All-New Ford KA+ Revealed

Joining Ford’s small-car line-up alongside the best-selling Fiesta, the new Ford KA+ is a stylish, well-equipped and high-quality small car that delivers outstanding interior space, excellent fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics, as the existing Ford Ka moves up a gear - or two. 

“Ford has a proud history of offering affordable small cars that are practical, economical and fun-to-drive,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company. “KA+ is true to that tradition, packing a huge amount into a compact car that delivers agile driving dynamics and a surprisingly roomy cabin at an affordable price.”

More room

With the Ford Ka falling into the small car bracket, it may surprise you that a car with the same name (with an added '+' of course) can be described as 'roomy', but that's just what can be applied to the all-new Ford KA+  - a five-door hatchback based on Ford’s global small-car platform with generous space for five people at an overall length of less than four metres.

In fact. the new Ka+ has more in common with the Ford Fiesta, being slightly shorter but a touch taller (by 29mm), but it's the interior architecture and design that allows the KA+ to offer class-leading front headroom and best-in-class legroom for rear passengers.

It's no different when it comes to luggage space with every-day practicality catered for with 270 litres of that - two large suitcases if you please – and extra options available with 60/40 split-folding rear seats and 21 stowage locations throughout the cabin for small items. 

These include the MyFord Dock that is found in the centre of the instrument panel that enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems, and also front door bins that can each hold a 1.0-litre bottle, a 0.6-litre bottle and a small umbrella. There is even a special security storage section hidden in the instrument panel (at the end) that is only accessible when the driver’s door is open, allowing valuables and the like to be hidden out of sight.

More design

As Ford have been looking at the design of all their cars, it's no surprise to discover that the new Ford Ka+ takes its inspiration from Ford’s latest design language with stylish, well-proportioned exterior featuring the distinctive high-mounted trapezoidal grille with large, swept-back headlamps, a smart, integrated finish with chrome detailing for the front grille, and body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors.

And it's no different on the inside with an attractive grained finish on the instrument panel and hard-wearing, contemporary trim materials in a stylish dark charcoal colour scheme. All of this is added to by distinctive chrome accents on the door release handles, centre console control knobs and air vents to give the Ka+ the look of a much more lavish car.

More response and economy

The all-new KA+ features a simplified powertrain line-up all based on an efficient new 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine, derived from the same family as the 1.25-litre engine in the Fiesta. It comes with a choice of 70PS and 85PS power outputs, and features twin-independent variable camshaft timing technology to enhance performance and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

This fuel efficiency has been further enhanced by using optimised calibration, low-friction engine oil, regenerative charging (saving fuel by maintaining efficient charge levels in the vehicle battery by capturing ‘free’ electrical energy when drivers coast or brake), low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced aerodynamic details, such as an optimised front lower spoiler lip and grille openings.

All of these combine with the new engine to produce a declared fuel consumption of 56.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 114g/km.

More driveability

The new 1.2-litre engine features a standard five-speed manual transmission, and has been tuned to deliver smooth and responsive performance, all designed to make the car easy and fun to drive in both city motoring and on longer journeys.

To help with the dynamics, the KA+ features a unique chassis specification with specially developed features that includes changes to 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.

And to help with comfort and refinement, an intensive development program has seen the introduction of a range of measures to minimise wind noise, road noise and powertrain noise levels.

More equipment

There are two KA+ series options: Studio is available with the 70PS engine while the Zetec is offered with both 70PS and 85PS.

The standard specification on all KA+ models includes:

• Power front windows and door mirrors
• Front fog lamps
• AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity
• Remote central double locking with perimeter alarm
• Safety system with six airbags
• Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist
• Deflation Detection System
• Speed Limiter
• Ford Easy Fuel.

The Zetec series also adds 15" alloy wheels, manual air-conditioning, DAB digital radio/CD with Ford’s SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with AppLink, leather steering wheel and cruise control.

Optional features on the KA+ Zetec include:

• Electronic climate control
• Heated front seats
• Privacy glass
• City Pack combining rear parking sensors, power rear windows and power folding door mirrors.

“Choosing a compact car should not mean having to compromise,” said Darren Palmer, small car vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “Our all-new KA+ lives up to the high standards set by our Ford Fiesta, B-MAX and EcoSport compact cars by delivering the style, space, advanced technology and refinement that customers want.”

The new Ford Ka+ will be available to order for lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts soon, so register your interest with one of our Customer Service Representatives now for delivery later this year.