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Ford celebrates 30th anniversary of unusual Ka model
Cologne is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the unusually designed Ka model, the originator of Ford's then-current design direction, which was hidden behind the name New Edge.
Known for radical changes in design direction, the European branch of the American automobile company Ford presented the three-door Ka model 30 years ago, with which their then-current design direction, which was hidden behind the name New Edge, arrived on the scene.
Ford's unusually designed representative in the then-current A segment in the fall of 1996 brought with it proven mechanics from the already well-known Fiesta model, which with appropriately increased dimensions joined the company of cars from the B segment the same year, and the New Edge design direction was also adopted in Cologne when they created the first-generation Focus, which continued where the Escort left off in 1998.

The unusual appearance of the new smallest Ford divided public opinion, but there were no dissatisfied people when it came to the surprisingly spacious cabin for four people, which was achieved by an above-average long wheelbase due to which the wheels were at the very edges of the body.
The modest potential of the 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine was far below the potential of the suspension that made the small and light Ka among the most maneuverable cars at that time, which could overshadow much more powerful and expensive cars on winding roads.
Along with several special editions, the Ka was also available in combination with an electrically operated folding roof from 2000, and the most powerful version (SportKa) that arrived in 2003 was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (95 hp), which provided acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds.
After 12 years of production, the first-generation Ka (nicknamed the ladybug) found its way to 1.5 million customers, and Ford kept the model name in the story until 2021, when production of the differently designed third generation ceased.

Three generations in Brazil...The first generation of the Ka, launched in Brazil in 1997, represented the first step in the brand's renewal in the country, both in terms of industry and image. To produce it, the Ford factory in São Bernardo do Campo, SP, underwent a complete modernization of the assembly line.
The first Brazilian subcompact, it was also the vehicle that debuted Ford's 'New Edge' design, with innovative rounded shapes and an inspiring name - which means, in Egyptian, 'spirit that animates all living beings'. With the characteristics of ease of maneuverability, fuel economy and performance of the 1.0, 51 hp, and 1.3, 60 hp engines of the Endura-E family, it was quickly very well received in the market. In 2000, the line gained the 65 hp Zetec RoCam engine. In 2002, the hatchback underwent a rear restyling, made exclusively to meet the tastes of local consumers, with straight-line bumpers, a new trunk lid, and vertical taillights.
The second generation, in 2008, brought the first major change. The body was enlarged to accommodate five passengers, maintaining the three-door configuration. Along with the 1.0 and 1.6 RoCam Flex engines, it introduced interesting differentiators in the entry-level segment, such as volumetric alarm, remote control of the doors and trunk, and automatic door locking at 15 km/h. In the 2012 line, it underwent a slight restyling of the front grille and taillights.
The third generation, developed in Brazil, arrived in 2014 with a completely new and global design. Assembled at the Ford complex in Camaçari, Bahia, with a four-door body and more space for five passengers, the model also innovated in technology, equipment offerings, and engines. In addition to the 1.0 TiVCT three-cylinder engine, with 85 hp, produced at the new factory inaugurated in Bahia, it began offering the 1.5 Sigma engine with 110 hp, with several improvements for performance and economy.
Among other items, the new Ka was the first in its category to come standard with electric power steering, air conditioning, front power windows, power locks with remote control, and a sound system with voice commands and Bluetooth. It also innovated in its optional features, offering electronic stability and traction control, hill start assist, and the SYNC connectivity system with emergency assistance and AppLink system for mobile applications.
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