Unlike its predecessor (a local redo of the original mid 90s first generation rather than Europe’s reskinned Fiat 500), Ford’s latest Brazilian designed Ka is destined for global sale.
Like the EcoSport small SUV being rolled out worldwide, it was designed at the Ford development center in Camaçari, state of Bahia, and integrated into the automaker’s One Ford concept of now producing only global models. The concept shown off this week, while chairman Bill Ford was in town, will, in production form, be basically the same in all markets, Europe included.
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There is little resemblance to the original Ka, designed by Frenchman Claude Lobo in 1996. Brazil and Europe versions have only been three door models until now but this new one has five doors and some markets, including Brazil, will also get a four door saloon.
Hatchback sales in Brazil start in the second quarter of 2014 with the saloon following a couple of months later.
Ford kept the interior out of sight at the concept reveal but just-auto has learned interior room should be quite good for a subcompact, since the wheelbase (2.49m/96 in) is the same as the latest Fiesta and the EcoSport. Overall length (and boot space) will be less, the short overhangs indicate, especially at the rear.
Except for the headlamps, drilled, four-wheel brake discs and light alloy wheels, the concept previews the real one. From the rear, the design, tail lamps included, is reminiscent of the VW Gol and Chevrolet Onix, its direct competitors here in Brazil.
We do know that infotainment and centrally placed connectivity plugs will be far better than currently offered in this market segment.
The new Ka will debut a new one-litre three cylinder engine also produced in Camaçari. This is an EcoBoost without the turbocharger but that version is planned later to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the government’s Inovar-Auto automotive regime.
The EcoBoost will also power the Fiesta and EcoSport from 2015.
