Filed under: Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford, UK
2009 Ford Ka unofficially revealed
by Chris Shunk on May 31st 2008 at 8:46AM 
The Ford Ka has been a prime example that the Blue Oval can be successful at making little cars, even if they kind of look like basketball shoes. After 12 years of service, it's time to shake things up a bit. The next Ka shares mechanicals with the stylish Fiat 500, and after scoping the first unofficial pics from Auto Express, the Ford will be just as cute as its Italian sibling. Designers did manage to heavily differentiate the Ka from the 500, skipping the rounded lines in favor of edgier lines and details that reinforce Ford of Europe's styling language. Think micro-Fiesta, and you've got the picture.
Since it's for European consumption, it'll have no less than three powertrains from the get-go, with a 68 hp 1.2L, a 100 hp 1.4L, and a 1.3L, 50 mpg diesel. Rumor has it that a hotter Ka ST is on its way as well, with 150 hp coming from a turbocharged 1.4L engine. Interior refinement over the outgoing model comes courtesy of better materials and improved ergonomics.
We're still a few months away from the Ka's official unveiling at the Paris Auto Show in September, but we like what we see so far. Besides, if it's good enough for Bond, it'll be good enough for us. The Ka will be produced in Poland and it'll go on sale in Europe by the end of the year.
Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka
[Source: Auto Express]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Bob L. 9:11AM (5/31/2008)
I owned a 1980 Ford Fiesta. I have fond memories of riding around in that car. I am 44 year's old. I would drive this new one in a heartbeat. Ford USA are you listening? Guess not... Now I'll have to drive a Toyota Yaris. Go die Ford get it over with..... You abandoned me I didn't abandon you.
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Mike 10:10AM (5/31/2008)
Are you serious? The new Fiesta is due out in the U.S. next model year, it's been reported on like a half a dozen times.
Randy 9:59AM (6/03/2008)
Hey Ford still makes small cars! In the past two decades we've had Escort, Fiesta, Focus, Contour, Festiva, Mazda 3, RX7, RX8, Miata!
Might want to rethink who abandoned who!
FORD RULES
Lumadar 4:11AM (3/30/2009)
Good work Bob. I think you just nominated yourself for the Biggest Crybaby of 2009 award. Not only that, but you confirmed how out of touch you are from what is going on. Ever heard of the Fiesta? Probably not... it's likely hard to read things when your eyes are full of tears.
Milos 9:24AM (5/31/2008)
it looks like a cross breed between some small Peugeot in the fron and Opel Corsa at the back. Not that good looking like bigger Fiesta
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Mehul 9:51AM (5/31/2008)
The front looks exactly like the Fiesta.
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martin 9:59AM (5/31/2008)
seems to have an angry little face between the dash vents. other than that i like it.
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Jordan 11:34AM (5/31/2008)
I hope we get the Diablo Ka. (the sporty devil version)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7Guufs3mdgg
Jordan 11:40AM (5/31/2008)
Ford probably will think the Fiesta is the floor in terms of size and think this would be too small to bring over. I say Mistake!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gLdcGSRHaaY&feature=related
jordan 10:20AM (5/31/2008)
1.3L diesel that only gets 50mpg? I think this is a classic case of when small engines don't always equal better mileage. Ask most VW users with the 2.0L diesel motor, and I bet they'll say that 50mpg is not unheard of, and I'm sure the VW motor puts out a lot more power than this 1.3L. :(
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Rick 10:58AM (5/31/2008)
Actually, since it's based on the 500, give me the little 160 hp (or is it 170?) 1.4 liter from the Fiat Abarth 500.
andyx 11:39AM (5/31/2008)
I agree, I had an 800cc Daewoo Matiz and I feel the later 1 liter version is more efficient than the smaller engine. The 800cc version strains when it had more than 2 passengers. I think with the bigger engine it does not rev so much to get to cruising speed and revs lower when cruising.
Chris 2:13PM (6/01/2008)
This is probably not US gallons which will change the figure. If I've done my math right, 50 mpg US would be around 60 mpg with Imperial gallons.
Dazza 11:42PM (6/02/2008)
That 50mpg (US) will be on an extra-urban cycle, as with other small diesel units. At highway speeds it should easily get almost 70mpg (US).
Avinash machado 11:29AM (5/31/2008)
Nice alternative to the SMART and more practical too.
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User 12:08AM (6/02/2008)
Not to mention more efficient than the Smart! :)
tdk123 1:06PM (5/31/2008)
Exactly a peugeot 307 in the front..
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Judy Zik 1:40PM (5/31/2008)
I sincerely hope somebody at Ford is already studying the how's and if's of bringing this to North America. Hopefully if the Fiesta takes off this will follow it here.
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Rick 2:42PM (5/31/2008)
Those are chops, especially the 3/4 rear shot. The spoiler shadow is cut off in its reflection, and there's a mysterious pillar between the B and C pillar when looking into the car fro the rear window.
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Hank 5:15PM (5/31/2008)
Great alternative to the Smart. They ought to bring it. Besides, they could squeeze 'em between Fiestas on the ships and never notice the extra shipping. I mean, it's smaller than a SubZero, for cryin' out loud.
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