Budget hatchback gets SUV looks
Cheapest Ford gets revised looks, new engines and more kit, plus an Suv-inspired Active variant On sale September Price from £10,795
THE ORIGINAL FORD Ka was a stylish city car, whereas today’s Ka+ is a small hatchback that prioritises practicality over fashionable looks. However, Ford is hoping to once again appeal to the heart with a new Active variant of the model, inspired by that most vogue of car types: the SUV.
The Ka+ Active features a ride height raised by 23mm, roof rails, tougher-looking bumpers, a black front grille and black wheel arch mouldings. Inside, there are scuff plates embossed with ‘Active’, bespoke seat fabric and steering wheel designs and all-weather oor mats to protect against muddy shoes.
The regular Ka+ is also being updated, albeit more subtly, with mesh in place of the current horizontal grille slats, standard front foglights and daylight running lights highlighted by C-shaped chrome details.
There’s no word yet on what equipment will be tted as standard, but rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, cruise control and Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring will all be offered, as will the 6.5in touchscreen infotainment system from the latest Fiesta.
Perhaps the biggest weakness of the current Ka+ is its underpowered 1.2-litre petrol engine, so it’s good news that this is being replaced by a new 1.2 that’s claimed to have up to 10% more torque at low revs. Outputs of 69bhp and 84bhp will be available, with the latter the one to go for.a 1.5-litre diesel engine that emits just 99g/km of CO2 has also joined the range.
Prices for the new Ka+ start at £10,795 – a £1000 increase on today’s model. Ford hasn’t yet con rmed how much the Active model will cost, but we’d expect it to attract a further premium of around £1000.
The Ka+ Active joins the Fiesta Active, which was revealed last year, while an Active version of the next Focus family car, which is due later this year, is also planned.