Ford KA

Ford Ka

Ford Ka is an A-segment or microcar manufactured by Ford from 1996. The first two generation models were initially designed to be a city car (with a three-door hatchback body). However, from 2016, Ford remodelled it and has since been selling it as a subcompact car. So now you can get it as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback.
 
First Generation (1996-2008)

The first generation models came as either the standard three-door hatchback or you could opt for the two-door convertible (The StreetKA) or the sporty hatch version(The SportKA). It was introduced as a low-cost addition of the Ford models at the time and was based on the Mark IV Ford Fiesta platform. Some of the attributes of the car, including its large, one-piece, moulded bumpers, and wheel arches made it the preferred choice of low budget Ford enthusiasts. It was not only durable, but it was also easy to repair. One interesting fact about the Ka models is that they were equipped with black plastic bumpers with stabilizers to prevent UV degradation for the first three years of production. However, Ford realized that people preferred body-coloured bumpers (Note: It was impossible to colour the bumpers because of the stabilizer). So in 1999 (The same year the Ka was introduced to the Australian market), they stopped using the stabilizers and begun using various bumper mouldings.

 You would get the Ka with one of three engines
The 1.0L Endura E I4 engine - only used for the Brazil market
The 1.3L Endura E I4 engine - used for the Ka models produced between 1996-2002
The 1.3L Duratec I4 engine - used for the Ka models produced from 2002-2008
The 1.6L Zetec I4 engine
The Endura-E engines came in two variants. The 998cc engine attains a peak power output of 40 kW at 5,250RPM and maximum torque of 77 Nm at 4,000RPM. The 1,297cc engine, on the other hand, reaches 45 kW peak power at 5,000RPM and peak torque of 104 Nm at 3,500RPM. All the cars came with a 5-speed manual transmission.
 
The SportKa and StreetKa

The SportKa was introduced in 2003, and some of its distinguishing features included alloy wheels and a wider track with stiffened suspension. The StreetKa was also introduced in the same year, and one of its most visible distinctive features is the convertible roof.
 
You had the option of choosing between the basic and luxury StreekKa. The basic StreetKa came with cloth seats, and you could choose to have air conditioning installed. The luxury had additional features including air conditioning, featured heated leather seats, an alarm system incorporated with Fords PATS immobilizer, and heated door mirrors. Music enthusiasts had the option of getting their car with an upgraded CD/radio. You could also get rear speakers installed under the rollover bars, and heated windscreen (which were standard in the winter models). Both the StreetKa and SportKa came with power steering, remote-controlled centralized lock system, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows, anti-lock brakes, and front fog lights, among others.
The SportKa and StreetKa received several upgrades including an improved interior, and they began using the 1.6L, 8-valve, 69Kw Duratec petrol engine.

Second Generation (2008-2016)
 
The second-generation model premiered in 2008, and it came as a 3-door hatchback. Though it still maintained its original styling features, this model came with an improved interior, and it used a better engine. The driver experience on the second Generation greatly improved with the addition of several features, including wireless voice control, Bluetooth phone connection, and steering wheel audio controls, among others. The cars came with one of two engines;
The 1.2 L Duratec (FIRE) I4 petrol engine that produces 51 kW and a torque of 102 N.m.
1.3 L Duratorq (TDCI) (MultiJet) I4 diesel engine that produces 74hp and a torque of 145 N.m.
All the cars use a 5-speed manual transmission.
Some interesting facts about this model are;
They are environmentally friendly.
The car was unveiled in the Paris Motor Show and made an appearance in Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond film.
 
Third Generation (2016-present)
 
The new model Ka is based on Ford's global B platform, and it comes as either a 5-door hatchback or a 4-door sedan. For this model, you can either choose the 5-speed manual or the 6-speed automatic PowerShift transmission. Ford utilized four different engines;

The 1.0L three-cylinder (I3) petrol engine that produces 59 kW and a torque of 100 N.m
The 1.2L four-cylinder (I4) petrol engine that produces 51 kW for the Studio or Zetec trim levels or 63 kW only for the Zetec model
The 1.5L four-cylinder (I4) petrol engine that produces 77 kW and a torque of 143 N.m
The 1.5L four-cylinder (I4) diesel engine that produces 74 kW and a torque of 215 N.m; comes mated to a 6-speed automatic PowerShift transmission

Some other essential features of the car include cruise control (for European models), electronic stability control, automatic climate control, and Ford's Mykey system, including others. One disadvantage of the car is its lower-than-average safety tests ratings for not having rear seatbelt pretensioners and an autonomous braking system.