subject: The Ford Supermini [print this page] The KA is a small city car produced by Ford since 1996; it was introduced to compete below the Ford Fiesta in the Supermini sector. It has been and is available as a 3 door hatchback; the first generation model was also available as a convertible towards its later years, known as the Street KA. When it was launched the KA triggered mixed reactions, some loved it while others hated it, a bit like Marmite.
Over the years though it seems the KA won most people over. In a very competitive market Ford did not launch a new model of the KA for 12 years in fear of upsetting consumers. I suppose taking the if it aint broke, why fix it. The KA was selling very well and the percentage of returning customers meant Ford found it difficult to justify a new model.
Finally a new model was launched in 2008, it has been designed and built by Italian car maker Fiat. The new Ford KA is based on the same platform as the Fiat 500, cosmetically they look fairly different but both have the same principle of a wheel in each corner. Once the KA is built by Fiat Ford then adds its own touch, including a revised suspension set-up that improves the ride and handling of the car over the Fiat 500.
Last year Ford launched a new trim level for the KA that caught my attention. The Ford Metal KA is a bit different from the normal KA models and replaces the Tattoo version. Its the perfect KA for those who want to be a bit bolder and make a statement. Ford Metal KA combines dark, glossy and metallic elements to give customers an expressive and contemporary package that includes exterior and interior treatments.
The new KA is turning out to be as popular as its predecessor, no convertible model has been launched or rumoured yet so well have to wait and see on that one.
