Ford Ka

Ford Ka (pronounced "Ka", "car", or "K.A.") is a city car from the Ford Motor Company marketed in Europe and elsewhere. The European version is produced at Ford's Valencia plant in Southern Spain.

The car was introduced on September 11, 1996 as a small and low-cost follow-on to the Fiesta and Escort. The Ka is based on the same platform as the Fiesta, but with a radically different design. When the Ka was first introduced to the public it provoked mixed reactions due to its original and striking "New Edge" ovoid design, created by Jack Telnack. The car sold well, and the model range was expanded with the higher specification Ka2, and Ka3 (for the UK market).

Later on these models were given more appealing names: the Ka2 was renamed Ka Collection and the Ka3 was renamed Ka Luxury (later LuxuryKa). The Luxury version came with practically unheard of refinements in this sector, including a Quickclear heated windscreen, leather seats and standard air conditioning. There was also a Ka Sun Collection with a full-length fabric folding roof.

Besides the styling, the Ka, like its brethren Fiesta and Puma, was lauded for its nimble handling. Under Richard Parry-Jones' supervision, the suspension and steering settings allowed for spirited cornering and high levels of grip making it one of the best handling cars of the current generation Superminis, not unlike the original Mini. Like Renault's Twingo, the main drawback was the Ka's 1300 cc OHV 4-cylinder Endura-E engine, a design dating back to the 1960s Kent engine used in the Ford Anglia. Although not very modern, it provided enough torque to allow relaxed if not spirited driving. In 2002 the Endura-E was replaced by the overhead cam Duratec engine, this offered improved economy, better all round rev range performance and increased refinement and durability.

The Ka did not sell that well at first, largely due to its radical styling, but it did go on to sell very well, outliving the Fiesta and Puma. The Ka has also proved highly profitable for Ford, despite its low-selling price, largely due to the lack of spending required in its development.