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.
Reader Comments
Tue Jul 29 2008 1:19 PM
ROOLLY says
Ford seems to have their act together in Europe, but are falling apart as their SUVs and Pickups are left on dealer lots as buyers seek out the cars with superior gas mileage.
Tue Jul 29 2008 7:19 PM
bambam says
Hows the rear vision?
The upper back seems a bit too cut off and not really rounded.
Don't follow the fiat's 500 back. follow the ford focus, verve concept shape
or something new. However stay away from the same or similar looks from its bigger brother.
you want to be a bit different from the bigger version but not just a copy of the verve or focus.
Tue Jul 29 2008 7:29 PM
NoNameDenton says
Ugh, why does Ford of Europe get all the good cars and us in America get shafted?
Fri Aug 1 2008 9:45 AM
damian says
smart cars are increasing their sales forecasts and the geniuses at ford wont bring this over saying it wont sell... real smart.
Fri Aug 1 2008 9:46 AM
Dandan says
because you weren't interested unless it had a V8
tbh the old Ford Ka was a piece of sh*t this should prove to be better but I wouldn't get one neither would my littler sister...poor persons Mini - just like the 500
Fri Aug 1 2008 5:11 PM
NoNameDenton says
Well, good for you Dandan, more for other people. The old Ka for a piece of (explative deleted) sold really well, and this model will sell better.
Fri Sep 5 2008 12:25 PM
Jim F says
Ka! Finally a "cah" that will sell well in Boston - or "Bahstin." Wicked awesome.
Fri Sep 5 2008 12:27 PM
JSH says
Europe gets cool small cars because of EU auto regulations. If fuel was $8 to $10 a gallon and the amount of taxes paid was based on fuel mileage the US would get good small cars because we would demand small cars.
The Ka is not coming to the US because it was not designed to meet US crash standard, not because Ford doesn't think it would sell. (Of course it wasn't designed to meet US standards because 2 to 3 years ago when the design work started it wouldn't have sold in the US.) Contrary to popular belief, auto manufacturers can't just import their European cars to the US without redesigning them. This is why we need 1 global standard instead of 4 regional standards like we have today.
Fri Sep 5 2008 12:48 PM
Jim F says
Smart is an example of global design of a microcar at the outset. At least in it's most recent version.
Fri Sep 5 2008 4:45 PM
NoNameDenton says
This would be a good city car in places like Boston, NYC, L.A., San Fransico and even Dallas.
Sat Sep 6 2008 1:40 PM
vassilis says
Ford are doing exceptionally well in Europe, but the design of the new Ka is a letdown: Opel-like, bumper to bumper. The only distinctive part is the cabin. The outgoing model is a real design icon.
Nevertheless it could be a hit as the... poor man's "500". The car will be (much?) cheaper than the FIAT and should handle better. The diesel (Multijet?) will boost sales.
Sat Sep 6 2008 9:00 PM
NaBUru38 says
"we need 1 global standard instead of 4 regional standards like we have today." Ditto, JSH.
Jim, F, the ka is a minicar aka city car, not a microcar.
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