Farming Monthly National November 2016 | Page 54

| Motors Upwardly mobile Ford SUV models Upscale new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale meet growing consumer demand for more luxurious SUVs. he new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale are the first sport utility vehicles (SUVs) introduced as part of the Ford Vignale upscale product and ownership experience – and meet growing consumer demand for more luxurious SUV models. Both the Ford Kuga Vignale mid-size SUV and Ford Edge large SUV deliver exclusive specification and high-quality materials including tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors, unique Vignale colours, and detailing including the signature Ford Vignale hexagonal grille design. Cutting-edge technologies include Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment, and Ford’s SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and an 8-inch touch screen that enables pinch and swipe gestures. Powerful, fuel-efficient and refined powertrains include Ford’s 210PS bi-turbo TDCi diesel for the Ford Edge Vignale, and 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for the Ford Kuga Vignale. Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) is delivered as standard for the Ford Edge Vignale and is offered for the Ford Kuga Vignale, delivering a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road. Refinement is further enhanced for the Ford Edge Vignale with Ford Active Noise Control, which directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise T 54 | Farming Monthly | November 2016 and improve cabin ambience. “Our Ford Vignale range speaks directly to the growing trend for upmarket SUVs and represents the very best of Ford with luxurious design, materials and craftsmanship,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, 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.” The percentage of SUVs sold in the UK in 2015 rose over 25 per cent to 642,194 compared with 2014 sales. Over 80 per cent of the 32,944 Kugas sold in 2015 were highspecification Titanium models, indicating high demand for luxury variants in the SUV segment. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk