Ford’s newest vehicle is the cheapest
Ford is trying to regain its historical best market position in Brazil (a 3rd place) and improve it. The factory in Camacari (Bahia), which was established in 2001, is a major step towards achieving this goal. It produces a variant of the European Ford Fiesta as well as a sedan and an EcoSport small SUV. The company did not have a vehicle in high volumes to sell at affordable prices. A four-seater Ford Ka with a small trunk was made in Sao Bernardo do Campo in Sao Paulo. It was reasonably affordable but did not offer low-income families the option of a car that could carry at least five people. Ford created the Brazilian Ford Ka, which is perhaps the most affordable of all its current cars.
The Brazilian Ka was presented in December 2007. It uses many parts that have been produced before and are used in other vehicles such as the Fiesta rear reflectors and doors from the previous Ka. This “new” car uses the same platform as the Mark V Fiesta. This improves the wheelbase and provides more space for passengers. The Brazilian Ford Ka is now capable of carrying five people and 263l of luggage, with reasonable comfort.
The Ka measures 3,84m in length, 1,64m in width, 1,42m high and has a wheelbase measuring 2,45m. It will still be available in a three-door configuration. However, a five-door version of the Ka will soon be available once development costs have been paid. Two four-cylinder Zetec Rocam engines will power the Ka, one generating a maximum of 72 cv and the other a 1.6-liter producing 110 cv. Both engines can run on 100% gasoline, 100% or a combination of both. It is likely that the car will be sold in Brazil if it succeeds there.