The SUV craze is now positively, definitely upon us,
with soft-roaders sprouting all over in various shapes and sizes. The
popularity of these vehicles is so overwhelming that we’re now seeing jacked-up
wagons and even SUV “coupés”, so could rugged sedans be next? Ford seems to
think so with the Ka Urban Warrior Concept, on display at the Sao Paulo
International Motor Show.
It’s not a new idea, of course – Volvo previously
produced the S60 Cross Country back in 2015. But while the Swedish offering was
available with all-wheel drive, the Urban Warrior is based on the standard Ka
sedan and therefore is likely only a front-wheel drive vehicle. It’s powered by
a 136 hp 1.5 litre Ti-VCT petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic
transmission.
Ford says that the more robust look and raised
suspension allow the Urban Warrior to more easily “tackle the city’s
challenges,” such as uneven asphalt and flooding. To that end, it comes with
black body cladding, along with a silver front underguard, a grey finish for
the front grille and black headlight graphics. The 15-inch four-twin-spoke
alloy wheels are finished in pearlescent grey.
Other than the new looks, the Urban Warrior is
equipped with the Ka’s various bits of kit, including leather seats, a 6.5-inch
capacitive infotainment touchscreen, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera,
six airbags, stability control and hill start assist.
