Ford introduced the world to the all-new Ka subcompact at the 2008 Paris Motor Show last week. At first Ford said that there were no plans to bring the Ka to the US, but the increased demand for small cars has forced Ford to rethink that decision.
The all-new Ka features Ford's European Kinetic Design that is similar to the larger Fiesta and Focus. This morning CEO Alan Mulally told a Detroit radio station that Ford is rethinking the original decision to not bring the Ka to the US.
The Ka goes on sale in Europe in early 2009. If Ford does decide to bring the small car here, don't count on it before 2011.
Comments (23)
lol
Posted by Douche Water | October 6, 2008 1:22 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 13:22
The only reason Ford has to mull this over is that they're still bitter because they are no longer able to shove overpriced SUVs down our throats.
Posted by Clint Torres | October 6, 2008 1:45 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 13:45
Oh, no. They shouldn't be selling this in Europe either. It's hideous!
Posted by John H | October 6, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 14:10
Get used to it. This is what you can afford now.
Posted by Mr Future | October 6, 2008 2:34 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 14:34
The US should have just taken over the entire north/central/south American continents when they had the chance.
Posted by Nazi | October 6, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 14:38
sure, it's ugly... but the previous generation of the Ka was much, much worse.
this new version is built on the same platform and engine as the new Fiat 500. in europe, both cars will even be built at the same plant, somewhere in eastern europe... build quality will certainly be terrible. (but it could have been worse... they could have used a Renault platform...)
Posted by Raytracer | October 6, 2008 3:12 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 15:12
sure, it's ugly... but the previous generation of the Ka was much, much worse.
this new version is built on the same platform and engine as the new Fiat 500. in europe, both cars will even be built at the same plant, somewhere in eastern europe... build quality will certainly be terrible. (but it could have been worse... they could have used a Renault platform...)
Posted by Raytracer | October 6, 2008 3:14 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 15:14
They're not overpriced anymore Clint, rest assured. Businesses are taking advantage of the cuts too.
We've actually started getting a surge of lower end fleet models in the shop the past couple weeks to get power locks/windows, etc added.
Just bring the thing Ford. Pretty much every short wheelbase econobox with a tall roof looks like a clown car. Which one is least offending is in the eye of the beholder.
Posted by Trooper Bri | October 6, 2008 3:24 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 15:24
please bring the other good stuff over first.
screw this semi-truck road game ping pong ball. i really dont want to accidentally kill anyone and not know it.
plenty of midsized, more efficient cars in europe that are still fun to drive and can be moved here quite easily.
Posted by :( | October 6, 2008 6:13 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 18:13
If They bring it to the US they will build it in mexico for us, so it was probably be far better than the fiat built one. Initial quality ratings for 2008 fords have been better than toyota and honda. I know, I was surprised to, but I like what ford is doing here now.
Posted by GRIZZ | October 6, 2008 6:54 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 18:54
What's the problem with Renault? I'd buy a Clio 197 in a heartbeat if it was sold in America....
BTW the Top Gear episode with the Clio 182 is such a trip...
Posted by Brian | October 7, 2008 12:14 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 00:14
now if only McDonald and Burger King would bring their Euro line here, we might actually, one day, fit in it...
Posted by lowest iq | October 7, 2008 1:31 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 01:31
I drive one now. it is not so bad, says my driver.
Posted by Mike Lehman | October 7, 2008 1:33 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 01:33
I'm shocked none of you complained about the seats. They are ugly as sin.
Posted by Jeff | October 7, 2008 4:21 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 04:21
Ford quality + Fiat quality... buy that and suffer!
I live in Sweden, and those few who buy a Fiat here (if they find any , the importer shut down but now I think someone are selling them again) are seen as slightly retarded or female, or both.
The quality is unspeakably low and the rust... a world of pain.
Posted by Perzy | October 7, 2008 4:51 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 04:51
If it comes to the US. Please rename it something else. Sounds like a cheap Hyundai or Kia.
Posted by Eric | October 7, 2008 5:00 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 05:00
Actually I think they should just change the name for the US market to some asian letter or symbol. The teeny-bopper and kids would go nuts over it.
Frankly I don't like the looks of it, but I think it's a good idea to bring back "smaller" cars.
HOWEVER, why can't we just figure out a way to get rid of the glut in our current models? Sure a current model VW Golf is probably twice the weight (and 50% larger) than the original, but can't we work on that?
I like smaller cars, but I'd love to see what's out now drop 10-20% off their weight equally as well.
Posted by Brian | October 7, 2008 8:49 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 08:49
likewise for driver and passengers.
Posted by lowest iq | October 7, 2008 9:03 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 09:03
looks kinda cool to me
Posted by Bill | October 8, 2008 5:31 AM
Posted on October 8, 2008 05:31
"we're going to wait and see how the market goes ..."
Good job, Ford. Honda is talking 60 mpg, and you're unsure if the car will sell well in America ... is anything you make selling good in America? Maybe you should take the *risky chance and bring something small, affordable, and fuel efficient to our shores, and your stock might keep it's head above toilet water for a little while.
I'm allowed to say that; I drive a Ford. If they were to decide to bring this to the US, I would be able to trade my upside down loan in on this one, and make out okay. : ) If not, Mini Cooper John Works it is.
Posted by Ryan | October 8, 2008 9:51 PM
Posted on October 8, 2008 21:51
You know, now that I think about it; waiting totally makes sense. You never know, Matt Millen could've turned that team around if he had enough time ...
Posted by Ryan | October 8, 2008 9:53 PM
Posted on October 8, 2008 21:53
I'd take this car over that garbage Smart car any day.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | October 9, 2008 4:19 AM
Posted on October 9, 2008 04:19
looks ok in dark blue and black with alloys,but needs hella mpg for the size sacrifice. 50mpg at least.
Posted by Patrick | October 9, 2008 6:14 PM
Posted on October 9, 2008 18:14