In France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, the average emission of CO2 for all new cars in all categories (SUVs included) is 3.26 tons/year (since the beginning of 2008) based on 12,000 miles/year. While in Japan, the average emission of CO2 is 3.10 tons/year. In the U.S., the average CO2 emission for new cars is a surprising 5.77 tons/year.

When it comes to consumption of fuel, the study found that cars, minivans, and SUVs in the U.S. market consume 10.6 lt/100 km. While European cars consume 5.83 lt/ 100km and Japanese cars consume only 5.79 lt/100km. I suppose American drivers should counter this by reading up on some fuel efficiency tips.

Note that the European CO2 results are affected by the big proportion of compact cars and diesel engines, and the Japanese CO2 average is affected by the large proportion of minicars. While SUVs make up 30% of the total U.S. new car market.

Another factor is the strict CO2-based taxation enforced throughout Europe, which hasn’t been adapted in the U.S. Also, the higher gas prices in Europe also affect the results of the study.

If the U.S. will enforce the fuel-consumption-based taxation on new vehicles and if the gas prices will rise to the same levels as those in Europe, then American will be forced to buy compact-sized cars which emit less CO2 and consumes less gas.

Clearly, being eco-friendly has become more of a necessity nowadays because it not only affects the consumers’ financial stability but also the environment.

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.