Ford Kuga Vignale and Galaxy Vignale models due in 2016

A Ford insider has confirmed to Auto Express that further Vignale models are in the pipeline – including a range-topping luxury version of the Kuga SUV and Galaxy MPV.

Speaking at the launch of the new Ford C-MAX, Ford’s UK marketing director, Anthony Ireson, told us that if initial sales of the new Ford Mondeo Vignale and Ford S-MAX Vignale prove fruitful, additional models could join the range.

Ford Vignale, the Blue Oval’s new upmarket sub-brand, will kick off later this year with the new Mondeo Vignale. Offering buyers a unique ownership experience – including exclusive lounges and dedicated service managers – the Vignale badge is likely to command a healthy premium over existing top-spec cars.

Any thoughts of luxurious Fiesta or Focus models were quashed though, with our man insisting there are no plans to roll out the Vignale brand to the more mainstream family hatchbacks. Instead Ford will choose to target BMW and Audi in the mid-size SUV segment – and potentially Mercedes with a Galaxy Vignale at a later date.

The brand is expecting big success for Vignale – and the Kuga would be a logical next step. Last year, Ford launched a new range-topping Kuga Titanium X Sport following news that around 80 per cent of buyers were ordering the already luxurious Titanium models.

The Titanium X Sport adds 19-inch alloys, a sporty bodykit, sat-nav, a rear parking camera and tinted windows, so the Kuga Vignale is expected to raise the game above and beyond premium rivals. That means – in addition to the exclusive dealership experience – the Vignale would also add a more upmarket interior and a classy exterior design.

Ford is planning around 70 dedicated Vignale dealerships, situated in the UK’s most densely populated areas. They will sell both Mondeo and S-MAX from launch, as well as the new right-hand-drive Mustang, which will go on sale in the UK for the first time in the model’s 50-year history.