- Fuel-efficient engine
- Good ride/handling balance
- Accurate steering
- Sluggish performance
- Small boot
- Driving position lacks adjustment
Review: Ford TA Ka (1999-00)
Overview
Released in November 1999, the Ford TA Ka was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Valenica, Spain, the four-seat Ka was powered by a 1.3-litre ‘Endura-E’ engine that had overhead valves and a cast-iron cylinder head and block. A five-speed manual transmission was fitted as standard.
Based on the Mk.4 Fiesta platform, the Ka had MacPherson struts front suspension (with lower A-arms and offset coil springs) and a coil-sprung torsion beam rear suspension. Furthermore, the Ka was 3660 mm long, 1640 mm wide, 1400 mm tall and had a 2450 mm long wheelbase.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka | 1.3-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 43 kW at 5000 rpm | 100 Nm at 2500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ford KA included dual front airbags; the front seatbelts were also fitted with pyrotechnic retractors.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Ka received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 17 – this result applied to year 2000 models which had an improved side structure that included a foam block and a section of foam at pelvis level. In the offset crash test, the Ka was particularly poor in protecting the driver’s legs from serious leg injury due to several hard areas under the fascia and the rearward displacement of the brake pedal. In the side impact test, protection of the driver’s chest was assessed as poor, giving a high risk of serious or fatal injury.
Features
Standard features included a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, a power-operated glass sunroof and an immobiliser.
Review: Ford TB Ka (2000-02)
Overview
Released in December 2000, the TB Ka introduced a revised range consisting of the Ka and Ka2 (or ‘2’ variant).
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka, Ka2 |
1.3-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 43 kW at 5000 rpm | 100 Nm at 2500 rpm |
Features
Compared to its TA predecessor, the standard TB Ka omitted the glass sunroof and the CD player was replaced by a cassette player.
The Ka2 also omitted the glass sunroof, but was further equipped with remote central locking, power windows and remote boot release. The Ka2 could also be identified by its body-colored bumpers.
2001 Ka2 Collection
In October 2001, limited-run Ka2 Collection editions were released. The Ka2 Collection editions could be identified by their ‘Kanary Yellow’ paint finish and ‘Ka Collection’ badge on the B-pillar appliques. Features were also extended to include 14-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels with 165/60 R14 Continental Sport Contact 76H tyres, rear head rests, an adjustable back seat, luggage compartment stowage net and stainless steel tread plates.
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