FUNCTIONALITY – URBAN PRACTICALITY WITH A FUN-LOVING NATURE
Don’t let the FordKa’s petite demeanor fool you. With its modern and distinctive interior, a sense of spaciousness unusual in a car this size is immediately apparent while clever stowage solutions are abundant. It has also been designed to return the most bang-for-the-buck in today’s value conscious society.
The integrity of FordKa’s exterior and interior dimensions are uncompromised. Thanks to its long wheelbase and wheel at-each-corner design, exterior dimensions remain compact with minimal impact on the interior layout.
The interior design is centred around the customer with modern and youthful characteristics coming at no compromise to practicality, functionality and comfort. The uncluttered layout partnered with maximized glass areas creates a sense of spaciousness.
The FordKa features four comfortable seats specifically contoured to provide optimal lateral support for the passengers. The front seats are fully reclining with height-adjustable head-restraints while the rear seats offer a 50/50 split for added convenience. The rear seats are individually contoured to optimize seating comfort for two passengers while both front seats can be manually adjusted for added comfort.
The soft feel steering wheel adds to the ambiance. The interior trim is finished in a durable cloth, called Cascade Indigo.
Optimal aerodynamics, together with an isolated gearshift mechanism and attention to detail reduce NVH, keeping the cabin quiet and well isolated from noisy intrusions.
Rear luggage capacity can vary between 186 litres, with all four seats in their standard configuration, to 724 litres of load capacity with both the rear seats folded down. In true city car fashion the Ka is easy to load and configure making it a popular choice for city dwellers.
A multitude of stowage solutions are littered throughout the cabin. These include a passenger glove box, a recess box integrated into the instrument panel as well as additional trinket recesses in the centre console in front of the gearlever and behind the front seat cushion. In the rear there is also a deep bin with a closable lid for rear passengers to store additional oddments. Cup holders can be found for both front and rear passengers.
An easy to read instrument cluster with electronic odometer and low fuel warning light prominently displays needed information in an easy to read fashion. Easy to reach column mounted control stalks operate the indicators, the main beam together with its dip and flash function as well as wash and wipe functions.
Air-conditioning is certainly a must in the harsh South African climate and thus it is a standard fitment in the FordKa. Four well dispersed vents distribute air evenly throughout the cabin all of which are multi-directional. The heating system operates via a 4-speed fan, which can be adjusted using the illuminated heater controls neatly located on the centre console.
FordKa includes variable intermittent wipe with anti-drip action (a delayed action final wipe which clears the screen of any drips) as well as a rear wiper and heated glass for the rear window.
In addition there is a lights-on warning chime should you forget to switch off the headlights upon exiting the car. The radio/CD player with a two speaker sound system and removable audio control bezel panel is optional.
FordKa has been designed to stand the test of time. All the mechanical elements are tried and tested and therefore sure to remain long wearing. This fact was reaffirmed when the FordKa was recently awarded the distinction of being named Britain’s most reliable small car, by warranty operators Warranty Direct. According to the company’s Reliability Index, the Blue Oval’s little runner was said to boast Britain’s most robust motors while at the same time maintaining a commendably low average repair bill.
Continuing the theme of cost effective motoring the FordKa is designed to remain frugal at the fuel pumps. With the cost of petrol on the continual rise the 1.3-litre RoCam motor found in the FordKa was developed with low-friction technology to keep running costs to a minimum. A highly-efficient water pump impeller ensures optimal operating temperature ranges and further contributes to the RoCam’s low fuel consumption and long-term engine durability.
The cheeky little FordKa returned combined cycle figures of 6.5litres/100km and an urban cycle figure of 8.9litres/100km. On extra urban routes the FordKa can be expected to use 5.1litres/100km.
Another attractive prospective of the FordKa is that it features lengthy service intervals pegged at 20 000kms. This is complemented by a three-year 100 000km warranty as well as a five-year/ unlimited kilometers corrosion warranty, and three-year/unlimited kilometres Ford Protect roadside assistance plan is standard while a maintenance or service plan is optional.
