Great Value in a Small Package: New Ford KA+ Offers Great Space, Economy and Driving Pleasure all at an affordable price
Ford Europe has unveiled the new KA+, with key features including exceptional space, fuel economy and enjoyable, dynamic handling at an affordable price.
Framing the Ford small car range alongside the popular Fiesta, the KA+ is an attractive alternative for customers looking for a stylish, well-equipped and high-quality small car at an affordable price.
"Ford has made history with its affordable small models that are practical, economical and fun to drive," said Jim Farley, executive vice president & president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Ford Motor Company. "The KA+ continues that tradition, bringing tremendous value in a compact vehicle with a lively, dynamic stance and a surprisingly spacious cabin."
Spaciousness for five
In Europe, the new Ford KA+ is available to order from this month with first deliveries expected later in the year. The five-door hatchback is based on Ford's global small car platform, and offers ample space for five people, with an overall length of under 4m.
The KA+ is slightly smaller than the Fiesta, but 29 mm taller. Its optimised interior offers premium headroom for the front passengers and legroom for the rear passengers respectively.
The KA+ ensures exceptional practicality in everyday use with 270 L of luggage space - enough to fit two large suitcases - as well as 60/40 split-folding/folding rear seats and 21 storage spaces for small items throughout the cabin.
Storage spaces include the MyFord Dock located in the centre of the instrument panel, which is ideal for storing, transporting and charging mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems. Particularly practical are the storage spaces in the front doors, suitable for 1.0L bottles, a small 0.6L bottle and a small umbrella. A hidden storage space at the end of the dashboard is only accessible when the driver's door is opened and is recommended for carrying valuables away from prying eyes.
Inspired by Ford's latest design language, the stylish exterior of the KA+ adopts the distinctive trapezoidal grille with large headlights pulled back. All KA+ models feature a sleek finish with chrome detailing on the grille, combined with bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors painted in body colour.
The interior is dominated by an attractive 'grained' finish on the dashboard and durable, contemporary upholstery in a modern dark, charcoal grey. Elements of chrome adorn components such as door handles, centre console buttons and air vents.
A lively and economical engine
The new KA+ features a simplified engine range based on the new efficient 1.2 Duratec petrol engine to deliver maximum value to European consumers. The 1.2L engine, available in 70 and 85bhp versions, comes from the same family as the 1.25L engine in the Fiesta. It features dual, variable cam timing technology to improve performance, fuel consumption and emissions.
Paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the 1.2L engine is tuned to deliver power smoothly and instantly, with a wide torque curve that makes driving easy and enjoyable in the city and on the highway.
The improved fuel economy is due to optimised mapping, low-friction oil and a smart charging system that saves fuel by maintaining high levels of charge in the vehicle's battery by recovering electricity when rolling or braking.
Low rolling resistance tyres and new aerodynamic details such as an optimised front spoiler and grille openings also contribute to improved performance. Both engine versions achieve CO2 emissions of 114 g/km, with a combined cycle consumption of 5.0 l/100 km.
An additional, highly efficient 85 hp version is available in some markets with a longer final drive ratio and differentiated mapping to keep CO2 emissions below 110g/km.
Flexible, enjoyable, comfortable
The new KA+ has been developed with flexibility and enjoyable, dynamic behaviour in mind, in line with the expectations of European customers.
To deliver the desired, dynamic performance, the KA+ adopts a uniquely specified chassis with special steering, springs and shock absorber settings, front anti-roll bar, semi-rigid rear axle and tyres combined with a revised front sub-frame and engine mounts.
The vehicle underwent an intensive development programme to ensure comfort and ride quality in classic European driving conditions, and a variety of measures were implemented to minimise noise from the air, road and engine.
Following final adjustments at Ford's European test track in Lommel, Belgium, and extensive test drives on European roads, the KA+ offers an exhilarating driving experience with high-end creature comforts.
Complete standard equipment, with two versions available
Customers can choose from two KA+ versions, the standard 70 PS model and an 85 hp version with an additional 85 hp option:
Mechanical A/C air conditioning system
Ford SYNC communication & entertainment system with voice activation and AppLink that provides voice control of a variety of smartphone apps
Ford MyKey, which allows owners to control the maximum top speed and volume and prevent safety systems from turning off. MyKey is ideal technology for parents who allow new and inexperienced drivers to
All KA+ models come with a full range of standard equipment including power front windows and exterior mirrors, remote central locking, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel.
Customers opting for the 85bhp model can also order attractive optional equipment such as electric air conditioning (A/C) , leather steering wheel with cruise control, heated front seats, DAB audio system, rear parking sensors, electric rear windows and heated/electric folding door mirrors, tinted glass and 15-inch alloy wheels.
"Choosing a small car doesn't necessarily mean compromising on what you want," said Darren Palmer, small car vehicle line director, Ford Europe. "Our new KA+ lives up to the high standards established by our small car models Ford Fiesta, B-MAX and EcoSport by offering the style, space, advanced technology and ride quality that European customers want."
For the unveiling of the new Ka+, Ford created a clever video showing the new "little one" in a box and unboxing video "expert" Lewis Hilsenteger with actress Joanna Page unboxing it. Unboxing videos usually feature unboxing of mobile phones or cameras and are very popular online.
The new Ford Ka+ will be available for order in the Greek market in the coming days, with deliveries of the first cars expected next October, when the launch of the model is scheduled.
