There are reports that Ford is planning to move the Ford Fiesta up market. Taking its place will be a new iteration of the Ford Ka which uses the same platform as the Ford Fiesta. The automaker argues that buyers of the Ford Ka have shifted over the years to mostly family people looking for an efficient and compact hauler for their families.
For these people, emotional design does not matter. As such, to increase its value proposition in the segment, the model is set to become slightly bigger hence; the new name (Ford Ka plus) to befit its new status. The Ka Plus was first released as a concept at a Brazil Auto Show in 2013.
2017 Ford Ka Plus Exterior
The new 2017 Ford Ka plus is will share the same platform with the Fiesta as said above. The platform is the global small-car platform (B3). This means the model is ideally a variant of the Fiesta but with a different name.
The model’s length is however less long than the Fiesta and has a 2.9 shorter height than the Fiesta. The 5-door hatch features a redesigned front and rear fascias. At the front, the model features a large trapezoidal grille flanked by swept-back angular headlights. On the other hand, the hood features sharp creases that make the front fascia better looking than the regular Ka.
On the sides, the only significant change is the addition of power wing mirrors as standard. The rear features a modified bumper and taillights. All other features look unchanged. The model rides on 15-inch alloy wheels.
2017 Ford Ka plus Interior
Due to the new platform, the Ka+ boasts class-leading rear legroom and front headroom. The small hatchback accommodates five passengers meaning it can serve as a family car just fine. For extra convenience, the model has 21 small storage spaces. This ensures you don’t have your personal items littered all over the cabin. What’s more, the vehicle comes with a whole 270 liters of cargo space.
Though the car is built for the price conscious city dwellers, it doesn’t mean the cabin is utilitarian. Ford as added the SYNC infotainment system, manual air-conditioning, and remote locking features to its cabin.
For safety, it features a speed limiter, six airbags as well as electronic stability control that features hill start assist as standard. The more potent 85 hp model features a leather steering wheel, heated front seats; power rear windows heated power-folding wing mirrors, electronic climate control and rear parking sensors.
Truly, that whole lot of features considering the price charged. The aim of Ford with the Ka Plus is to offer the convenience of a small car without compromising style, technology and refinement. The model follows hot in the heels of its sisters Ford Fiesta, EcoSport and B-MAX.
Engine Specs and performance
Powering the 2017 Ford Ka plus is a 1.2 L, Duratec petrol engine. The mill features twin-independent variable camshaft timing which helps improve its fuel efficiency and performance. The engine is offered in two flavors, one with 70 horses and the other with 85 horses.
Doing the power channeling is a 5-speed manual gearbox. To further improve its fuel efficiency, the vehicle features optimized calibration and low-friction engine oil which enable the model to return around 56.5 mpg on combined drives which is commendable.
Price and release date
The new Ford Ka+ is an affordable small city car. The model will sell at €9,990 ($11,400) in Germany and £8,995 ($ 13,000) in the UK. The model won’t be sold in the North America market.
Competition
With the Fiesta going up market, the lower trims (Studio and Style trims) will likely be dropped to allow the 2017 Ford Ka plus to compete with models that beat the Fiesta in terms of specifications and price. These rivals include the Opel / Vauxhall Corsa and Dacia Sandero.
