Ford unveils range-topping Kuga Vignale

Ford has unveiled a production-ready Kuga Vignale concept that's set to go on sale in Europe later this year.

Joining the Mondeo, Edge SUV and S-MAX people mover available in other markets, the most luxurious version of the Kuga comes with larger 19-inch wheels, more exterior chrome trim and a new, dark hexagonal grille.

Inside, the small SUV comes with unusual hexagonal-quilted leather that’s said to come in Vignale's trademark contrasting cashmere-coloured stitching.

The leather and stitching combination is repeated on the hide-wrapped dashboard.

All Kuga Vignales come with Ford's top of the line SYNC 3 infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, an uprated sound system and a full-length panoramic sunroof.

The Kuga also comes with Ford's Active Noise Cancellation that uses three microphones in the cabin to monitor sound before pumping noise-cancelling frequencies into the cabin to increase refinement.

Attention to detail is claimed to be second to none, with the Vignale models hand-finished at the Valencia, Spain, manufacturing facility where the Kugas are subjected to more than two hours of hand polishing to ensure a perfect high-gloss paint finish.

Just two engines are offered on the Kuga Vignales - a 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol developing either 110kW or 134kW, or a 2.0-litre diesel that comes produces either 110kW or 132kW.

As well as the more luxurious interiors, Ford says buyers will be treated to special lounges, additional services and a one-to-one "relationship manager". The same buyers will be offered tickets to theatre, music and sporting events and directed to a dedicated travel agency to help them book holidays.

The need for a higher-spec Kuga is a consequence of the trend in markets like the UK, where more than 80 per cent of the 33,000 Kugas sold last year were the highest-spec Titanium models.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the Kuga Vignale and is expected closer to its launch later this year.