So far the Ka has been a small two-door city car with a recipe that didn’t change for the past decade and a half. However, back in 2014 Ford of Brazil was releasing the all new Ka. This one was based on the Figo and unlike the previous generations, a four-door design has been adopted. Furthermore, it has also been released in Europe quite recently under the Ka+ name. This made many people start talking about a future 2016 Ford Ka which would still be a two-door model. While up to this point Ford hasn’t said much about these rumors, it seems that they might just be true.
Unlike the previous model, this time around Ford is expected to use their platform instead of one that has been borrowed from Fiat. Move like this should allow for more flexibility and a lot more engine options and we know that Ford has a lot to offer in this segment. There is still no word on the design or release date of the new car. However, if all these things end up to be true, by the end of the year we should see at least a concept version while a production model might come next year. The new Ka+ starts at roughly 9,500 euros which is about 1,500 less than the equivalent Fiesta. The upcoming two-door model is expected to shave at least 500 more of the base price. This would make it the cheapest two-door city car on the market and it should manage to do that without sacrificing much in terms of features and comfort.
Interior and Exterior Design of 2016 Ford Ka
As we mentioned right above, the upcoming 2016 Ford Ka is very likely going to use the same chassis as the Ka+. This platform has its roots in the older model of the Fiesta but despite that it still is a very capable one. Being a two-door model, a shorter wheelbase is going to be used, but the car will be wider and slightly longer than the previous Ka. Some reports also suggested that it may get lower which should aid with the looks making it slightly more aggressive. The regular Ka and the Ka+ versions should share a similar front end. However, at the rear, the normal Ka might get a sportier design. This should feature a small spoiler and likely a new bumper as well. The tailgate could change as well considering the general reduction in size.
This is not going to happen inside the cabin, though. Here the two cars should be pretty much identical. The two will share the same dashboard and a similar instrument layout. The seats, on the other hand, will be different. The Ka should feature new sportier looking seats that will also recline to allow passengers access to the back seats.
Engine and Transmission
The base model of the upcoming 2016 Ford Ka is expected to hit the market with a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated inline three engine. This should be good for up to 85 horsepower and little over 80 lb-ft of torque. The 1.5-liter engine from the Brazilian model, on the other hand, is expected to be skipped. In its place, we should see a 1.0-liter EcoBoost inline three engine. This should offer 90, 100 or 110 horsepower, depending on the market it will be sold. It will also provide more than 110 lb-ft of torque in any configuration, so it should be a great upgrade over the base engine. Sportier and more powerful Ka model has also been rumored, but it is still not clear to which markets it will come.
This would use the 1.0-liter EcoBoost from the Red/Black Fiesta. With 140 horsepower it should easily be able to outrun pretty much any of its direct competitors. Unfortunately, though, a six-speed automatic will not be used which is a shame. Instead, the car will come in Europe only with a five-speed manual, the same gearbox that was employed in the 2002 to 2008 Ford Fiesta. A great move would be to offer six-speed manual as it would be better optimized than the five-speed unit providing better performances and fuel efficiency.
