Future Ka Development

S

o what would YOU do? If Ford are listening, what would you want to see happen to the Ka? Me - I have a few ideas, but then isn’t that the point of this article?

One, I’d use more engines. I want to see more options. I don’t dislike the Endura-E, per se, but Ford do offer better engines in other models. They should, at least, produce a smaller engine. Perhaps something of around the 1·0 litre capacity. A three cylinder version of the 1·25 litre Zetec-SE (as used in the mark four Fiesta) would be around the 940 cc in capacity, and ought to be producing around 56 PS. This in itself would probably suffice as a replacement for the Endura-E engine. I would certainly add the 1·6 Zetec-SE from the Focus, and the PSA derived TDCi diesel (which in Ford tune produces 67 PS). However, as a replacement main engine for the range, the detuned 1·4 litre Zetec-SE (also used in the Focus and the new mark five Fiesta) would be an ideal engine for the Ka.

This said, the 1·3 Duratec appears to be pretty much the same as the 1·3 RoCam, and it’s a nice engine, even if it lacks a bit of character.

Two, c’mon Ford, you have an ideal spot for front fog lamps - lets have some! The Streetka and Sportka are getting them: we want them in the ordinary version. If you don’t, then maybe I will . . .

Three, I want to see ABS (and ventilated front discs!) as standard on every Ka.

Four, offer an automatic. It can be either a CVT or a conventional four speed unit (or perhaps five). But offer a Ka automatic, which would make a great city car into an excellent city car (for some people, at least).