What's the news?
Ford has officially launched the latest additions to its model range including a new, more upmarket line called Vignale. The first model to wear the Vignale nameplate is the Mondeo, but as Ford Ireland's Chairman and Managing Director, Ciarán McMahon, is keen to point out it represents much more than simply a higher specification grade.
Speaking at the car's Irish debut, McMahon said: "Ford Vignale is the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe. Our vision for Vignale is to create a modern, contemporary upscale experience that is a valued part of customers' lives."
The car itself is identifiable by its Vignale badges on the wing and bootlid but also by a unique hexagonal grille design that bears a matt metallic finish and polished aluminium surround. There is a chrome detail on the lower section of the doors and the car rides on Vignale-specific 18- or optional 19-inch alloy wheels.
Standard equipment includes parking sensors with rear view camera, Lane Keeping Aid with Traffic Sign Recognition, SYNC 2 multimedia system and 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats.
The Mondeo Vignale will be offered in both four-door saloon and five-door estate bodystyles with a range of engines that includes two 2.0-litre TDCi diesel units with 180- and 210hp respectively while the petrol unit is a 2.0-litre EcoBoost with 180hp mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There will be a choice of manual or automatic transmissions with the diesel engines as well as an all-wheel drive setup. You can read what we thought of the Mondeo Vignale in our review here.
In addition to the increased levels of standard equipment, Vignale owners will benefit from additional perks such as the services of a dedicated Ford Vignale Relationship Manager and the use of exclusive Vignale Lounge. When the car is due for a service, it will be collected from and redelivered to the owner's home as part of the overall package. Only selected Ford Stores will sell the Vignale range and it is expected that Ireland will be home to four, two in Dublin, one in Cork and another to be confirmed.
Prices for the Mondeo Vignale will start at €43,900 for the 2.0-litre TDCi manual saloon, rising by €2,100 to the automatic version. The range-topper will be the 2.0-litre TDCi Powershift AWD estate priced at €50,405.
On the larger side of things, Ford's new Galaxy has also arrived in Ireland. The all-new model might bear a resemblance to its predecessor but inside much has changed. Two specification grades will be offered in Ireland. The Galaxy Zetec will be available with a 2.0-litre TDCi engine in 120-, 150- and 180hp guises including an all-wheel drive transmission on the 150hp engine. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated windscreen, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstered steering wheel and gear selector and body-coloured bumpers and door handles. The 2.0-litre TDCi 120hp Galaxy will be priced from €38,760 rising up to €46,635.
The more generously equipped Galaxy Titanium will also be offered with the choice of a 160hp 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine as well as a 2.0-litre TDCi Bi-Turbo diesel engine with 210hp and automatic transmission. Pricing for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost will begin at €41,635 while the powerful 210hp Bi-Turbo will cost €51,385.
Other options available include Ford's Intelligent Speed Limiter, which has been designed to reduce the risk of driving over the posted speed limit thanks to a front-facing camera system that can read the road signs and adjust the throttle accordingly. You can read our first drive review of the new Ford Galaxy here.
Anything else?
If the seven-seat Galaxy doesn't quite appeal to your tastes then the sportier looking Ford S-Max might. The sleeker styling is more in keeping with the type of drive that the S-Max delivers. Performance-wise the engine line-up mirrors that of the Galaxy with manual and automatic transmissions available. Read our first drive review of the new Ford S-Max here.
Both Zetec and Titanium specifications are offered with standard items including 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, Quickclear windscreen, Ford's SYNC infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning and Ford's MyKey system that includes keyless start.
The Titanium specification grade adds Ford SYNC 2 infotainment system, LED daytime running lights, chrome door line, automatic headlights and wipers, lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition incorporating the Intelligent Speed Limiter. Pricing will begin at €35,760 in the case of the 120hp 2.0-litre TDCi Zetec model while and the other end of the price spectrum the 2.0-litres TDCi Bi-Turbo Titanium model will cost €47,785.