New Ford Ka TDCi Gets 56 MPG

The tiny Ford Ka has been a very popular model in Europe with over 1.4 million built since its introduction in 1996. Now, Ford has launched an all new Ka. The new Ka, developed as a joint project with Fiat, shares it platform with the equally new and trendsetting Fiat 500. Both cars are being manufactured at a modern Fiat plant in Tychy, Poland.

Two engine choices are available. The Ka's gasoline engine is a new a 1.2-litre Duratec powerplant rated at 68 horsepower. With this four-cylinder SOHC 8-valve engine, the Ka offers 46 mpg in combined city/highway driving, a 21 percent improvement over the previous 1.3-liter engine.

Now, for the first time the Ka can also be ordered in diesel form with a 1.3-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel rated at 74 horsepower. This intercooled and turbocharged, four-cylinder common-rail direct injection diesel gets a combined 56 mpg. Top speed for both engines is the 100 mph mark. Carbon dioxide emissions are under 120 grams/kilometer and both meet Euro IV emission standards. A five-speed manual is the only transmission offered.

Ford believes that safety does not have to be compromised in a subcompact car. The Ka's bodyshell provides a strong and stable crash structure to protect passengers. An Intelligent Protection System (IPS) integrates airbags, restraint systems, and seating into a highly effective occupant safety system. Driver and front-seat passenger airbags are standard. Pelvis and thorax side airbags as well as inflatable curtain airbags to protect front seat passengers in side impacts are optional. An electronic control unit evaluates crash severity via a number of sensors located throughout the vehicle so deployment is calibrated to suit specific crash characteristics.

Pedestrian protection includes a hood and engine compartment design that protects pedestrians from impacting hard surfaces and sharp edges. For example, headlight location and dimensions are designed to minimize direct contact with the head in an impact. The energy-absorbing bumper deforms to avoid lower leg injuries.

Active safety features include a standard anti-lock braking system complemented by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which controls the amount of rear axle braking to maintain vehicle balance and prevent wheel lockup. Other high-tech systems including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Engine Drag Torque Control (EDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) are standard or optional. Standard electric power assisted steering, which only assists as needed, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Like the previous Ka, the new model retains all the qualities that have made the Ka so popular, especially with younger buyers. This includes compact size, great looks, a fun personality, and go-kart-like handling. Many trim and option packages, plus accessories and electronic equipment, allow buyers to customize and personalize the Ka to make a statement. Despite its small size - only 139 inches long - the Ka can carry four adults and their belongings.

It's possible that the Ka could be sold in the U.S. to meet a growing demand for small fuel-sipping cars. Ford already plans to bring the slightly larger Fiesta here in early 2010. If Ford does decide to bring the Ka to the U.S., it likely wouldn't arrive before 2010 or 2011 because of the modifications needed to meet U.S safety and emissions regulations and completion of requisite testing.