Ford has revealed the new Ford KA+ lineup in Europe. For the first time the hatchback is also offered as the KA+ Active crossover version. The new model offers more comfort and convenience, and latest driver assistance technologies than the current model. The exterior and interior have also been restyled to give it a modern look.
The KA+ is sold as the Ford Figo in India while the KA+ Active has been named as the Ford Freestyle in the country. Both the models are available with a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains.
The new KA+ is available in Essential and Ultimate trims, in addition to the new Active model. In keeping with Ford’s latest design language, it features a high-mounted trapezoidal grille and large, swept-back headlamps.
The new mesh grille features a chrome surround. The restyled front and rear bumpers contribute to the assertive new look. The standard foglamps and daylight running lamps are highlighted with a distinctive C-shaped chrome detail which is echoed by a C-shaped moulding at each corner of the rear bumper.
The KA+ Active rides 23 mm higher than the regular version and gets additional exterior styling to enhance its rugged looks. It comes with additional rocker and wheel-arch cladding, a unique black finish for the upper and lower front grilles, and roof rails for carrying bikes and sports equipment. It also gets unique 15-inch alloy wheels and is offered in a new Canyon Ridge Bronze metallic exterior paint colour.
Inside, the KA+ features a stylish dark charcoal colour scheme with a grained finish. It also gets chrome accents in areas regularly touched by customers and highly visible areas such as the door release handles, centre console controls and air vents.
The cabin of the KA+ Active cabin is enhanced with Active-embossed scuff plates and a unique to Active leather steering wheel design incorporating cruise control switches and featuring Sienna Brown stitching. The front and rear seats have been draped in special fabric designs with Sienna Brown stripes and matching stitching. It also comes with all-weather mats for both the cabin and cargo area.
The highlight of the new interior is the Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system which comes in the form of a tablet-inspired 6.5-inch colour touchscreen. This system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and also enables drivers to control audio and connected smartphones using voice commands.
Other key features of the new KA+ and KA+ Active include automatic headlamps, Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen, Heated front seats, Electronic Automatic Temperature Control and rear parking sensors.
Power front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel are part of the standard feature list. It also gets Push Start/Stop button, a tailgate-mounted switch for easy opening of the boot and rear seats that split 60/40.
Safety wise, the car is equipped with Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. It also comes with Ford MyKey technology that allows owners to set maximum speed and audio volume limits, and ensure safety features are not disabled when young and inexperienced drivers drive KA+.
The petrol Ford KA+ and KA+ Active are powered by Ford’s new refined and fuel-efficient 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Ti-VCT (Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing) petrol engine. In the KA+ it produces 70 PS while in KA+ Acitve it makes 85 PS. The diesel Ford KA+ and KA+ Active are powered by the 1.5-litre TDCi engine which churns out 95 PS of power and 215 Nm of torque at 1750-2500 rpm. Both the engine options use Ford’s new low-friction five-speed manual transmission.
When compared to the India-spec Ford Figo and Ford Freestyle, the new KA+ and KA+ Active get a unique chassis specification engineered to meet European driving expectations. It features unique front sub-frame, and suspension components including springs, dampers, rear torsion beam axle optimised for Europe’s roads. Enhanced door seals, soundproofing and aerodynamics are designed to reduce road and wind noise in the cabin.
In addition, the KA+ Active features a wider track, larger front anti-roll bar and uniquely tuned Electronic Power Assisted Steering, for optimised crossover handling. Retuned dampers feature a hydraulic rebound stopper for a smoother ride over harsh surfaces, and Active Rollover Prevention works within the Electronic Stability Control system to offer additional security when carrying roof loads.
To enhance crash performance, nearly 50% of the KA+ body is made from high-strength steels, including the floor, front and rear chassis rails, window pillars, front bumper beam and passenger door beams.
Ford KA+ and KA+ Active Price and Launch Date:
The new KA+ and KA+ Active go on sale across Europe later this year, priced from €9,990 in Germany and £10,550 in the U.K.
Ford KA+ and KA+ Active Images:
