Ford has confirmed that the Kuga SUV will form the third model line in its upmarket Vignale sub-brand.
Images of the production Kuga Vignale have been released and order books will open later this year when the prices yet to be confirmed.
The Kuga Vignale will be on sale at the brand’s network of FordStores alongside the already available four-door Mondeo and S-Max. Vignale versions of the Edge and the five-door Mondeo will also join the range later this year.
The Kuga Vignale gains a bespoke pearlescent Milano Grigio exterior finish, with dark gloss effect on the front and rear skid plates, door panels and boot trim. The signature Vignale hexagonal grille design is also incorporated.
Inside there is hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather – upholstery only offered on Vignale models – with tuxedo-style stitching on the seats and door interiors, in a Cashmere colour. The instrument panel is also leather finished.
Details of the technology available on the Kuga Vignale are yet to be released but it will include the Sync 3 infotainment system that is standard on all Vignales. The Edge and five-door Mondeo versions unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March included tri-zone climate control, a premium audio system and a host of driver aids including a wide-view camera, traffic sign recognition and a blind spot information system.
Kuga Vignales will be available with 1.5-litre 150PS and 182PS Ecoboost petrol and 2-litre TDCi diesel engines of 150PS and 180PS, the most powerful petrol and diesel models also fitted with intelligent all-wheel-drive transmissions.
Ford believes there will be high demand for Vignale versions of the Kuga – the high-specification Titanium trim level accounted for more than 80 per cent of all Kugas sold in the UK in 2015.
“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,” said Ford of Europe marketing sales and service head Roelant de Waard.