Ford Ka TDCi Now Available in Diesel Form
The Ford Ka has had a successful run in Europe, with more than 1.4 millions unit produced since the car was launched in 1996. Now, Ford has come up with a new and redesigned Ka in collaboration with Fiat.
The new Ka offers two available engine choices: the 1.2 litre Duratec powerplant gas engine with 68 hp, and 46 mpg in city and highway driving, and the 1.3-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine with 74 hp and direct injection that gets a total of 56 mpg. The top speed for both types of engines is 100 mph, and their carbon dioxide emissions under 120 grams/kilometer. The only transmission offered, however, is a five-speed manual, and obviously biodiesel-ready.
According to Ford, just becase a car is subcompact doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have room to ensure the passengers’ safety and comfort. The Ka’s bodyshell has a stable crash structure, and the car also has IPS or Intelligent Protection System, which integrates seating, airbags, and restraint systems
Ford believes that safety does not have to be compromised in a subcompact car. The Ka’s bodyshell provides a strong and stable crash structure to protect passengers. An Intelligent Protection System (IPS) integrates airbags, restraint systems, and seating into a highly effective occupant safety system. The car also has thorax side and pelvis airbags, and an electric control unit which can evaluate the severity of car crashes via sensors distributed throughout the vehicle body.
Other safety features offered in Ka are the standard anti-lock braking system, anti-slip regulation, and EBD or Electronic Brake-force Distribution, which prevents wheel lock up and maintains vehicle balance.
I like this little car. Shame it won’t be coming to the US. Car makers seem to think Americans don’t care about these cars. I think they are right, Americans only like the Prius because its become more of status symbol than anything else. Did I see SUV sales were picking up with the recent gas prices?
According to the calculator on SEI’s website – http://www.sei.ie/Your_Home/How_Clean_is_Your_Car_/ Ford Ka has quite a low rating for CO2 Emission Band