After a number of leaks, a sighting in a preview clip for the upcoming James Bond movie Quantum of Solace and an official announcement, Ford has revealed even more details about its new Ka minicar. The new model will make its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, with production scheduled to start in Q4 of this year and sales starting in some parts of Europe in late 2008, expanding through other markets in 2009.
Power for the little runabout will come from either a 1.2L 68hp (50.75) petrol unit or a 1.3L 74hp (55kW) diesel - the first ever in a Ka. Both models check in below the 120g/km CO2 mark, ensuring a low tax bracket and green credibility. Fuel consumption is also low, with the new 1.2L petrol engine cutting consumption 21% versus the previous model's 1.3L engine. The diesel achieves a rating of 56mpg US (4.2L/100km) in the combined cycle, going one better on the petrol engine.
The new Ka comes more than 12 years after the original was launched, and this time around the car shares its mechanicals with Fiat’s equally small 500. This means the car is predestined to have good handling for the small-car class, with a lively but liveable suspension tune and steering feel. Built alongside the Fiat on the same assembly line in Tychy, Poland, the Ka is expected to be a world-class small car with thoroughly modern aesthetic.
Despite sharing engines, brakes, steering and assembly lines, the two cars share very little in the appearance department, however. Ford designers have given the new Ka a fashionable, modern appearance based around the company's 'kinetic design' form language. A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ka, but most of its lines resemble those of the recently revealed Fiesta hatch.
Inside the car’s styling is also more future-modern than the 500’s. The high-mounted gear selector looks to be well-placed, if a bit far forward, while the bucket seats appear to be well-bolstered at the thighs.
