What is Ford Vignale? Is it worth it?

While the brand’s cars are already ideal for many buyers, Ford believes it can tempt them away from premium brands like BMW and Audi with its new Vignale trim. So what is it exactly, and what do you get for the money?

On the face of it, the Vignale seems to be simply a Mondeo, Mondeo Estate or S-Max with a few fancy goodies thrown in – much like any other top-of-the-range edition. While it does gain extra kit above the Titanium trim level – we’ll come to the details later – Vignale aims to offer a level of quality and service that lifts it further above the average Ford.

Perceived quality has been lifted through tighter quality checks and a hand-finished presentation unique within the Ford range. A new Vignale centre in Spain has been built specifically for dedicated craftsmen to perform 100 additional quality checks over and above those of a standard Ford. The exterior paint is polished by hand, while leather hides are checked for flaws before being hand stitched onto the seats and dashboard.

A more personal service is offered for Vignale customers, too. Selected Ford dealerships will sell the Vignale, each with Vignale “Relationship Managers”. Each Vignale customer is appointed their own, and each Relationship Manager offers the availability of 24-hour phone support and a collection and drop-off service for any scheduled trips to the garage.

Above the standard equipment list of the Mondeo Titanium, the Vignale adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels – 19-inch optionally available, both in designs unique to the Vignale
• Full-LED headlights with adaptive lighting
• Vignale leather upholstery – hand stitched and quilted, the material is of a much higher quality than the Mondeo’s standard leather trim
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system – includes DAB radio and satellite navigation
• Vignale Nocciola – a metallic brown unique to Vignale customers. Three other paint finishes are also available
• Rear-view camera
• Active noise cancellation – road and engine noise is reduced thanks to a sound system which detects any low-pitched droning sounds and can play a noise with an opposite frequency in order to reduce its volume drastically
• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function

The price of all of this extra equipment, quality and service is approximately £4,800 depending on engine choice. Whether that price hike will be proven to be a sound financial choice remains to be seen but, for buyers after a little luxury, it’s a tempting proposition.

The Mondeo is the only Ford currently treated to the Vignale spec with the S-Max following closely behind. Other models may follow suit in future, the most likely of which is the Kuga or upcoming Edge large SUV.

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