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.
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