Skip advert
Advertisement
Car trim reviews

Ford Mondeo Vignale

"Ford wants its Mondeo Vignale to be more of an experience than just a range-topping trim."

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Ford are taking on the premium compact saloon market with their range-topping Vignale trim, with the Ford Mondeo being the first car subject to the brand's new trim line.

It's more than just a trim, though, as Ford are making a real effort to market the Vignale an experience over just a top-of-the-range trim option. The Vignale name is taken from Italian coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, who designed one-off models of Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and other Italian car brands. The Vignale brand will be opening specifc 'Vignale Lounges' in around 50 Ford showrooms, where 'Vignale Relationship Managers' will be able to guide you through the specification process. There's also a dedicated customer service line, where advisors can help with technical queries, maintenance bookings and more.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mondeo Vignale has its own specific paint finishes and upholstery designs, along with a few unique options that normal Mondeos do without. The interior is hand-finished, with uniquely designed seats made of quilted leather, and it's laden with technology. The standard equipment list streches to Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system with sat nav, all-round parking sensors, a reversing camera, electrically adjustable seats, LED headlights and keyless entry. Equipment like Ford's Park Assist system and the Mondeo's unique inflatable seatbelts can be specified too, at an extra cost.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mondeo Vignale can be fitted with a range of petrol and diesel engines, with a flagship bi-turbo diesel seen on the Ford S-MAX topping the choice list. The most popular engine will be the 177bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel with a manual gearbox, as it is capable of around 62.8mpg and emissions of just 117g/km. There's also a hybrid option which escapes road tax, due to its sub-100g/km emissions figure.

The major caveat with the Mondeo Vignale is its price; for a similar amount of money (around £30,000), you could get yourself a BMW 3 Series Sport or a Jaguar XE Prestige. Both BMW and Jaguar have more clout in terms of their brand images in this sector and have more experience with providing a solidly built and dynamically adept saloon car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Good points

The Mondeo is already a handsome looking car, but the larger alloy wheels, chrome trim pieces and unqiue front grille design means the Vignale does stand out a little more among the Mondeo's trim line.The economical diesel options mean fuel economy can reach up to 63mpg. It's not as much as what you'd get from a Jaguar XE with its new Ingenium diesel engines, but still decent.The amount of equipment on board means Vignale owners will want for nothing and the ride is comfortable.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Bad points

The Vignale doesn't do much to improve on the Mondeo's rather sober driving behaviour. It's more of a cruiser, designed to waft across motorways with ease, rather than a crisp drivers car like previous generations.Buyers could be put off by the lack of badge appeal over a BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE. For similar money, the BMW may have less equipment as standard but offers more in the way of prestige and is a better car to drive.Despite the hand-finished details, the dashboard doesn't feature the same build quality as a Volkswagen Passat.

What you get

  • Alloy wheels
  • Metallic paint
  • Electric folding wing mirrors
  • Alarm
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Tyre pressure sensors
  • Passenger & Driver airbag
  • Front side airbags
  • Curtain airbags
  • Front fog lights
  • Auto climate control
  • Full leather seats
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Height adjustable driver's seat
  • Electric driver's seat
  • Heated front seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Single CD player
  • AUX stereo input
  • DAB Radio
  • Cruise control
  • Sat nav
  • Stop/Start
  • Automatic wipers
  • Reversing camera
  • Rear electric windows
  • Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

  • Inflatable seatbelts

Our choice

The 177bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel will be powerful enough for most and has the best fuel economy out of all the engines too. The PowerShift automatic could be the better option if you want stress-free driving, but the manual is slick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Mondeo hatchback review (2014-2022)
Ford Mondeo hatchback
In-depth reviews
8 Mar 2024

Ford Mondeo hatchback review (2014-2022)

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV
Skoda Elroq
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024