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Ford KA RBT 1.3 i (50 Hp)
Overall Rating
Ford KA:
The Ford Ka is a small car which was manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1996 to 2021 over three generations. It entered its second generation in 2008, produced by Fiat in Tychy, Poland. A third generation was introduced in 2014. The first two generations have been described as city cars, whilst the third generation has been called a subcompact car.
The first two generations have a three-door hatchback body style, with the first generation also having a two-door convertible version that was marketed as the StreetKa and a sporty hatch version, the SportKa. The third generation was produced as a five-door hatchback and as a four-door sedan. It was initially only available in Brazil, and later was introduced in India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, South Africa , Argentina, and Poland. European sales ended in 2020, and in 2021 was taken out of production in Brazil....(Read more on Wikipedia)
RBT Overview:
Ford KA (RBT). With 97 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.9 l/100km). Weighing only 870 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.7 s). The top speed reaches 147 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Tested in 2000, the Ford Ka achieved a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection. While acceptable for its era, it lacks many modern safety features and would perform poorly by today's standards.
1.3 i (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for urban driving, but struggles significantly on highways and with full loads due to very limited power and slow acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Decent for its age in extra-urban conditions, but urban consumption is typical for an older small engine. Running costs are generally low.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive 'New Edge' styling
- • Agile and fun handling for a city car
- • Compact size ideal for urban environments
- • Low running costs and affordable to buy
- • Practical interior for its class
Cons:
- • Limited engine power across the range
- • Basic interior materials and features
- • Susceptible to rust, especially on older models
- • Dated safety features by modern standards
- • Can be noisy at higher speeds
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | KA |
| Generation: | RBT |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 i (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp @ 4500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 38.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 97 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | JJB |
| Engine displacement: | 1299 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.25 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 74 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 147 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 17.4 kg/Hp, 57.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9 kg/Nm, 111.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 870 |
| Max. weight: | 1265 |
| Max load: | 395 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 724 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 186 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3620 mm mm |
| Width: | 1639 mm mm |
| Height: | 1383 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2448 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1392 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1408 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Ford KA!