New Ford Ka TDCi Gets 56 MPG

[grahamhgreen]

This is not a new article, but in light of congress (and we the people) demanding fuel efficient vehicles from the auto-makers who are begging for money, it is a very pertinent, and an unreported story.

Yes, Ford ALREADY has a car that get 56MPG - they just don't sell it here.

Why? Could it be because the car companies are in collusion with the oil companies to prevent the sale of these type of vehicle as the same people sit on the boards of all the companies? Could it be because this 'crisis' is really about breaking up the UAW? Well, obviously.

GM also has a minivan that the sell in China that gets similar mileage.

Story here W/photos (it's CUTE!): http://tiny.cc/P0kJq

Note that the Diesel engine means that the car could run on bio-diesel as well

Copied below:

10/27/2008

The tiny Ford Ka has been a very popular model in Europe with over 1.4 million built since its introduction in 1996. Now, Ford has launched an all new Ka. The new Ka, developed as a joint project with Fiat, shares it platform with the equally new and trendsetting Fiat 500. Both cars are being manufactured at a modern Fiat plant in Tychy, Poland.

Two engine choices are available. The Ka's gasoline engine is a new a 1.2-litre Duratec powerplant rated at 68 horsepower. With this four-cylinder SOHC 8-valve engine, the Ka offers 46 mpg in combined city/highway driving, a 21 percent improvement over the previous 1.3-liter engine.

Now, for the first time the Ka can also be ordered in diesel form with a 1.3-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel rated at 74 horsepower. This intercooled and turbocharged, four-cylinder common-rail direct injection diesel gets a combined 56 mpg. Top speed for both engines is the 100 mph mark. Carbon dioxide emissions are under 120 grams/kilometer and both meet Euro IV emission standards. A five-speed manual is the only transmission offered.

Ford believes that safety does not have to be compromised in a subcompact car. The Ka's bodyshell provides a strong and stable crash structure to protect passengers. An Intelligent Protection System (IPS) integrates airbags, restraint systems, and seating into a highly effective occupant safety system. Driver and front-seat passenger airbags are standard. Pelvis and thorax side airbags as well as inflatable curtain airbags to protect front seat passengers in side impacts are optional. An electronic control unit evaluates crash severity via a number of sensors located throughout the vehicle so deployment is calibrated to suit specific crash characteristics.

Pedestrian protection includes a hood and engine compartment design that protects pedestrians from impacting hard surfaces and sharp edges. For example, headlight location and dimensions are designed to minimize direct contact with the head in an impact. The energy-absorbing bumper deforms to avoid lower leg injuries.

Active safety features include a standard anti-lock braking system complemented by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which controls the amount of rear axle braking to maintain vehicle balance and prevent wheel lockup. Other high-tech systems including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Engine Drag Torque Control (EDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) are standard or optional. Standard electric power assisted steering, which only assists as needed, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Like the previous Ka, the new model retains all the qualities that have made the Ka so popular, especially with younger buyers. This includes compact size, great looks, a fun personality, and go-kart-like handling. Many trim and option packages, plus accessories and electronic equipment, allow buyers to customize and personalize the Ka to make a statement. Despite its small size - only 139 inches long - the Ka can carry four adults and their belongings.

It's possible that the Ka could be sold in the U.S. to meet a growing demand for small fuel-sipping cars. Ford already plans to bring the slightly larger Fiesta here in early 2010. If Ford does decide to bring the Ka to the U.S., it likely wouldn't arrive before 2010 or 2011 because of the modifications needed to meet U.S safety and emissions regulations and completion of requisite testing.

[hlthe2b]

1. your link isn't working....

Frustrating that there are great cars out there that we aren't allowed to have.

[grahamhgreen]

4. Link fixed (I think)

[hlthe2b]

5. Link works now and the car is very cute...

Damn it all..

[Jackpine Radical]

2. And they're planning to release a plug-in version of the hybrid Escape

that will be good for 100 mpg in average commuter use.

[Kutjara]

3. There are so many great, small, fuel efficient European cars that never make it here,...

...largely because they'd be squashed flat by any one of the millions of gas-guzzling SUVs and monster trucks so many Americans insist on buying "because they're safe" (translation: because I'm safe; fuck everyone else). I used to drive a Smart Car in the UK and it quickly became my favorite out of everything I've ever driven. I'd love to buy one here, but I'm afraid some burger-munching, cellphone yakking halfwit in a Canyonero will punt me into the Pacific Ocean at the first intersection I cross.

[grahamhgreen]

6. I commute on a bicycle, so it's small size would actually be an upgrade in safety for me!

[Kutjara]

7. I admire the sheer courage of anyone who cycles here.

The people who cycle around Orange County have nerves of steel.

[HughMoran]

8. Hey, my coworker's Geo 3 cylinder got 50 MPG

What ever happened to the small Geo? It was discontinued because people wanted SUVs & trucks.

[physioex]

11. Couldn't be built today....

It couldn't meet the government safety mandates like the door, airbags, and on board computers. All these things consume additional fuel.

[HughMoran]

14. "the Metro was the smallest car in the world to meet 1997 North American side impact standards"

"Generation III Metro

1995 - The third generation Metro was introduced with a revised 4-cylinder engine for LSi models with hydraulic lifters and lash adjusters, and a 30,000-mile service interval<2> — supplementing the 3 cylinder models. The hatchback featured a three-inch lower liftover height compared to the Generation II,<2> and safety equipment included optional anti-lock brakes, safety cage construction with deformable front and rear crush zones, and steel side impact door safety beams.<3> and new daytime running lights — the Metro was the first GM car to get DRLs as standard equipment), as well as dual frontal airbags. The sedan and coupe chassis were 20% and 5% stiffer respectively than the previous generation Metros,<2> and at the time of its introduction, the Metro was the smallest car in the world to meet the impending 1997 side impact standards.<2> The revised sedan was also introduced in the United States, replacing the 5-door hatchback. Its twins, Pontiac Firefly and Suzuki Swift featured the same redesign. The Metro now featured a coefficient of drag of .32.<3> At the introduction of the Generation III, GM arranged for a car carrier with 1995 Metros to drive to college campuses across the country. Local writers took a half-day seminar at "Metro University" with the head product planner and senior members of the engineering, assembly, and marketing teams.<2>
1996 - OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, Second generation) was added to Metro models, at a cost of some fuel efficiency.
1997 - The last year for the Geo brand. The Metro returned in 1998 as with a Chevrolet nameplate.
1998 - The Metro now carried the Chevrolet nameplate, along with new front and rear fascias and a SOHC 16v design I-4 1.3L engine with a horsepower increase of 12%. Electronic ignition replaced the distributor, and MPFI (Multiport Fuel Injection) replaced the TBI (Throttle Body Injection). The new motor offered more HP, torque, and higher fuel economy. This I-4 engine replaced the older 8v 4 cylinder, but the 3 cylinder engine remained unchanged.
2000 - Metro and Firefly sales to the general public ceased, with fleet sales only returning in 2001.
2001 - The Metro's final year. The only model available this year is the 4-door LSi sedan. The Metro continued on sale in Canada. General Motors announces that the Metro would not be included in the 2002 Chevrolet model lineup. CAMI Automotive manufactures the last Metro, a red sedan, in April, 2001.
Beginning in late 2003 as a model year 2004 model, the Daewoo Kalos, marketed variously as the Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+, effectively replaced the Metro."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Sprint

[FarCenter]

9. I think that the tight requirements on diesel particulate matter emissions keep them out

Since the US auto makers don't sell diesels, they have been happy to see the particulate matter emission standards set tight enough to keep out the diesels.

In fact, the US oil companies and auto makers may have had a hand in making sure that they got set so tightly.

[roody]

10. Don't blame me for driving a VW TDI! It does sip fuel.

[alfredo]

12. I want a Fiat 500 Topolina.

Or a 1932 Fiat Balilla. I had one like it but it had a hole from shrapnel in the door. This one has suicide doors, mine didn't. My Lancia did.



My 1938 Lancia I had it painted before I sold it. During hard cornering the body would flex so much the doors would open.

[lostnotforgotten]

13. Detroit Is Hooked On Large Profit SUVs - All Their Domestic Revenue Projections Are Based On Same

A low profit, low volume car does not meet their needs.

[glowing]

15. The other major problem with cars and mpg standards is that our revenue

for roads and bridge projects are directly tied to sales tax on fuel. The more consumers use, the more the govt, state, and county get for their revenue. In order to get mpg efficiency standards and a fuel change, the govt idiots need to figure out how to receive revenue for roads projects. The oil company tied congresscritters and the Big 3 to oil. Its really sad. AND now that Obama is saying screw you, they are dropping the price like crazy. I'm sure they are lobbying everyone they can. The old days of Oil Monarchy are dying, and they are not going down without a fight. WE have to take it from them.