Ford Ka (next-gen Figo) displayed at Sao Paulo Show

American carmaker Ford has displayed the Ka hatchback and Ka+ sedan at the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show. The hatchback went on sale in the Brazilian market two months ago and has received good customer response. The sedan was launched recently.The Ka and Ka+ feature Ford's new design language with an Aston Martin-like, hexagonal front grille.

The Ka will come to India as the next-gen Figo hatchback and there will also be a compact sedan based on it called the Figo sedan. Ford had displayed the Figo sedan at the 2014 Auto Expo held earlier this year. These cars are expected to replace the current Figo and Classic sedan in mid-2015.

The compact sedan is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine. A 1.5-litre petrol, 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre diesel engine could also be offered. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine could also be used without a turbocharger. In the Ka, this engine produces 80-85 bhp and 105 Nm of torque.

Both cars are likely to be made at Ford's new plant in Gujarat. The sedan has a length of less than four metres, which should make it eligible for excise duty benefits. It will compete against the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest. The hatchback will take on the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Elite i20 and Volkswagen Polo.