Ford KA Mk1 photos

1996 — 2008 · hatchback
7
photos
5
specifications
50–94
hp
9.7 s
best 0–100

About this generation

The first-generation Ford Ka was a pioneering urban city car defining Ford's New Edge design language.

Debuting in 1996, the Ka Mk1 was constructed on a shortened Fiesta Mk3 floorpan. Its radical New Edge design featured oversized unpainted bumpers integrated into body contours, making it instantly recognizable. The compact three-door footprint delivered agile urban handling and effortless parking ability.

Engines included 1.3-liter Endura-E and later Duratec units. Variant spin-offs included the Pininfarina-styled StreetKa roadster and the 1.6-liter SportKa hot hatch. The original Ka remained in production for 12 model years. The lasting engineering impact of this generation remains a key benchmark in Ford's global model evolution history. Known for its dependable mechanical layout, the vehicle built a loyal customer base across diverse driving conditions. Offered with versatile feature packages, this iteration successfully balanced day-to-day usability with solid resale value. The lasting engineering impact of this generation remains a key benchmark in Ford's global model evolution history.

Specifications

5
3620 mm142.5 in
Length
1631 mm64.2 in
Width
1368 mm53.9 in
Height
2448 mm96.4 in
Wheelbase
186 l6.6 cu ft
Trunk
140 mm5.5 in
Ground clearance
Petrol
1.3i
50hp(37 kW)
1.3 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 17.7 s
1998–2002
Torque
97 Nm (72 lb-ft)
Top speed
147 km/h (91 mph)
Displacement
1299 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
JJJ
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
871 kg (1920 lb)
Fuel tank
42 l (11.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption
6.3 l/100 km (37 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
154 g/km (NEDC)
1.3i
59hp(44 kW)
1.3 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 15.4 s
1996–2002
Torque
105 Nm (77 lb-ft)
Top speed
155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement
1299 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
J4D
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
871 kg (1920 lb)
Fuel tank
42 l (11.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption
6.7 l/100 km (35 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
163 g/km (NEDC)
1.3
59hp(44 kW)
1.3 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 15.4 s
2002–2008
Torque
99 Nm (73 lb-ft)
Top speed
155 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement
1297 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
BAA
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
893 kg (1969 lb)
Fuel tank
40 l (10.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
5.9 l/100 km (40 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
140 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 4
1.3
68hp(51 kW)
1.3 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 14.1 s
2002–2008
Torque
106 Nm (78 lb-ft)
Top speed
167 km/h (104 mph)
Displacement
1297 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
A9A
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
893 kg (1969 lb)
Fuel tank
40 l (10.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
6.2 l/100 km (38 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
147 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 4
1.6
94hp(70 kW)
1.6 l 5-speed manual FWD 0–100 9.7 s
2003–2008
Torque
135 Nm (100 lb-ft)
Top speed
174 km/h (108 mph)
Displacement
1599 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
CDC
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
934 kg (2059 lb)
Fuel tank
40 l (10.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
7.6 l/100 km (31 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
182 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 4

Tap a card to see all specs

News

Ford news

All Ford news
500-HP 2005 Ford Mustang Giugiaro Concept Tested on the Track
500-HP 2005 Ford Mustang Giugiaro Concept Tested on the Track
Built by Italdesign Giugiaro with a carbon-fiber body, scissor doors, and a supercharged 4.6-liter V-8 rated at an estimated 500 horsepower, the one-off 2005 Ford Mustang Concept was put through its paces at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
31.Oct.2026
2027 Ford Ranger To Replace 2.7-Liter V6 With Detuned 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo Engine
2027 Ford Ranger To Replace 2.7-Liter V6 With Detuned 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo Engine
Ford is reportedly replacing the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 on the 2027 Ranger with a detuned version of the Ranger Raptor's 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. The updated pickup also gains a standard 12.0-inch infotainment screen on the base XL trim alongside revised styling and equipment packages.
20.Oct.2026
Ford Reaffirms 2027 Launch For Sub-$30,000 Fathom Electric Pickup Amid Production Hurdles
Ford Reaffirms 2027 Launch For Sub-$30,000 Fathom Electric Pickup Amid Production Hurdles
CEO Jim Farley cautioned that mass-producing the Universal Electric Vehicle platform will take major effort, but Ford confirmed the truck remains on schedule. The mid-size electric pickup features a modular three-piece assembly method and a starting price of $29,945.
02.Oct.2026
Production of the Affordable Ford Fathom EV Pickup Faces Potential Delays
Production of the Affordable Ford Fathom EV Pickup Faces Potential Delays
Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed the automaker faces major challenges launching the upcoming Fathom electric pickup on its new UEV platform on schedule. The company is actively working to balance production costs to meet its targeted $30,000 price point.
02.Oct.2026