In Paris last month Ford lifted the lid on the stunning Focus Vignale concept car. Based on the new Focus (itself revealed for the first time to the public at the show), the Vignale features a de rigueur folding hardtop now expected by the market place, ensuring Ford doesn't miss out on this rich vein of custom.

Likely to be seen virtually unaltered in the next year or so, the Vignale CC is a departure from existing market offerings in that it doesn't suffer from the portly rear end normally necessitated by the mechanism and stowage for the roof. The compact arrangement ensures that the Vignale looks as good in coupe form with the roof up, as it does with it down as a cabriolet. Ford sees the Vignale very much as a premium offering with the interior and exterior trim to match this. Subtle design touches prevail throughout, as does the use of top quality materials designed to be the best in terms of form and function. Combined with the excellent proven underpinnings of the Focus, the Vignale could well be the best CC model on the market offering a truly desirable mix of style, looks and dynamics. That is unless VW has something up its sleeve...

Dave Jenkins - 23 Oct 2004