Unveiled in Brazil simultaneously with India, the Ka FreeStyle is a Ford “world project developed with the participation of several countries in order to be sold in different markets”, according to the press release.
It’ll go to Europe as well. The already-on-sale Ka+ will get a mid-life mild restyle and updated 1.2-litre petrol engine plus a diesel option for the first time and the Freestyle will be launched – at the Geneva show – as the Ka+ Active.
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Here in Brazil, the formula is well known across multiple brands: ‘adventurer decor’ and a higher ride height. Ahead of sales starting next June, Ford is hiding the interior and did not detail powertrains.
However, j-a sources reckon power will come from the new 1.5 litre, flexible fuel three cylinder engine coupled to a six speed automatic gearbox.
Currently this Dragon-series engine goes into the also locally produced EcoSport and comes from India but local production, initially for the EcoSport, starts in March.
The main changes for the Ka FreeStyle are:
- Larger front grille area with bright finish
- Bolder bumpers
- Headlamps with darkened mask and chrome frame
- Fog lamps with C-shape frame
- New tail lamps
- Exclusive roof rack in metal finish
- Exclusive 15 inch light alloy wheels
- Side mirrors finished in ‘Magnetic’ colour
- Exclusive metallic brown paint
- Sync3 connectivity
Ford Brazil also produces a Ka Trail variant here with similar tweaks.
The Ka FreeStyle is a rival for Honda’s Fit [Jazz] derived WR-V but that has more design and suspension changes.
