Ford Edge Vignale 2.0 TDCI
Glitz leaves bad taste
The Edge Vignale is the Ford that’s priced well above £40,000 even before you tick any of the option boxes. A lot of money, yes, but it should hold plenty of appeal – in theory, at least. The market can’t get enough of SUVS, and SUV buyers more than most appear to be willing to pay for top-spec models and are fairly neutral when it comes to the badge on the bonnet – so long as the car is good enough.
As with all other Vignale models, the Edge has been fitted with chrome trim big alloys on the outside and coated in leather on the inside, before heading off to the technology department in order to heat, power, illuminate and automate anything that can be converted into a switch, screen or camera.
Luxury additions aside, the Edge Vignale does what all other Edges do, which means it offers a comfortable and spacious cabin and a relaxed drive while providing adequate enough performance. But as creditable as the Edge is on all of those fronts, remember that it was never a class-leading car before its premium transformation.
The big leather seats are comfortable and the undoubted high point inside, but all that plush leather is dotted around an array of switchgear and a fairly crude infotainment screen that you’d find in Mondeos costing half as much, and that dilutes the premium feel.
The performance of the 2.0-litre diesel engine is decent, though, with its delivery making for comfortable, relaxed progress rather than anything brisk. It’s a nice companion for the automatic gearbox, too, which offers smooth and unobtrusive shifts. However, the same can be said for lesser, cheaper Edges.
The Edge Vignale must always be remembered in the context of how much it costs. At this price point, Ford is playing with the likes of wellspecced Land Rover Discovery Sports and Audi Q5s – all cars that start their life as premium models, rather than beginning as something more humble and affordable prior to the leather and baubles being added.
If you’re really sold on an Edge, pick one lower down the range and add some options to it. If you’re looking to spend more than £40,000 on an SUV, shop elsewhere.