When the Ka was launched in October 1996, it was to a collective gasp of surprise from the industry. Few had expected anything quite so radical from normally conservative Ford. The company's new citycar would slot in below the Fiesta and become a fashion statement.
It was offered only with the company's faithful Endura-E 1.3-litre engine - straight from the Fiesta. In fact, this was the only thing about the car that wasn't futuristic.
Basic Ka and plusher Ka2 models were offered at launch. The Ka2 includes a height-adjustable driver's seat, rear seat head restraint and, most importantly power steering (the latter feature standardised across the range in 1997 though it can be deleted to order). All versions came with a driver's airbag, a stereo and tinted glass.
An even plusher Ka3 version was announced in June 1997, with alloy wheels, metallic paint, a CD player and air conditioning. You may also come across special editions such as the Ka2-based Green and Copper and the Ka3-based Black introduced in 1999. There was also a garish yellow Millennium version and an upmarket Luxury version. For 2000, the Ka2 was replaced by the Collection available in bright colours with painted bumpers.
