Ford Ka: Cheeky City Car

Motoring Channel Staff - 30/July/2008

Tychy, Poland — Does anyone remember the ultra compact Ford Ka?

It didn't turn out be a sales success in Australia and was discontinued in 2002, but in Europe the vehicle didn't fare so badly. 

It sold around 1.4 million units and a convertible model was even sold in some countries.

Will the new model be coming to Australia? 

We spoke to Ford Australia and the official line is as follows: "...at this point in time, there are no plans to reintroduce Ka in Australia."

The next generation Ka will be a more modern take on a distinctive 'kinetic' design, as the images of the new Ka model show.

Update: Ford of Europe has officially released the Ka, and we've got a couple more photos now, including a shot of the interior that shows an expressive, daring design.

According to Ford, the Ka "brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars" and "captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit" as its predecessor.

Using Ford's kinetic design ethos, the new Ka's styling has more in common with the next generation Ford Fiesta than its curvy predecessor.

Based on similar underpinnings used by the Fiat 500, the Ford Ka is smaller than the Ford Fiesta and is likely to be powered by small 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre petrol and diesel engines, expected to provide the light-weight supermini with excellent fuel economy.

Interior features such as MP3 player connectivity and steering wheel audio controls and 6 airbags are likely to make the cut.

As with most European-made Ford vehicles, a performance version of the new Ka is likely to appear in the future, fitted with a more powerful engine, bigger wheels, and tuned suspension.

The new Ford Ka will make it's official debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.

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