SportKa

The Ford SportKa features naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter Duratec inline-four engine producing 95 horsepower (70 kW) with 136 Newton-meters (100 pound-feet) torque at 4250 RPM utilizing DOHC eight-valve configuration through five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive achieving 953-kilogram (2101-pound) curb weight delivering 9.7-second 0-100 kilometer-per-hour acceleration and 174-kilometer-per-hour (108 mph) top speed representing 50-percent power increase versus standard Ka specification. The performance city car incorporates sport-tuned suspension with lowered ride height, upgraded dampers, front strut tower brace, larger diameter anti-roll bars, 15-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front disc brakes, and aggressive exterior styling with body-color bumpers and side skirts distinguishing from standard Ka range.

SportKa launched 2003 represents Ford performance division interpretation of New Edge design language Ka applying sporty character to ultra-compact city car segment sharing mechanical upgrades with StreetKa convertible variant featuring accessible hot hatchback philosophy emphasizing handling dynamics and style over outright power delivery competing against MINI Cooper and Peugeot 206 GTI in European B-segment performance category with production continuing through 2008 creating affordable entry point for enthusiast drivers seeking characterful urban transport with sporting pretensions and distinctive styling making this unique expression of early-2000s Ford small car performance strategy before Fiesta ST dominated segment.