COLOGNE, Germany, June 8, 2016 – Ford of Europe today revealed the all-new KA+ small car, which delivers outstanding interior space, excellent fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics at a value price.
Joining Ford’s small-car line-up alongside the best-selling Fiesta,* the KA+ provides an attractive new alternative for European buyers who want a stylish, well-equipped and high-quality small car at a price point starting at €9,990 in Germany and £8,995 in the U.K.
“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 of value into a compact car that delivers agile driving dynamics and a surprisingly roomy cabin.”
Generous space for five
Available for European customers to order from June with first deliveries later this year, the all-new Ford KA+ is a 5-door hatchback based on Ford’s global small-car platform, and offers generous space for five people at an overall length of less than 4 metres.
The KA+ is slightly shorter than the Fiesta, but 29 millimetres taller, with an optimised interior that provides class-leading front headroom and best-in-class legroom for rear passengers.
The KA+ provides outstanding every-day practicality with 270 litres of luggage space – enough to accommodate two large suitcases – plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and 21 stowage locations for small items throughout the cabin.
Stowage areas include MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel that enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems, and front door bins that can each hold a 1.0-litre bottle, a 0.6-litre bottle and a small umbrella. A hidden stowage bin within the end of the instrument panel is only accessible when the driver’s door is open, allowing valuables to be hidden out of sight.
Taking inspiration from Ford’s latest design language, the stylish, well-proportioned exterior features the distinctive high-mounted trapezoidal grille with large, swept-back headlamps. All KA+ models offer a smart, integrated finish with chrome detailing for the front grille, together with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors.
The interior features an attractive grained finish on the instrument panel and hard-wearing, contemporary trim materials in a stylish dark charcoal colour scheme. Distinctive chrome accents are applied in tactile and highly visible areas such as the door release handles, centre console control knobs and air vents.
Responsive and economical powertrain
The all-new KA+ features a simplified powertrain line-up based on an efficient new 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine to offer maximum value to European consumers. Available with a choice of 70 PS and 85 PS power outputs, the 1.2-litre engine is derived from the same family as the 1.25-litre engine in the Fiesta, and features twin-independent variable camshaft timing technology to enhance performance, fuel efficiency and emissions.
Combined with a standard five-speed manual transmission, the 1.2-litre engine has been tuned to deliver smooth and responsive performance, with a broad spread of torque that makes the car easy and fun to drive in both city motoring and on longer journeys.
Fuel efficiency has been enhanced using optimised calibration, low-friction engine oil and regenerative charging, which saves 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, also contribute to improved efficiency. Both engine options achieve CO2 emissions of 114 g/km, with combined fuel consumption of 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg).**
An additional 85 PS high-efficiency variant is available in certain markets with a raised final drive ratio and unique calibration to deliver CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
Agile, fun-to-drive and comfortable
The all-new KA+ has been developed to deliver agile, fun-to-drive dynamics that match European customer expectations.
To deliver the desired dynamic performance, the KA+ features a unique chassis specification with specially developed features including 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.
The vehicle also has undergone an intensive development program to ensure improved comfort and refinement in typical European driving conditions, with a range of measures to minimise wind noise, road noise and powertrain noise levels.
Following final tuning and development carried out at Ford’s European proving ground in Lommel, Belgium, and during extensive test drives on European roads, the KA+ provides customers with an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience.
Comprehensive standard equipment, with two series choices
Customers can select from two KA+ series options, with a standard 70 PS model, and an 85 PS model that also features:
All KA+ models deliver a comprehensive standard specification including power front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, safety system with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel.
When choosing the 85 PS model, customers also can specify a range of attractive optional features including electronic climate control, leather steering wheel with cruise control, heated front seats, DAB audio system, rear parking sensors, power rear windows and heated/power folding door mirrors, privacy glass and 15-inch alloy wheels.
“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 European customers want.”
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* JATO Dynamics results are based on information provided by JATO Consult, the company's bespoke consulting service. Figures are based on 30 European countries. For more information please visit www.jato.com.
** The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
