Ford Ka (Third Generation): A new global entry car for 2015!!

[Yashiro]

I don't know if this is a legit story, but according to this report, it looks like the Ford Fiesta won't be the entry model car in the US for very long. If rumors come true, what will become of the Fiesta afterwards?

Source: Motorblog
Ford has now unveiled it's Start Concept, which would probably be the third-generation Ford Ka. The good-thing is, it's going to be larger than the current 2008 model. Ford announced that the future Ford Ka will be sold in the U.S. for the first time and it will be size for North-American tastes. The car was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The car will have a 1.6 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. Ford syas that the future Ford Ka will be made of recycled materials and will be a global car. Currently, outside Europe and Latin America, the Fiesta (except in Japan) is the entry model, but by 2014 or 2015, the Ka would be the entry model in all Ford markets.

Rumours in the U.S.

In c.2010, Mullaly of Ford Europe said that the current Ford Ka might come to the U.S. but then he noticed, that it was too small for American tastes and he cancelled the North American release. But, the future 2015 model will be sold in the U.S. as a competitor to the Smart and the Chevy Spark, which will be released overthere in 2012. The 2007 remake of the Fiat 500 is also sold in the U.S. . In the U.S. this would surpass the Fiesta as an entry model in North America.

Rumours in Japan

Ford announced ages ago that was going to sell the Ka in Japan, as a rival to the Japanese-built Kei cars (e.g. Nissan Moco) but it wasn't available in automatic transmissions. But for Japan, the future Ford Ka may have only automatic transmission.

Rumours in Australia

Ford sold the Ka in Australia from 1999 to 2001, where it replaced the Ford Festiva (known as the Ford Aspire in North America and Kia Pride in Europe/South Korea). However, they maybe a return of this car to that market.

In Latin America

Ford sold the Ka in Latin America since 1997, with a major facelift (modifications) in 2005 and redesigned in 2007. The current 2007 Latin American market Ford Ka slighty differs from the European model.

In Europe

Ford sold the Ka in Europe since 1996 and continued in its original form until 2008, which saw the arrival of the current model. This was thanks to its success in that market. It has also been a best-seller in the UK.

What about the rest of the world

50% or 60% of the world's population live in urban areas, meaning that they may prefer to buy a city car. Others want to buy city cars, becuase they're cheaper and they don't waist fuel. The Ford Ka costs €10,000 in Spain, £7,000 in the UK and €9,000 in Portugal.
There is also probably a lot people in poor nations, that might want to buy a city car, due to its good price. By 2050, the urban population would increase to 70%. Farmers may have rumoured an off-road city car.

Well these questions mean that the Ford Ka will be sold globally with minimum changes for each country. In this post we have chosen the information they may need to buy this future model and putting rumours if they'll be selling the future Ford Ka into their markets, rather than just Europe and Latin America.

Digital compatibility and equipment

Ford announced that they will be digital equipment on the dashboard.

Design

The car has been designed in the U.S. It looks quite futuristic in style. It is acceptable for North America.

Ecological?
Yes. The car is made of recycled materials.

Any diesel version?
To be confirmed.

Release date
2014 or 2015.

[aspitaletto]

Originally Posted by Yashiro

I don't know if this is a legit story, but according to this report, it looks like the Ford Fiesta won't be the entry model car in the US for very long. If rumors come true, what will become of the Fiesta afterwards?

the Ka is just too ****ing Small

[kabukiman]

There have been rumours in Australia too about a new small car, smaller than the fiesta.

The Fiesta will stay, they won't wipe out a category and replace it with a smaller car when there is still a market for one this size.

There are heaps of tiny cars coming out now though, the suzuki alto, the new vw (smaller than a polo, tiny little thing, forget its name) etc

I wouldn't feel right driving anything smaller than a fiesta though!

[mress]

If fuel gets above four fifty a gallon. As far as comfort goes, I have driven the Fiat 500 and dont have a problem with front seat space. The back is tiny. The 500 is less powerfull too, but I bet it's one hell of a lot quicker ride across town than a city bus! I think everyone here would prefer a KA to a bus pass any day of the week.

[2011fiesta]

lol. (Here in England) I recently passed a Dodge Ram and a F150 and they dwarfed my little Fiesta. I'd love to see a pic of a KA next to your F350s or something similar.
The KA wouldn't need to overtake, it could just slip underneath

[GapBoyPCS]

The Ka would only make business sense in places where space and fuel are at a premium i.e. medium and large urban centres.

That being said, Autoblog reported a while back that Fiat 500 sales weren't doing as well as expected. I'm not sure if that's just the US or the continent. Up around where I live and work, you see a handful of Fiats now. Thing is, they are sold at limited dealerships. Plus, when the Smart car first came out, I found they were more of a "status" symbol than anything else.

Just like the new Ford Ranger, just because something is global at Ford doesn't mean North America will get it. We can only hope that the market turns up some demand for these types of vehicles.

[Corvair]

I would think Ford is designing it so it can meet U.S. specs. If gas is high, they will bring it here, if gas is cheap, I doubt it will come here.

[Captainmorbid]

Yes Gap! I want another compact pickup to replace ol' squeaky Chevy. I was considering a ranger, but the next gen Colorado looks interesting.

(are you listening Ford?)

The GMC granite looks cool as well, but so did the PT cruiser concept...

[Pennut]

Kia has a similar small car called a Picanto. Wouldn't be surprised if it finds it's way here too.

All-new Kia Picanto's microsite ? ALL in smALL

[Lonestar]

Originally Posted by Corvair

I would think Ford is designing it so it can meet U.S. specs. If gas is high, they will bring it here, if gas is cheap, I doubt it will come here.

^Agreed.

Ford is taking a proactive approach to the future: If gas goes up (and stays up), if the Feds pass tighter emissions/CAFE requirements, Ford will be ready. It's the same strategy that brought us the Fiesta.