Test Driving; Fords Kuga Vignale

Thank you to our long-standing Ford supplier for allowing us to test-drive the top of the range in Ford Kuga leasing, the Ford KUGA VIGNALE DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDCi 180 [Pan roof] 5dr Auto.

It’s always nice for the team here at CarLease UK to get close to the product, particularly if some of our local customers are able to pop by to have a quick look too.

So what is the Vignale? In Ford’s words, this is the expression of style and refinement with dynamic elegant touches and hand-crafted premium materials. In the non-marketing world, this is Ford’s luxury mid-size SUV which offers some great standard options on top of the Titanium X including:

· 18” alloy wheels
· Vignale body styling kit
· Bi-Xenon headlights with jet wash
· LED tail lamps
· Full leather seats
· Vignale leather steering wheels
· SYNC 3 with navigation and premium sound system with 9 Sony speakers
· Keyless start and hands-free tailgate
· Rear view camera
· Rain sensing front windscreen wipers

In terms of the car shown, it is based on the following configuration:

· Metallic – Magnetic
· Windsor Leather – Charcoal black
· 18″ alloy wheels

The ideal of going for a Vignale lease deal, is that you can get a car which very little else needs adding to. The standard options increase the Quickclear heated windscreen, hill start assist, roll stability, Bluetooth, enhanced parking assist (including pull out guiard), rear parking sensors, Premium SYNC 3, auto dimming rear view camera, body colour styling kit, bi-xenon lights, auto headlights, LED daytime running lights, climate control, Windsor leather, ambient lighting, keyless entry and start (including boot system) and a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm. In terms of options to add to the Vignale, just consider the 19” alloys and appearance pack and you really have everything covered!

On the technical side, company car drivers will have to get their wallets out – a whopping £35,990.00 for the P11d and 134g/km of CO2 for this crossover. The 1997 CC engine is a 6 speed auto which delivers a 54.3 combined MPG on the basis of 180ps and 0-62 times of circa 10 seconds. Servicing-wise, its every 12 months or 12,500 miles for the new Kuga Vignale.

It’s very difficult to say whether the Kuga is aimed at the younger or older driver; it sort of sits in the middle. We tend to find that the Peugeot 2008 and Hyundai Tuscon are for the older lease drivers whereas the Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008 are more for the younger generation.

From the Ford Kuga range, the St-Line is maybe an answer to a growing market of younger drivers who want a practical family car with style and options. Whereas the Zetec and Titanium fit the grey pound. The Ford Kuga Vignale is maybe for just for the people who have the budget for this spec! In truth, the hefty price tag on the Ford means it is an ambitious request when you have cheaper options with the VW Tiguan, the Skoda Kodiaq and, on certain leasing deals, the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3.

A middle-manufacturer chasing the luxury brands is always an endeavour. Granted, the Vignale ticks many boxes for style, comfort and function but can it tick the price box?

What would your decision be in the SUV leasing market?