Ford Brazil reveals Ka Concept, may replace Figo in India

Ford has revealed the first images of the Ka Concept - a compact car built in-house by the manufacturer's Brazilian arm. The new Ka, which is production-ready, will be the third generation of this urban hatchback. The first-gen Ka was launched in 1996, followed by the second-gen in 2008.

The second-gen Ka came with the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines. The company is yet to disclose details of the new Ka, but it is expected to offer good fuel economy, a roomy interior with comfortable seating for five, good air conditioning and a central docking station for mobile devices and Ford SYNC.

The Ka is a compact concept car built in-house by the Blue Oval's Brazilian arm

On the makeup front, the Ka seems to carry the Ford design language. Hexagonal broad front grille, extended headlamps, lead body with curved lines and big tail lamps form the Ford DNA.

The EcoSport, which has seen a runaway success, also comes from Ford's Brazilian wing. Ford has mentioned Ka as 'a strong precursor to an all-new global compact car from Ford' and we in India could get it as the Figo replacement. The Figo, as it is, has undergone just one facelift, which was earlier this year, since its introduction in 2010. This also opens up strong possibilities for an allin the near future which is likely to put up a strong challenge to Maruti Dzire and Honda, which are the current segment leaders.

The company is looking at 2014 to launch the Ka, and address the rapidly growing sub-B compact segment

The 2010 Figo was the updated version of the old Fiesta hatchback. With the success of EcoSport, Ford has recognised the importance of offering newer products with latest technology and pricing them competitively for staying relevant in the cut-throat Indian market.

On the design front, the Ka seems to carry the Ford design language

"Ford's executive chairman Bill Ford, who was at the automaker's Northeast Industrial Complex in Camacari, Brazil, for the launch, says,"Ford has a long history in Brazil, bringing development, jobs and growth to the region. As an integral part of our global growth strategy, we are committed to bringing world-class products to Brazil and to helping the region create global vehicles for the rest of the world."

Ford adds that the Ka is "a sleek, compact hatchback that features bold design, quality engineering and innovative technologies that envisions a new choice for entry-level urban consumers in Brazil and other key markets around the world".