxury variants of SUVs in Europe will account for 27% of all sales by 2020, up from 20% in 2014.
“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 and service at 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.”
