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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