Ford has launched the all-new Ka hatchback in Brazil. The launch is of great relevance to India as the Brazilian Ka is nothing but the car that will replace the Figo in our market. As is quite clear, the production version’s styling is true to the Ka Concept shown last year. Smart and well proportioned, the hatchback is full of Ford’s latest styling cues in its large trapezoidal Aston Martin-like grille, swept back headlamps and sharp creases on the sides. Styling at the rear is not quite as interesting, although the pronounced ridge on the tail gate does give it some personality. Speaking of the rear, a point to note is that boot space at 257 litres is actually down on the current Figo’s impressive 284-litre capacity.
What’s nice is that there is a fair bit of the Fiesta in the Ka’s cabin. The chunky steering wheel and centre console layout look straight out of the larger Ford, though the Ka does use simpler instruments and manual air-con controls. Feature-wise, the Ka does get a fair bit of kit, though final spec on the Indian version remains to be seen. Top-end Ka’s get alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, power steering and also Ford’s SYNC system for mobile connectivity.
Ford has launched the Ka in Brazil with a new three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine that produces a healthy 85bhp at 6300rpm, and this engine could be on its way to India too. Other options for the Indian market are likely to include a 1.5-litre diesel.
Ford will manufacture it at its new production facility in Sanand, Gujarat. However, with Ford likely to bring in the Figo + compact sedan, that made its world debut at Auto Expo 2014, first, we expect the Figo replacement to go on sale only in the latter half of 2015.
Nikhil Bhatia