Ford New Ka+
Ford's city car has traditionally been a
three-door model, and though it has been offered in four- and five-door models
in developing markets like India and South America, it has just been introduced
a new five-door Ka in Europe.
Remarkably similar to the concept
revealed last year, the Ka+ is positioned below the Fiesta. It's shorter, but
taller to optimize interior space. With 60/40 split rear seats, it can
accommodate 270 liters of cargo, enough to swallow two large suitcases.
Power comes from a 1.2-liter Duratec
engine similar to the one found in its big brother, with 70 or 85 metric
horsepower. Both come mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the powertrain
tuned for economy rather than performance.
Pricing starts at € 9,990 in Germany and
£ 8,995 in the UK, for which you get a fairly bare-bones package. It comes
standard with six airbags and electronic stability control, but creature
comforts like air-conditioning and cruise control are optional extras.
Though out of production for nearly a
decade now, the first-generation Ka bred performance-oriented models including
the SportKa pocket-rocket and the Pininfarina-built StreetKa convertible, both
powered by a more potent 1.6-liter engine. Here's hoping Ford might bring one
or both back, in spirit if not in form, based on the new model.
