Ford Start Concept

Wraps come off new small car concept ahead of Beijing unveil.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Sam Hardy

22nd April 2010

It's a false start for Ford. This striking small car was meant to stay under cover until its debut tomorrow at the Beijing Motor Show – but an internet leak has brought its arrival forward.

Called the Start Concept, the Ka-sized machine has been designed by Ford's California-based design offices for ever-growing cities in the Far East. But the real news is under the bonnet, where power comes from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost direct injection turbo engine.

Offering the same performance as a 1.6-litre engine, but with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, expect to see this unit appear in the Fiesta and the upcoming new Focus next year.

With its cheeky aerodynamic body, the Start Concept looks like the next evolution of the Ka – but Ford is keen to point out it won't be making its way to Europe. That's a shame because its stylish shape would be a hit on UK roads.

It's eco-friendly too, being made of lightweight composite panels.

Inside, the instrument panel can easily be swapped from left to right-hand drive, while the modular construction of the dashboard and one-piece rear seats further cuts production costs.

However, it's not without luxury. And expect to see its MyFord Mobile concept technology appear on upcoming Ford models. This allows owners to plug their smartphones – such as the iPhone – into the car and then control heating, ventilation and air conditioning, via voice control.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Ka visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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7 Comments

Ka?

Don't think Ford will go ahead with this. And they won't call it a Ka! They have a new Ka out at the moment so they will have to call it something else. I have to admit this is not the usual ugly Ford design. 3/10

By bigbazza on 22 April, 2010, 6:34pm

Bland

I don't like it from the front. Dare I say... the design of the car looks dated already? Very 90's.

By markiebaby on 22 April, 2010, 7:39pm

Ace

Think this looks fantastic, completely different from anything in the Ford stable at the mo...got a great retro look...the wife even likes it and she thinks Ford's are dull!

By paperboy1970 on 22 April, 2010, 8:41pm

Panhard

Has a look of Panhard about it methinks.

By stevie on 23 April, 2010, 7:41am

Funkier than a MINI

But it's pure vapourware. If Ford markets anything that looks remotely like this, I'll eat my hat. And after that, I'll buy the car.

By snappyuk on 27 April, 2010, 8:16am

Hmmm.........

Well it IS different I guess. Whether I like it or not is an entirely different thing but it's all very academic anyway since it isn't going to be marketed in Europe so even if I was in a position to buy one I couldn't (or not easily due to the usual import hassles). I suspect that it might look better in the flesh but I think it's a car that might grow on you.

Mechanicals sound good though and if they're going to make it to the Focus and Fiesta that can't be a bad thing.

By nick7 on 27 April, 2010, 10:57am

That looks superb - why didn't the current Ka look like this?

It is as groundbreaking as the original, not a blandified version of the Fiat 500 as the current model is.

By Ian2861 on 1 May, 2010, 11:57am

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