Ford reveals the production version of the Mondeo Vignale – costs from £29,045

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The Ford Vignale Mondeo has been revealed ahead of going on sale in the UK in May 2015, costing from £29,045 rising to £33,310 for the 2.0 litre diesel 4WD Estate.

The 21st century take on the Cortina Ghia arrives in production guise as Ford reveals the titivated Mondeo they hope will be a big seller – the Ford Vignale Mondeo – costing from £29,045.

Ford’s press release on the Mondeo Vignale actually calls it the Vignale Mondeo, as clear a sign as you’re going to get that Ford really believes they can make the Vignale name a sub-brand with real credibility, and a by-word for luxury; the Ford equivalent of Mercedes-Maybach, perhaps?

Basically a titivated Mondeo Titanium X, the Vignale Mondeo adds another layer of goodies on top of that spec, as well as cosmetic tweaks to make the Vignale model stand out.

Additional technology includes Ford’s SYNC2 infotainment, Park Assist (with perpendicular parking), City Brake, Adaptive LED headlights, Rear Parking Camera and Parking Sensors all round.

There’s also active noise cancellation for diesel models that generates sound waves to cancel out intrusive noise in the cabin, extra insulation, Acoustic glass and massaging front seats.

But it’s the cosmetic tweaks that are front and centre, with a bespoke Vignale grill, extra chrome, standard metallic paint, high floss exterior highlights, 18″ alloys and Vignale leather with hexagonal quilting.

Jim Farley, Ford executive VP and Europe president, said:

Ford Vignale is the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe, bringing together award-winning design with a unique ownership experience.

Our vision for Vignale is to create a modern, contemporary upscale experience that makes Vignale a valued part of customers’ lives, starting with the Ford Vignale Mondeo, and later this year with introduction of the Ford Vignale S-MAX.

Ford aim to keep the Vignale ownership exclusive and hands-on, with bespoke ‘FordStores’ opening in 70 UK Ford dealers this year, a personal relationship manager for Vignale owners and a bespoke Vignale App.

Prices for the Vignale Mondeo start at £29,045 for the 178bhp 2.0 litre diesel manual, rising to £33,310 for the 4WD auto Estate with the 207bhp diesel. You can also opt for a 237bhp petrol version.

It’s a brave try by Ford to grab back some of the ground the Mondeo has lost in recent years to premium cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class.

Whether buyers will be convinced that a ‘Vignale’ is as appealing as a 3-Series or C-Class is something we’ll start to discover when the Vignale Mondeo goes on sale in Ford’s UK dealers in May.