Ford’s all-new Ka Concept is a sleek, compact hatchback that visualizes a new alternative for entry-level urban consumers not just in Brazil, but also in other key markets globally.
Boasting a bold design, quality engineering, as well as groundbreaking technologies, the Ford Ka Concept would allow Ford to expand its current compact car portfolio. After all, once put into production, it could well position the carmaker to further cater to the global demand for sub-B compact vehicles, a segment expected to grow to around 6.2 million vehicles by 2017. With an expected surge of 35 percent from 2012 to 2017, Ford Ka Concept would outgrow the auto industry by 12 percentage points, mainly thanks to heavy demand from urban consumers in a number of developing countries.
Considered as a concept that would eventually lead to an all-new global compact car from Ford, the American carmaker may introduce the production version of the Ford Ka Concept as soon as 2014. Ford designed and developed the Ford Ka Concept to offer a number of features typically found in more expensive vehicles. Aside from this, the Ford Ka Concept offers a spacious interior that could accommodate up to five people. It also offers class-leading air conditioning. Aside from leading its class in terms of fuel economy, the Ford Ka Concept offers an array of practical technologies like a central docking station for mobile devices and Ford SYNC. All of these features are expected to appeal to customers looking for a compact car with more robust package of features but with an attainable price.
Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas for Ford Motor Company, said during the unveiling of vehicle study that the Ford Ka Concept is targeted towards customers in growth markets wanting and expecting more. He added that the Ford Ka Concept would delight customers with its sleek design and clever technology, as well as with its superb craftsmanship and attention-to-detail quality. Hinrichs added that the concept demonstrates the continued importance of Ford’s design and engineering capabilities in South America to serve markets around the world.
After the highly successful Ford EcoSport compact utility, the Ford Ka Concept represents the second vehicle developed by Ford Brazil. It also represents a critical entry vehicle for Ford in a number of emerging markets like South America and South Asia. These two markets are expected to jointly account for around 44 percent of the global sub-B compact vehicle segment by 2017. The development of the Ka Concept allows Ford to present itself as a strong option while exemplifying its One Ford pledge.
In terms of design, the Ka Concept is laden with a number of global Ford design cues like the trapezoidal front grille as well as detailed surface lines, which reflect the genes of the carmaker’s next generation of global vehicles. The body of the Ka Concept features a long appearance, as accentuated by its elongated headlamps. While its raked hood conveys precision and efficiency, its sweeping, curved lines flowing from the front to the rear help communicate a sense of movement. The new Ka Concept also features roofline rising from the rear to the trunk lid, which is defined by a spoiler, large rear lamps and pronounced lines.
Inside, the Ford Ka Concept offers a cabin design and quality craftsmanship typically not found in an attainable vehicle. Feature-wise, the cabin comes with a shoe console side stowage as well as a device-docking station.
