The first-generation Ka was never a big seller despite Ford’s best attempts to promote it, even snaring Kylie Minogue at one point to help sell the tiny hatch. Its awkward styling and budget connotations didn’t serve well, and with fuel prices at its launch back in 1999 less than half the price they are today many buyers wouldn’t have looked twice at Ford’s odd econo car. The newest version hopes to capitalise on the changing times as well as spice up its own image with its new design.
The next Ka will fix a lot of what was wrong with the old model, especially in the appearance and quality departments. Underpinning the new model is the same front-wheel-drive platform from the recently launched Fiat 500 minicar. In fact, the Ka will be built alongside the 500 in Fiat’s Tychy plant in Poland.
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.
A dramatic, modern appearance with vivid interior colours
While both the Ka and the 500 will share the same engines, brakes, steering and assembly lines, the two will have very little else in common. The powertrain lineup is expected to include both 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol powerplants and a 1.6-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine as well.
Unlike the Fiat’s rounded retro proportions, the Ka’s basic profile is more wedge-like, with a raised rear roof line. The rising belt line develops the angular profile further, though the downward-sweeping roofline adds some softness. At the rear the high lift gate and relatively small rear window give a tall appearance to the otherwise very small car.
Inside, the Ka’s styling is decidedly more subtly styled than the 500’s retro look, with neon colours accenting a background of black plastic and rubber trim across the dashboard, steering wheel and instrument panel.
The reason behind the more downmarket interior and exteriors is the retail price. Fiat's 500 is marketed as a premium small car and can command the kind of prices that Ford simply can't get with the Ka.
New Ka almost certain for Australia
Given the current climate of high-fuel prices and congested city driving, the second-generation Ka will be an important addition to Ford’s local lineup. A Ford spokesman confirmed the car would arrive once the European version is launched, however no dates were given.
The original Ka didn’t make it to Australian shores until three years after it first went on sale in Europe, and given that the new model isn’t due until next year it may be several years until it arrives here. The new model will make its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and is expected to go on sale in Europe early next year.
For those that can’t wait, the car will be playing a key role in the upcoming James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. The movie will be released ahead of the car’s production debut, offering interested buyers a preview of what’s to come.
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