Ford is planning to launch a five-door version of its Ka hatchback, the Ka+, in Europe this September. The Ka+ is basically the second-gen Figo hatchback available in India.
The car is targeted at the small hatchback segment which, according to Ford bosses, has doubled in demand in the past two years. The Ka+ will be slotted below Ford’s long-time class leading Fiesta hatchback, which will itself be replaced in 2017.
Described by Ford bosses at the Geneva motor show as “very roomy”, the Ka+ has long been in the making, but this is owing to the company attempting to avoid the poor quality and consequent adverse publicity that accompanied early versions of the EcoSport SUV.
Besides aiming to drive sales, Ford’s European president and chief executive Jim Farley says, “A second B-car - which we don’t want to portray as merely cheap - allows us to focus more intelligently on what buyers require in this part of an explosively expanding class. It’s a better way to serve the segment.”
The Ford Ka+ could possibly be produced at Ford’s Sanand plant in India then exported to Europe.