Europe waited a long time for the introduction of the latest Ford Mondeo. When it did finally arrive there were some people who would have been disappointed with the similarities between it and the American Ford Fusion which was released a couple of years earlier. People wondered why we didn’t get our new model sooner if it was going to be the same as the US model. Regardless, the new Mondeo is here and it is looking great with its Aston Martin-esque nose. During 2015 Ford Ireland introduced a new and even classier Mondeo to our markets with the Vignale version. This would be similar to the L&K models which are available from Skoda. Like L&K models the Vignale badge effectively means that you are buying the classiest that the Mondeo could be.
There are two powerful engines available to the Irish market. We suspect that the majority of people will opt for the 180 bhp diesel offering. This engine offers maximum torque of 400Nm and we’re told that it will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds (8.6 seconds with automatic transmission). The other option is a 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine that offers 240 bhp. This option is only available on order according to the special Ford Vignale website.
This department is pretty much the same as what’s on offer in the normal Ford Mondeo. The steering is light and the car offers a nice amount of grip. It takes corners and twists well too. If the car is not overly rushed it has good body control on corners.
Apart from more refined looks and a nicer interior the Mondeo Vignale differs from the normal Mondeo when it comes to sound insulation. There is an Active Sound Control system in here that makes the machine even quieter than the already refined Mondeo.
The Mondeo proper has a nice feel to its interior. The Vignale is full of the highest equipment and trim that Ford has to offer. The difference between the Mondeo and this model is that Vignale customers get access to 24 hour care from a specially designated support team. This support is to provide a relationship manager and free-phone assistance that lasts the lifetime of their vehicle ownership. The seats within the Vignale are very comfortable and the driver’s seat has a memory function. An optional extra is a powered steering column that moves for ease of access in and out of the vehicle – although this type of item is not always essential for a car. The door handles are chromed and both the steering wheel and the gear knob are leather trimmed. Cruise control also comes as standard with the Mondeo Vignale.
In 2014 the Mondeo scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP. They scored 86% for adult occupancy and 82% for child occupancy. For their safety assist systems they scored 66% and for pedestrian safety they scored 66%. The rear contains isofix anchor points for child seats and parking sensors come as standard.
The Mondeo Vignale is available as a saloon or as an Estate/Wagon. Like most other cars in its segment this vehicle offers a good amount of space. Leg room and head room to both the rear and front are good. The boot offers nice space too but it would not offer as much room as the likes of the Skoda Superb L&K.
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