Ford Brazil has unveiled the production version of the next generation Ford Ka hatchback (Ford Figo in India) which will go on sale in July this year after the completion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Based on the Ka concept that was showcased in November last year, the hatchback sports a couple of changes on the production version compared to the concept. The Ka will be launched in India in 2015 as the next generation Ford Figo.
Coming to the design changes, the production spec Ford Ka retains the overall silhouette of the concept with the most prominent change comes in the form of the new grille. The horizontal slats on the grille seen on the concept have been replaced by a single mesh honey-comb unit done up in black. The headlight cluster retains the overall design from the concept model, but now gets a smoked look and different mirror elements. The side and rear profile on the other hand remain the same as the concept.
The cabin has not been revealed as yet but is expected to be equipped with additional technology. In terms of powertrain though, the Brazilian spec Ford Ka will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder ECOnetic engine that runs on petrol and ethanol. The engine produces 85 HP of power at 6500 RPM and 105 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Ford Ka with the new engine is capable of returning a fuel economy of 8.9 km/l on ethanol and 15.1 km/l on petrol in Brazil.
The power figures for the next generation Ka are reportedly best in class, competing against the Volkswagen Gol, Fiat Uno, Nissan March (Micra in India) and the likes in the segment. In India however, the Ka is expected to be powered by the same 1.2-litre Duratec petrol motor, while the higher variants could get the 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit. The 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel motor could be replaced by the 1.5-litre TDCi motor from the Fiesta in a de-tuned avatar. The next generation Figo will be joined by a compact sedan later in 2015 that was showcased as a concept earlier this year.
