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Ford Ka

New Edge starts here: Ford's 1996 city car on Fiesta underpinnings.12

Researched November 2, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • KnutschkugelGerman pet name for the original Ka's rounded New Edge shape.3
  • The Ka's Evil TwinFord's advertising name for SportKa, casting it as the wicked counterpart to the regular Ka's cute image.1
  • KazãoBrazilian nickname for the Ka+ sedan, the family's first sedan.4

At a glance

0100200
49.3–108.46 hpPower
01020
9.7–17.7 s0–100 km/h
0100200
147–174 km/hTop speed
0150300
77.2–215 N·mTorque
07501,500
820–1,136 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.13491112

Engine
Gasoline: 1.0–1.6 L I3/I4; diesel: EU Mk2 1.3 L, KA+ 1.5 L19
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive1
Gearbox
5-speed manual; Brazil's 2018 facelift: 6-speed automatic14
Built at
EU: Mk1 Ford Valencia, Spain; Mk2 Fiat Tychy, Poland; KA+ Ford Sanand, India1210
Units built
Mk1: 1,000,000 reached on June 18, 20022

The story

Ford launched the Ka in 1996 as a low-cost small car, pairing Fiesta underpinnings with its first New Edge design. The family later added SportKa and StreetKa, then grew into a global hatchback and sedan range in 2014.156

1996: New Edge meets Fiesta underpinnings19962002: A million Kas from Valencia · Duratec replaces the pushrod Endura-E20022003: SportKa and StreetKa get 1.6-liter power20032008: One name, two different successors20082014: A global Ka, now with a sedan20142016: KA+ reaches Europe from Sanand20162018: Three cylinders, diesel and KA+ Active20182021: Brazilian production ends in January2021 Ford Fiesta Mk3 (BE-13): 1989–1997BE-13Ford Ka (first generation) (BE146): 1996–2008BE146Ford Ka (second generation, Latin America) (B402): 2008–2013B402Ford Ka (second generation, Europe) (B420): 2008–2016B420Ford Ka / KA+ (third generation): 2014–2021 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13468919
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1989–1997Ford Fiesta Mk3 (BE-13)
1996–2008Ford Ka (first generation) (BE146)
2008–2013Ford Ka (second generation, Latin America) (B402)
2008–2016Ford Ka (second generation, Europe) (B420)
2014–2021Ford Ka / KA+ (third generation)
1996New Edge meets Fiesta underpinnings
2002A million Kas from Valencia
2002Duratec replaces the pushrod Endura-E
2003SportKa and StreetKa get 1.6-liter power
2008One name, two different successors
2014A global Ka, now with a sedan
2016KA+ reaches Europe from Sanand
2018Three cylinders, diesel and KA+ Active
2021Brazilian production ends in January
  1. 1996

    New Edge meets Fiesta underpinnings

    Launched on September 11, the first Ka puts New Edge styling over the Mk3 Fiesta platform as Ford's low-cost small car.12

  2. 2002

    A million Kas from Valencia

    Ka number 1,000,000 leaves Valencia on June 18; about 65% of Ka owners are new to Ford.2

  3. 2002

    Duratec replaces the pushrod Endura-E

    The European Mk1 swaps its 1.3-liter Endura-E for an overhead-cam Duratec, with taller gearing on versions without air conditioning.1

  4. 2003

    SportKa and StreetKa get 1.6-liter power

    SportKa gets 94 hp, a Puma five-speed and a 22 mm wider front track; the Pininfarina-built StreetKa adds open-air motoring.7

  5. 2008

    One name, two different successors

    Europe gets Fiat 500 architecture and Tychy production; Brazil launches its own replacement, retaining the original platform and doors.168

  6. 2014

    A global Ka, now with a sedan

    Brazilian engineers take Ka global, adding more cabin room, a five-door hatchback and the family's first sedan.146

  7. 2016

    KA+ reaches Europe from Sanand

    The five-door KA+ brings 69- and 84-hp 1.2-liter Ti-VCT gasoline engines to Europe, supplied from Ford's Sanand plant in India.910

  8. 2018

    Three cylinders, diesel and KA+ Active

    The revised KA+ gains a 1.2-liter triple and a 94-hp 1.5 TDCi diesel with 215 Nm; Active rides 23 mm higher.9

  9. 2021

    Brazilian production ends in January

    The final-generation Ka stops being built in January as Ford ends vehicle manufacturing in Brazil.6

Every generation

  • Ford Fiesta Mk3
    BE-131989–1997
  • Ford Ka (first generation)
    BE1461996–2008
  • Ford Ka (second generation, Latin America)
    B4022008–2013
  • Ford Ka (second generation, Europe)
    B4202008–2016
  • Ford Ka / KA+ (third generation)
    Ford Ka / KA+ (third generation)2014–2021

Power over the years

From 49 hp to 108 hp in 12 years.

050100150 19952000200520102015 hp 1996 · 49 hp · Launch 1.3 Endura-E, base1996 · 59 hp · Launch 1.3 Endura-E2003 · 94 hp · SportKa / StreetKa 1.62008 · 68 hp · EU Mk2 1.2 gasoline2008 · 74 hp · EU Mk2 1.3 TDCi2008 · 108 hp · Brazil Mk2 1.6 Rocam, flex-fuel2015 · 84 hp · Brazil MY2015 1.0, ethanol2015 · 108 hp · Brazil MY2015 1.5 Sigma2016 · 69 hp · KA+ 1.2, base2016 · 84 hp · KA+ 1.22018 · 94 hp · KA+ 1.5 TDCi 108 hp Brazil Mk2 1.6 Rocam, flex-fuel 49 hp Launch 1.3 Endura-E, base
13478910
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
199649Launch 1.3 Endura-E, base
199659Launch 1.3 Endura-E
200394SportKa / StreetKa 1.6
200868EU Mk2 1.2 gasoline
200874EU Mk2 1.3 TDCi
2008108Brazil Mk2 1.6 Rocam, flex-fuel
201584Brazil MY2015 1.0, ethanol
2015108Brazil MY2015 1.5 Sigma
201669KA+ 1.2, base
201684KA+ 1.2
201894KA+ 1.5 TDCi

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Ka SE / SE Plus / SEL / Trail / Freestyle (Brazil)

    Standard

    Ka SE / SE Plus / SEL / Trail / Freestyle (Brazil)

  • Ka XR (Brazil)

    Performance

    Ka XR (Brazil)

  • Ka Sport (Brazil)

    Performance

    Ka Sport (Brazil)

  • SportKa

    Performance

    SportKa

    2003–2008

    94 hp
  • Ka Individual: Digital / Grand Prix / Tattoo / Metal

    Special

    Ka Individual: Digital / Grand Prix / Tattoo / Metal

  • Special

    KA+ Black & White Edition (Europe)

    84 hp
  • KA+ Active (Europe)

    Special

    KA+ Active (Europe)

  • Special

    Ka First Edition / Kool / Royal / Black

  • StreetKa Red / Winter / Ice

    Limited

    StreetKa Red / Winter / Ice

  • Limited

    Ka Edition Lufthansa

    1997

    59 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original Ka: a tiny three-door body with rounded surfaces, sharp creases and a curved plastic rear bumper.513
  • European second generation: bulbous, wedge-shaped three-door bodywork echoing the Fiesta's styling.117
  • Brazil's second generation: long rear side windows, broad rear pillars and horizontal taillights.8
  • European KA+: five doors, a high trapezoidal grille and large headlights swept back into the sides.10
  • StreetKa: two seats, a soft top and a round reverse light centered in the rear bumper.1214

Year by year

  1. 2001 (Latin America)

    The rear plate moved from the bumper onto the trunk lid, and the taillights became much taller.1

  2. 2011 (Brazil)

    The second-generation upper grille closed up, the bumper intake opened out, and taillights gained clear lenses over gray internals.8

  3. 2014

    The larger third generation introduced a five-door hatchback and a separate-trunk sedan.16

  4. 2018 (KA+)

    Honeycomb grille mesh and C-shaped fog-light/daytime-running-light surrounds arrived, with the C motif repeated at the rear.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Ka
    Ka
    Photo of a Fiat 500
    Fiat 500

    Fiat 500

    European second-generation Ka has a wedge-shaped body; the Fiat 500 uses retro styling and round headlights.1718

  • Photo of a Ford Ka
    Ka
    Photo of a Ford Fiesta
    Ford Fiesta

    Ford Fiesta

    The European KA+ is shorter but taller than the Fiesta; look for its high trapezoidal grille and swept-back headlights.10

Against its rivals

  • Citroen C1

    Ka vs Citroen C1

    Curb weight lower is better

    Ka940 kg
    Citroen C1790 kg
    118

  • Ka vs Fiat 500

    0–100 km/h (claimed) lower is better

    Ka12.9 s
    Fiat 50012.9 s
    18

Prices

Value today $960.0–$3.3K25

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$5K$10K$15K$20K 1995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $960–$3,250 1996 · $11,100 · Germany base, approx. USD1997 · $11,200 · Germany Kool, approx. USD1997 · $9,200 · Germany Ka 1 base, approx. USD1997 · $13,500 · Germany Lufthansa, approx. USD2009 · $12,250 · UK base2009 · $13,760 · UK Style+, approx. USD2009 · $14,530 · UK Zetec petrol, approx. USD2009 · $15,600 · UK Zetec diesel, approx. USD2016 · $11,100 · Germany KA+ base, approx. USD2018 · $11,800 · Germany KA+ base, approx. USD 1996 · 16.750 Mark · Germany base, 1996; approximate period USD conversion 2025 · $1,500 · 2004 Ka; approx. USD, Mathewsons2025 · $3,200 · 2014 Ka; approx. USD, WB & Sons2025 · $3,250 · 2007 Ka Studio; approx. USD, Mathewsons2026 · $860 · 2006 Ka Design project, 25,784 mi; approx. USD, Anglia Car Auctions2026 · $1,690 · 2007 SportKa SE; approx. USD, Mathewsons2026 · $2,840 · 2009 Ka Style; approx. USD, Humbert & Ellis2026 · $960 · 2012 Ka; approx. USD, WB & Sons $3.3K Mathewsons, 2025
9101617253031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1996Launch price$11,100Germany base, 1996; approximate period USD conversion
1996Price when new$11,100Germany base, approx. USD
1997Price when new$11,200Germany Kool, approx. USD
1997Price when new$9,200Germany Ka 1 base, approx. USD
1997Price when new$13,500Germany Lufthansa, approx. USD
2009Price when new$12,250UK base
2009Price when new$13,760UK Style+, approx. USD
2009Price when new$14,530UK Zetec petrol, approx. USD
2009Price when new$15,600UK Zetec diesel, approx. USD
2016Price when new$11,100Germany KA+ base, approx. USD
2018Price when new$11,800Germany KA+ base, approx. USD
2025Auction sale$1,5002004 Ka; approx. USD, Mathewsons
2025Auction sale$3,2002014 Ka; approx. USD, WB & Sons
2025Auction sale$3,2502007 Ka Studio; approx. USD, Mathewsons
2026Auction sale$8602006 Ka Design project, 25,784 mi; approx. USD, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Auction sale$1,6902007 SportKa SE; approx. USD, Mathewsons
2026Auction sale$2,8402009 Ka Style; approx. USD, Humbert & Ellis
2026Auction sale$9602012 Ka; approx. USD, WB & Sons
2026Value today$960–$3,250

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “First double winner at Oulton Park”
    • “City-car roots, 24-hour races”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Ford Ka - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Eine Million Ford Ka produziert | Presseportal presseportal.de
  3. 20 Jahre Ford Ka: von Goldbären, Knutschkugeln und Liebesboten | fordfan.de fordfan.de
  4. Carro usado: 10 fatos sobre o Ford Ka 2015 autopapo.com.br
  5. Used Car Guide to the Ford Ka - the best small car to drive, possibly? motorcheck.ie
  6. Ford Ka: três décadas do exótico popular da 'nova era' autopapo.com.br
  7. Ford SportKa - review, history, prices and specs | evo evo.co.uk
  8. FORD KA 21 ANOS DE BRASIL - Fly Auto flyauto.com.br
  9. Ford präsentiert den neuen KA+ inklusive interessanter Crossover-Variante KA+ Active ... | Presseportal presseportal.de
  10. Kleines Auto mit großem Gegenwert: Neuer Ford KA+ glänzt mit Raumangebot, ... | Presseportal presseportal.de
  11. Fahrbericht Ford Sportka - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  12. Ford Streetka (2003-2005) motor-car.net
  13. Ford Ka Hatchback (1996-2008) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Ford Streetka - im Test - Autotests - AUTOWELT - motorline.cc motorline.cc
  15. Used Ford Ka buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. Ford Ka (ab 1996) - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  17. 2009 Ford Ka — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  18. Ford Ka v Citroen C1 v Fiat 500 v Chevrolet Matiz | evo evo.co.uk
  19. Ford Fiesta (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Homage to Ford Designer Christopher Svensson, Director of GT Program formtrends.com
  21. EnduroKA msvr.co.uk
  22. Round 5 — Event Report: MilnAir make it a record-breaking two Oulton Park victories! enduroka.co.uk
  23. The new Ford Ka in Quantum of Solace | Bond Lifestyle jamesbondlifestyle.com
  24. Ford Ka | Forza Horizon Wiki forzahorizonwiki.com
  25. Ford Ka For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  26. 2004 FORD KA. 190 MILES FROM NEW | Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November 2022 | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  27. Common Ford KA Faults | Ford KA Issues | Blackcircles.com blackcircles.com
  28. Ford Ka Problems: Common Issues & Repair Costs | FixMyCar whocanfixmycar.com
  29. Used Ford Ka buying guide: 2009-2016 (Mk2) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  30. Ford puts a price on the Ka | News | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  31. 2006 FORD KA DESIGN | Sat 31 January & Sun 1 February | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • presseportal.de
  • fordfan.de
  • autopapo.com.br
  • motorcheck.ie
  • evo.co.uk
  • flyauto.com.br
  • autobild.de
  • motor-car.net
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motorline.cc
  • caranddriver.com
  • formtrends.com
  • msvr.co.uk

Photo credits

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