Ford Ka: secret of success of a design icon

From the moment that it was launched the Ford Ka created not only a new market sector but a new automotive design style too. With its "New Edge" design principles the Ka’s sweeping lines were continued inside the car and even at launch there was the option of CD player, air conditioning and power steering.

Now, a decade on, more than one million have been sold and demand is still healthy. Sales this year are on target for 36,000 despite the arrival in its sector of several newer competitors.

Andrea Cooper, Head of Design Knowledge at the Design Council, recently told the 4Car website that in design terms she could see a parallel between the Ka and the iPod. "When the iPod came out perceived wisdom stated that the public just wouldn't wear white headphones, whereas now that’s become such an iconic and distinctive feature. A big part of it (Ka) is that it’s got character and they (Ford) built in so many qualities which weren’t incorporated in previous small cars."

Special editions have played an important part in the appeal of Ka and reinforced its design chic. From the Sublime and Sun through to the sophisticated Silver, Black and Millennium, special edition models have offered additional equipment in a value package.

Ka has redefined the small city car sector by having a style and design quotient not often seen in a "peoples" car. Claude Lobo, the original chief designer of Ka, said that he wanted a car so strong in its appearance and thinking that it wouldn't need a mid-life facelift. This has proved to be the case and the exterior has not needed any changes in its lifetime. The Ka has seen many improvements to its specification, mechanics and new variants such as Sportka and Streetka. What has, however, remained constant is the strong character and design that has ensured its wide ranging and unique appeal.

Sales patterns reveal that Swansea and Glasgow are where you will see the most style lovers in their Kas. London is where the most Sportkas and Streetkas were sold, followed by Coventry. Tamworth is right up there with great Ka sales and some of the highest sales for Streetka and Sportka.

Ka owners choose moondust silver as their favourite colour, followed by panther black.