Ford Ka Hatchback - Details from the Brazilian website I took a look at Ford's Brazilian website for the Ka, and came away with some interesting info about the Ka hatchback.
I've intentionally not looked much at the trim levels offered in Brazil, since the EcoSport's trim levels in Brazil differ from that on offer in India. Note that in Brazil, Ford offers the Ka with only two petrol engines: either 1.0L or 1.5L, and no diesel. These petrol engines have the following specs, in Brazil: - 1.0L TiVCT: 85hp, 100 Nm (with petrol, slightly higher with ethanol). 3-cylinders, 12 valves, 12:1 compression ratio.
- 1.5L Sigma: 105hp, 143 Nm (with petrol, slightly higher with ethanol). 4-cylinder, 11:1 compression ratio.
It goes without saying that the engine offerings will differ somewhat in India, with the definite inclusion of a diesel. Key Dimensions of the Ka Hatchback Figo's equivalent numbers in parentheses - Length: 3886 mm (Figo = 3795 mm)
- Width (including mirrors): 1911 mm (-)
- Width (excluding mirrors): 1695 mm (1680 mm)
- Height: 1525 mm (1427 mm)
- Wheelbase: 2491 mm (2489 mm)
- Ground clearance: Not specified (168 mm)
- Turning radius: Not specified (4.9 meters)
- Kerb weight: 1007 - 1034 kg, depending on engine/trim (1040 - 1090 kg for the 1.2 petrol Figo)
- Trunk capacity: 257 litres (284 L)
- Fuel tank: 51 litres (45 L)
- Tires: 175/65 R14 or 195/55 R15, depending on trim (175/65 R14)
- Its interesting to see that the length has increased by 9 cm but wheelbase hasn't changed - this implies that at least one of the overhangs has increased.
- Body width increases by a negligible 1.5 cm, and given Ford's history, its unlikely they've liberated much (if any) shoulder room in the Ka compared to the Figo.
- Height increases by a clean 10 cm, so that will definitely make entry/egress easier. I wonder how this alters the dynamics (not much, I presume).
- The Brazilian site did not specify the ground clearance - apparently that's not a matter of concern for buyers there We Indians will keenly look at this, since the Figo was prone to bottoming out while loaded over tall speed breakers.
Some pictures from that site are also given here. Interiors - Ford states there are 21 storage spots in the interior.
- The instrument panel comes with ice-blue lighting, similar to the EcoSport and 2014 Fiesta.
- Steering appears to be like the EcoSport, with phone/stereo controls on the left, but no cruise control. Naturally, this steering will be tied to the trim level.
- I personally wish these dark interiors are retained for India too.
Sync Infotainment - Sync offers App-Link, similar to the 2014 Fiesta (and unlike the EcoSport which doesn't have this).
- What I find noteworthy in this iteration of the console design is that the hazard light switch has been moved away from the lock/unlock buttons, and the lock/unlock buttons are distinct and not combined in a single button. Both of these are minor annoyances in the EcoSport.
- Another improvement is that the 4-way navigation key is the Fiesta type of joystick control, and not the EcoSport design.
- If that's a chrome ring around the power/volume button, then it looks really cheesy/cheap!
Standard Stereo - MyFord Dock - This would come for the lower trims, with a funky-appearing mobile phone holder.
- It is supposed to be adjustable and allows charging via USB (unsure whether there's a cable provided in there, or you have to route it from in front of the gear lever)
- We'll have to see reviews to understand how well this works in reality with the plethora of mobile devices available.
HVAC Controls and Lower Console - I personally suspect the Ka hatchback will not get climate control, it might at most be reserved for the top-end Ka+ sedan, but will be happy to be proven wrong by Ford India.
- We can see the aux-in, USB and 12V ports also, placed ahead of the gear lever, instead of ahead of the handbrake as in the EcoSport & Fiesta.
- There's also a neat cubbyhole above the gear lever.
- Also seen is the 5-speed gear lever; which I suspect its hooked up to Ford's beloved iB5 gearbox.
- Another neat feature is a netted holder of some sort in the passenger side of the console.
Bottle Holders- Segmented bottle-holders in the door pocket - Ford say these can hold a 1L bottle, 600 ml bottle and an umbrella.
Discreet Storage Compartment- Ford calls this a discreet and safe storage compartment that's only accessible by opening the door. I call it weird. Their photo example of keeping a cell-phone there is also hard to fathom. Maybe someone might want to keep their house keys there? Even so, it is hard to identify a use case for this. Maybe the smarter minds on this forum can think of ways of putting this to use!
- Also seen are the headlamp and fog lamp controls. I wonder how easy this headlamp knob will be to use, since I prefer the knob in the Fiesta/EcoSport that has a pinchable handle (see this)
Trunk & Trunk Tray- 257 liter boot, compared to 284 L in the outgoing Figo
- Similar to what's available for the EcoSport, this is available as an accessory in Brazil. I hope this makes it to India too.
- The load lip does not seem too high, although that might just be the angle of the photo.
Last edited by arunphilip : 24th January 2015 at 17:12.
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