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Born in 1996, the Ford Ka has undergone numerous subtle styling developments till the final models were released in 2008
Take a look at this list of the features of each model to help you decide what it is you're looking for!
Please note that from late 2002, Ford replaced the Ka's long serving 1.3 Endura-E with the 1.3 Duratec 8v which increased bhp from 59bhp to 69bhp and provided better fuel economy. The downside was that the engine came with taller gearing making it harder to access this additional power. |
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KA ~ KA2
Photo from Ford UK website |
Ford KA, KA2
These cars came as a KA, KA 2. Each version displayed the fat grey or blue bumpers and 1300 engine.
Basic models 1996 to June 1997 came without power steering, unless is was requested as an optional extra. From July 1997 onward, power steering was fitted as standard on all KAs for no extra cost. According to Ford's figures, Ka's without power steering achieved marginally better fuel consumption than those with. They also state that Ka's without power steering have a slightly slower 0 - 60 time. Top speeds are equal.
All KA and KA2 came with cassette players as standard. 1000 or 5000 RDS EON (keycoded) respectively.
Central locking was optional on KA unlike a KA2 which had this fitted at the factory.
Believe it or not, tyres fitted on KA and KA2 varied, even though both were fitted with steel wheels. The mind boggles. KA - 155 / 70R x 13 and KA2 - 165 / 65 x 13
Other non - standard features on the KA that the KA2 had were: manual height adjust on driver's seat, front passenger seat release handle, stowage nets on back of front seats, rear seat head restraints, and electric front windows.
KA and KA2 both came in solid paint finishes, but were available in metallic shades at extra cost.
Airbags were fitted on both models, driver side only, with optional passenger side versions and modified glove box compartments
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KA Collection ~ KA3
Photo from Ford UK website |
Ford KA Collection ~ KA3
In 1999, following the success of the KA3, with it's more contemporary features like Air conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels, the KA Collection was launched.
This was a more visually refined version of the KA3. Both models had the 1.3 engine identical to their KA predecessors.
For the first time ever, the collection introduced the world to the new colour coded KA. Whilst the KA3 still had the grey bumpers that had become a trademark styling feature of the KA, the collection had smoother bumpers that were narrower and painted body colour.
Interior features were stepping up a level too; colour coded clock facias and gear knob trim. The KA3 and the Collection were also more luxurious with leather steering wheels. The Collection taking this further again with Leather Gear lever and handbrake gaiters.
The KA3 came with flat 3 spoke 14" Ford alloys as standard. Tyre size 165 / 60 R x 14
The collection was slightly less impressive with it's steel wheels and starfish wheel trims. Tyre size 165 / 65 x 13 but did have the option of 14" 8 spoke Ford alloys (shown above) Tyre size 165 / 60 x 14.
Collections and KA3 were finished in Metalic paint direct from the factory, at no extra cost. The earlier Collections still had black ABS plastic covers on their wing mirrors, but these have recently been ditched for body coloured versions.
Collections are easily identifiable against the recently launched 'Style' series ( Basic level KAs with colour coded bumpers ) because of their black B - Pillar decals, posh leathery bits, embroidered front floor mats and chrome treadplates on the door sills.
KA3 and Collections all came with Central locking and Power steering, unlike the earlier KA and KA2. They also featured an interior power tailgate release button, something that hadn't been seen before on any earlier models.
The KA3 was the first to be fitted with a Ford CD player. 6000 RDS EON (keycoded).
Airbags were fitted on both models, driver side only, with optional passenger side versions and modified glove box compartments. |
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Luxury KA
Photo from Ford UK website
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Luxury KA
The Luxury Ford KA followed on from the success of the Collection edition.
Luxury KA's extra benefits include:
full leather interiors (available in cream or black)
14" 5x2 Spoke alloys
Remote central locking
Air conditioning
Motorised heated wing mirrors
Chrome radiator grilles
Exhaust trims
Headlining Storage nets
Heated 'quick clear' windscreens |
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Sport KA ~ Sport KA SE
Photo from Ford UK website |
Sport KA ~ Sport KA SE
2003 saw the birth of the KAs 'evil twin'. More commonly known as Sport KA.
Uprated from the 1300 Endura and Duratec engines, the new 1600 injection was a breath of fresh air to the KA range. Combined with uprated suspension, massive 16" alloys, flared wheel arches and a chunky rear spoiler, the Sport KA was what we'd all been waiting for. Comfort-wise, the Sport KA matches the Collection as far as interior features, with the exception of the white-on black dials. The Sport KA SE however, has all the refinement & extras of the Luxury KA. The only downside to Sport KA, is the limitation of colours available! Having said that, all 5 are beautifully refined Metallic shades, that suit the new style well.
95ps power output in comparison to the 70ps of the KA
Short throw gear shift
Stiffened Suspension
195/45 R16 tyres
Wider track - 1417mm front / 1393mm rear
Lower ride height for better handling
Redesigned front and rear for a more aggressive look
Thatcham Cat1 alarm
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Street KA
Photo from Ford UK website |
Street KA
2003 also brought us the first Cabriolet KA.
The Ford Street KA.
Features and fittings, performance and particulars all reflecting the Sport KA, but with slightly more head room!
1600 engine, 16" alloys, manual folding roof (Winter Edition has a solid removable hood), front fogs, electric heated wing mirrors, two 'bucket' style seats, ABS, twin airbags with passenger side cutoff switch, chrome roll bars, and immobiliser.
3 styles of Street KA are now available: StreetKA, StreetKA Luxury and StreetKA Winter. |
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Special Editions
Photo from Ford UK website |
Special Editions
There really are too many Special edition KAs available to detail on here. They appear frequently from dealerships all over the world, and have quirky personalities that make them special. They are made for various reasons, ranging from celebrations to retail promotions. Below are some special editions to look out for!
KA Pro7 (2000 made) ~ KA Lufthansa ~ KA Kipling ~ KA Kool ~ KA K2 ~ KA K2 Snow ~
KA D2 CallYa ~ KA Pearl ~ KA Fun ~ KA Futura ~ KA Royal ~ KA Futura2 ~ KA Karibic ~
KA Sun ~ KA Capri ~ KA Finesse ~ KA Mistral ~ Vulcan Collection (150 made) ~
KA Black ~ Millennium KA (1000 made) ~ KA Silver ~ KA Black ~ KA Green ~ Copper KA
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The final line up of the original Ford Ka
By 2008 the line up of the original Ka was far different to 1996, below is how the range looked for the final new sales.
All Ford Ka models come equipped with fully reclining front seats with height adjustable head restraints, a heated rear window and power steering. For safety and security, all Ford Ka models are fitted with anti-lock brakes (ABS)*, driver's airbag, side-impact door beams, anti-submarining front seats, as well as a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) immobiliser as standard.
*Standard on all vehicles built after July 1st 2004.
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Ka Studio
Photo from Ford UK website |
Ford Ka Studio
Key Features of the Ford KA Studio
Stereo radio/CD player with MP3, AUX jack and 6 speakers
Body colour bumpers
Headlight courtesy delay
Tinted glass
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Intelligent Protection System (IPS) with driver's and front passenger's airbags
Anti-locking braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
Accessory power socket (12V)
Tilt-adjustable steering column
Tyre mobility kit
Manual front windows
ISOFIX
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Ka Style
Photo from Ford UK website |
Ford Ka Style
Ka Style Key Features
Body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors
Electric windows
Remote central door locking
Single disc CD Player
Power-assisted steering
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)*
Driver's airbag
Immobiliser - PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System)
Manual remote control door mirrors
Opening rear windows
50:50 split/folding rear seats
Front wipers with auto-wash wipe function
Sports-style white instrument dials
Available in 1.3i petrol
Remote taligate release
KA Style Climate
Additional Features to the KA Style
Air conditioning
'Quickclear' heated windscreen
Power mirrors
Remote central door locking
KA Style Climate Two Tone
Moondust Silver bumpers and mirror housings
'Quickclear' heated windscreen
Power mirrors
Remote central door locking
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Ka Zetec Climate
Photo from Ford UK website |
Ford Ka Zetec Climate
Key Features for Ford KA Zetec Climate
14" alloy wheels
Roof spoiler
Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob
Remote central door locking
Rev counter
Bright finish scuff plates
Driver’s seat height adjustment
Rear seat head restraints
Passenger back seat storage net
Body colour bumpers
6000CD player with MP3 socket
Electric windows
Remote tailgate release
Courtesy light delay
Reverse gear automatic rear wiper
Air conditioning
Electrically-operated heated door mirrors
Quickclear heated windscreen
Power-assisted steering
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Driver’s airbag
Immobiliser – Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
Remote control door mirrors
Opening rear windows
50:50 split/folding rear seats
Front wipers with auto-wash wipe function
Sport-style white instrument dials
Available with 1.3i petrol engine
Ford KA Zetec Climate – Two-Tone model.
Moondust silver bumpers and mirror housings
Rear spoiler
14" alloy wheels
Quickclear heated windscreen
Air conditioning
Power heated door mirrors
Available in three colour combinations - Ocean blue, Panther black or Sea grey
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Sport Ka SE
Photo from Ford UK website |
Sport Ka SE
Key Features of the Sport Ka SE
With a zesty 1.6i engine, sports-tuned suspension, sleek alloys, flared wheel arches and a slick rear spoiler.
Dual colour leather-trimmed seats
CFC-free air conditioning
Electrically operated and heated door mirrors
16" 6-spoke alloy wheels with low profile tyres
Wider track, sits lower
All round stiffened suspension with dynamic sports set up
Sculpted bumpers and flared wheel arches
Front fog lights
Sports-style seats
Leather-trimmed sports steering wheel
Machined aluminium gear knob
Close-ratio 5-speed gearbox
Power-assisted steering
Electronic anti-lock brakes
Stereo radio / CD player Model 6000
Thatcham Category 1 alarm
Available in 1.6i petrol
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