Ford Ka 1.3 TDCI Zetec

With its cheeky looks and fun handling the original Ford Ka has been the favourite small car of a whole generation of drivers. And as we found in our exclusive drive of the 1.2-litre petrol last week (Issue 1036) the all-new model looks set to continue the success story.

This time around, the Ka has another string to its bow – it's available with a diesel. The 1.3-litre unit is the same as the unit which is fitted to its sister car, the Fiat 500, and on the road its 74bhp output means the little oil burner delivers punchier acceleration than 1.2-litre petrol versions.

It’s also smooth enough around town to compliment the light controls. Only available in top spec Zetec trim the diesel commands a £700 premium over the equivalent petrol so it’s the only Ka to break the £10,000 barrier.

Nevertheless, emissions drop to 112g/km, while claimed economy is an impressive 67.3mpg. While diesels currently account for just four per cent of the UK city car market, CO2-based taxation means their popularity is sure to grow. And with Ford expecting 40 per cent of Ka sales to be Zetec models the little diesel should be a big seller.

With new bushes the front axle has been tightened too and with the help of retuned dampers this has allowed Ford to soften the springs by 30 per cent. And the end result is less body roll, a better ride and far more engaging handling. The electric power steering has been reworked too and it’s sharper, better weighted and more communicative than the 500’s.

© Source: autoexpress
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2009 Ford Ka

Ford has said in the past that it wasn't looking to bring its lovable little Ka subcompact to the United States, but increased demand for fuel efficient transportation has the Dearborn-based automaker rethinking its plans. The Ka is very popular in Europe, where fuel-sipping cars have long been accepted, but the tiny Ka has never been sold here in the States. The new Ka, which was shown off in Paris last week, carries Ford's European Kinetic Design theme that is shared with the larger Fiesta and Focus, but in a much smaller package.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told a local Detroit radio station this morning that many within Ford Motor Company would like to bring the Ka across the pond, and that executives are reassessing the situation. The new Ka hits European showrooms in early 2009, and even if the Ka does come here, we likely won't see the sub-compact until 2011 at the earliest. With fuel prices in constant flux, we're guessing MPG-conscious customers will make the Ka a safe bet for Ford in the U.S.

© Source: autoblog
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Ford Ka

The baby Ford will make its world debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show, but company bosses have already confirmed trim levels. There’s a choice of Studio, Style, Style + and Zetec, each with its own unique styling features and equipment. Buyers will also be able to specify optional extras such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and heated seats.

The Ka shares platform architecture with the Fiat 500, and is built on the same production line at the Italian firm’s Tychy factory in Poland. Ford has spent thousands of hours ensuring the car is stronger dynamically than its Fiat twin, though. Engine options will be limited to a 1.2-litre petrol unit with 68bhp or a 74bhp 1.3-litre TDCi turbodiesel. Both models emit less than 120g/km of CO2, while the oil-burner promises 67.2mpg fuel returns. Ford says the Ka will arrive in showrooms here in “late 2008 to early 2009”.

© Source: autoexpress
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Ford Ka spied

These photos likely come from the Polish facilities at Tychy, where the Fiat 500 and the Ford Ka are assembled. The Ford can be seen here before it has been completely revealed, with the intention of distinguishing itself from its Italian cousin.

Similarities with the latest generation Ford Fiesta are evident, courageous in its choice of chrome features and interiors.

© Source: eurocarblog
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