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Thread: Ford Ka (1st gen) 1996-2008

  1. #1
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    Ford Ka (1st gen) 1996-2008

    A Very Brief History

    Ford Ka was introduced in September 11, 1996 as a small and low-cost addition to the European Ford range. The Ka is based on the same platform as the MK4 Fiesta, but with a radically different external design. When the Ka was first introduced to the public it provoked mixed reactions due to its original and striking "New Edge" design, created by Jack Telnack.

    Besides the styling, the Ka, like its sister cars Fiesta and Puma, was lauded in the motoring press for its nimble handling. Under Richard Parry-Jones' supervision, the suspension and steering settings allowed for spirited cornering and high levels of grip making it one of the best handling cars of the current generation superminis, not unlike the original Mini. The main drawback was the Ka's 1300 cc OHV 4-cylinder Endura-E engine, a design dating back to the 1960s Kent engine used in the Ford Anglia. In 2002 the Endura-E was replaced by the overhead cam Duratec engine, with claimed improved fuel efficiency and increased refinement.

    In 2003 the Ka brand was diversified, with the addition of a new SportKa and a convertible model called StreetKa. In 2005 all Ka models including Sportka and Streetka recieved a slightly updated interior bringing the cabin back up to date while still retaining the look and feel of the original.

    The Ka has proved highly profitable for Ford despite its low selling price, largely due to the lack of spending required in its development.

    In late 2005, Fiat and Ford announced an agreement to work together on a new version of the Fiat 500 and a replacement for the Ford Ka, both to be based on the Fiat Panda platform. The new products will come to market in the 2007-08 period.

    Sources: wikipedia.org
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    Ford Ka #2
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    Ford Ka #3
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  4. #4
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    Ford Ka #4
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  5. #5
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    Ford Ka #5
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  6. #6
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    We actually didn't have one of these...

    Nice pics.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  7. #7
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    Ford Ka #6
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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ferrer
    We actually didn't have one of these...
    No need to despair, you can always trade your Mini for one of these.

  9. #9
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    Hard to believe this is already 10 years old...! I kind of like it. Specially the Sport Ka.
    Money can't buy you friends, but you do get a better class of enemy.

  10. #10
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    The 1994 Ford Ka concept car, kina different from the final product:
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  11. #11
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    I don't really like the car but there was a funny commercial of this car where a bird was wacked by the hood of this car.

  12. #12
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    I never liked its huge plastic bumpers.

  13. #13
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    this is actually amazingly fun to drive. The one i drove was a 1.2 ( i think ) and it put a smile on my face. Great little city car. Not too bad inside either.

  14. #14
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    My eyes have been soiled, IMO the Ford Ka must be one of the ugliest and boring cars of all time.
    "Take my swimming trunks, I won't need them." - Frank Costanza. "What does he want with your swimming trunks." - Estelle Costanza. "Why should they go to waste." - Frank Costanza - Seinfeld

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by h00t_h00t
    I never liked its huge plastic bumpers.
    I like them painted in the color of the body. Otherwise I agree with you.
    Money can't buy you friends, but you do get a better class of enemy.

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