Ford has unveiled the all-new KA+ compact car in Europe, a small 5-door hatchback at an overall length of less than 4 metres.
Ford KA+ is basically the same car sold in India called Figo, but Ford has upgraded the KA+ to better suit more demanding European tastes. It rides lower than the Figo and benefits from a re-engineered front subframe, along with tweaked steering, dampers, springs, and a new front anti-roll bar. It also boasts new engine mounts and a revised rear torsion beam axle to make it feel more upscale than the more humble Figo.
The KA+ is slightly shorter than the Fiesta, but 29 millimetres taller. Although KA+ comes in a small package, it provides every-day practicality with 270-litres of luggage space – enough to accommodate two large suitcases – plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and 21 stowage locations for small items throughout the cabin.
Stowage areas include MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel that enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems, and front door bins that can each hold a 1.0-litre bottle, a 0.6-litre bottle and a small umbrella. A hidden stowage bin within the end of the instrument panel is only accessible when the driver’s door is open, allowing valuables to be hidden out of sight.
In terms of its overall looks, Ford KA+ comes with a smart, integrated finish with chrome detailing for the front grille, together with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors.
The interior features an attractive grained finish on the instrument panel and hard-wearing, contemporary trim materials in a stylish dark charcoal colour scheme. Distinctive chrome accents are applied in tactile and highly visible areas such as the door release handles, centre console control knobs and air vents.
The all-new KA+ is powered by a new 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine that is available with a choice of either 70 PS or 85 PS power outputs, mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission. The 1.2-litre engine is derived from the same family as the 1.25-litre engine in the Fiesta, and features twin-independent variable camshaft timing technology to enhance performance, fuel efficiency and emissions. As a result, both engine options achieve CO2 emissions of 114 g/km, with combined fuel consumption of 5.0 l/100 km.
An additional 85 PS high-efficiency variant is available in certain markets with a raised final drive ratio and unique calibration to deliver CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
To deliver the desired dynamic performance, the KA+ features a unique chassis specification with specially developed features including the steering system, springs and dampers, front anti-roll bar, rear torsion beam axle and tyres, along with re-engineered front sub-frame and engine mounts.
The vehicle also has undergone an intensive development program to ensure improved comfort and refinement in typical European driving conditions, with a range of measures to minimise wind noise, road noise and powertrain noise levels.
European customers can select from two KA+ series options, with a standard 70 PS model, and an 85 PS model that also features, manual air-conditioning, Ford’s SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with AppLink that enables voice-activation of a range of smartphone apps and Ford MyKey.
In terms of safety, all KA+ models comes with power front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, safety system with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel as standard.
Available for European customers to order from June 2016 with first deliveries later this year, KA+ is will be on sale alongside the best-selling Fiesta with price point starting at €9,990 in Germany and £8,995 in the U.K.
