Ford has revealed the new KA+ – for the first time also offered as a new KA+ Active crossover version – delivering, the company says, greater comfort and convenience, more driver assistance technologies than the current model, and enhanced interior and exterior styling.

The new KA+ and KA+ Active are available with technologies including Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps.

The new KA+ and KA+ Active for the first time also deliver a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains, including Ford’s new  1.2-litre, three-cylinder Ti-VCT (Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing) petrol engine, and a 94 bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine designed to meet the needs of higher-mileage drivers.

The new KA+ Active further enhances the compact five-door model with rugged bodystyling, raised ride-height and separate chassis tuning, front grille designs, interior finishes and equipment specification.

“Last year Ford sold more than 200,000 SUVs in Europe for the first time, and demand for SUV and crossover models has never been higher. Our new Ford KA+ Active model will this year make the crossover affordable to even greater numbers of customers, with aspirational styling, sophisticated technologies customers would expect to see in much more expensive cars,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service.

“Ford has sold more than 61,000 KA+ since we first introduced the model in late 2016, and now we’re offering customers even more choice with our first KA+ diesel engine for greater fuel-efficiency and cruising ability, and all-new petrol powertrains that are more responsive in town, all meeting the latest stringent emissions standards.”

The KA+ Active crossover is the second in a new line-up of Active cars to be offered by Ford, following the Fiesta Active that goes on sale later this year. Active models feature SUV-inspired styling, raised ride height and additional bodyside mouldings, while delivering hatchback practicality and true Ford fun-to-drive characteristics.

Available in Studio and Zetec specifications, in addition to the new Active model, the new KA+ features a high-mounted trapezoidal grille and large, swept-back headlamps, in keeping with Ford’s latest design language.

A new mesh grille features a chrome surround, and standard foglamps and daylight running lamps are highlighted with a distinctive C-shaped chrome detail, echoed by a C-shaped moulding at each corner of the rear bumper. Restyled front and rear bumpers contribute to the new look.

The KA+ Active features ride height raised by 23mm and exterior styling enhanced with additional rocker and wheel-arch mouldings, a unique black finish for the upper and lower front grilles, and roof rails for carrying bikes and sports equipment.

Further exclusive specification for the KA+ Active includes unique 15-inch alloy wheels and Canyon Ridge bronze metallic exterior paint colour.

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system enables drivers to control audio and connected smartphones using voice commands, or via the tablet-inspired 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Further technologies available to make driving easier include rain-sensitive wipers, headlamps that turn on automatically as daylight fades, and Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen for faster getaways on frosty mornings. Heated front seats, Electronic Automatic Temperature Control and rear parking sensors are also offered.

All KA+ and KA+ Active models offer a comprehensive standard specification including power front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel. The engine now starts with the push of a button, and in response to customer feedback, the bootspace is easier to access with a tailgate-mounted switch for easy opening, in addition to the interior release accessible from the driver’s seat.

Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System protect occupants, and available Ford MyKey technology allows owners to set maximum speed and audio volume limits, and ensure safety features are not disabled when young and inexperienced drivers drive KA+.

A spacious interior allows a 2-metre tall passenger to comfortably sit behind a driver of a similar height. Further practicality is offered with rear seats that split 60/40 to fit larger loads.

The new KA+ and KA+ Active for the first time offer customers a choice of petrol and diesel choice, with engines that meet the latest, stringent Euro Stage 6 emissions standards, supported by standard Auto Start-Stop technology.

Ford’s all-new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Ti-VCT petrol engine shares a core architecture with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine that powers the all-new Ford Fiesta ST, on sale later this year, to deliver from an anticipated 114g/km CO₂.

Compared with the outgoing 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine, the new engine offers up to 10 per cent more torque between 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm for optimised responsiveness in everyday driving, while delivering an anticipated average four per cent fuel-efficiency improvement across the rev-range for reduced running costs.

A three-cylinder configuration reduces friction and an aluminium block and cylinder head reduce weight, helping achieve improved fuel-efficiency.

Further technologies include:

• Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing that allows intake and exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently for faster throttle response, improved low-end torque, and enhanced fuel-efficiency
• Integrated exhaust manifold that optimises the exhaust system warm-up for reduced emissions
• Two-stage variable displacement oil pump, Diamond-Like Coating for pistons and belt-in-oil primary drive belt design all contributing to optimised friction for greater fuel‑efficiency

Both KA+ and KA+ Active are offered with Ford’s 94 bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine – anticipated to deliver from 99g/km CO₂, producing 159 ft lb of torque at 1750-2500 rpm.

The 1.5-litre TDCi features optimised combustion chamber design, turbocharging and fuel injection to enhance refinement. Smart Regenerative Charging improves fuel‑efficiency by selectively engaging the alternator and charging the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking.

All new KA+ and KA+ Active powertrains use Ford’s new low-friction five-speed manual transmission, delivering improved shift quality, refinement, and fuel-efficiency with features including Teflon-coated internal components, low-friction bearings and a synchronised reverse gear for easier selection.

To enhance crash performance, nearly 50 per cent of the KA+ body is made from high-strength steels, including the floor, front and rear chassis rails, window pillars, front bumper beam and passenger door beams.

The new KA+ and KA+ Active go on sale across Europe later this year, priced from £10,795 in the U.K.