Ford Brazil has officially launched the all new 2014 Ka (next generation Figo) hatchback in the country and is available with a 1.0-litre flex-fuel engine, while the 1.5-litre engined version will be released later. Available in three trims, the base SE variant for the Ka has been priced at 35,950 Brazilian Real (Rs. 9.53 lakhs); followed by the SE Plus variant that has been priced at 37,390 Brazilian Real (Rs. 10.07 lakhs), while the top-end SEL variant has been priced at 39,990 Brazilian Real (Rs. 10.08 lakhs).
Unveiled as a concept last year, the production spec 2014 Ford Ka is very similar to the original concept, albeit with changes to the grille and the headlamp cluster. On the inside, the cabin has gone upmarket with brushed silver inserts added and resembles the new Fiesta. The base SE variant of the Ka is loaded with features such as power steering, air-conditioning; audio system with USB, AUX, Bluetooth connectivity and My Ford DOCK unit. You also get tilt steering adjustability, front power windows, rear defogger and electric opening boot-lid.
The SE variant rides on 14-inch steel wheels, while safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD. The mid-range SE Plus variant adds rear power windows, Ford SYNC with AppLink system and steering mounted controls for voice commands, audio and phone controls. On the other hand, the top-end SEL trim includes fog lights, trip computer, alarm, height adjustable driver’s seat, 15-inch alloy wheels as well as ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
Powering the new Ford Ka is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated ECOnetic flex-fuel engine that produces 85 HP of power 105 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre flex-fuel motor produces 110 HP and 147 Nm of torque and will be available later in the lifecycle. Both the engines are capable of running on petrol and ethanol for the Brazilian market and will also power the sedan version of the Ka hatchback, scheduled for launch later this year in Brazil.
The new Ka will replace the current generation Figo in India and will be launched in the country only in the first half of 2015, along with the compact sedan. Both the models will be produced at the company’s new Sanand plant in Gujarat from April 2015 and will compete against the Maruti Swift and DZire; Hyundai Grand i10 and Xcent among other vehicles. Ford could retain the existing petrol and diesel engine options, while rumours say that the 1.0-litre ECOnetic petrol unit sans the flex-fuel feature could make it to India.
