The Ford KA III 1.5e Automatic, produced from 2019 to 2021, represents a significant iteration of Ford’s globally popular small car. This facelifted version of the third-generation KA, primarily aimed at the South American market, offered a blend of practicality, affordability, and a surprisingly capable powertrain for its class. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the KA III lineup, the 1.5e Automatic bridged the gap between the base models and the more performance-oriented trims. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable and convenient daily driver with modern features. The KA III itself is based on a heavily modified version of the global Ford Fiesta platform, adapted for the specific needs and preferences of the Brazilian and South American automotive landscapes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | KA |
| Generation | KA III (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5e (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp |
| Power per litre | 90.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 158 Nm (116.53 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Dragon |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l (3.91 US qt | 3.26 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.3 l (6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1115 kg (2458.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 445 l (15.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51 l (13.47 US gal | 11.22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4275 mm (168.31 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1911 mm (75.24 in.) |
| Height | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2490 mm (98.03 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the KA III 1.5e Automatic is Ford’s Dragon 1.5-liter inline-three cylinder engine. This engine, part of Ford’s modern engine family, is designed for efficiency and durability. It features a naturally aspirated configuration with multi-port fuel injection, delivering a respectable 136 horsepower and 158 Nm (116.53 lb-ft) of torque. The engine utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing breathing and contributing to its power output. The engine is known for its flexibility in running on both gasoline and ethanol (E85) blends, a common requirement in the Brazilian market. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from a variety of suppliers depending on the production year, is calibrated for smooth shifts and reasonable fuel economy. While not a performance-oriented transmission, it provides a comfortable driving experience, particularly in urban environments.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5e Automatic offers a balanced driving experience. The engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, with sufficient acceleration for merging onto highways and overtaking slower vehicles. However, it’s not a particularly quick car; the weight of the vehicle (1115 kg / 2458.15 lbs) and the characteristics of the automatic transmission mean that acceleration is more linear than sporty. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, which can sometimes result in the engine feeling slightly strained during hard acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 1.5, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness, but gains in convenience. It also differs significantly from any potential higher-output versions (not commonly available in this generation KA) which would have offered a more engaging, albeit less fuel-efficient, driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The KA III 1.5e Automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dual front airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered optional extras such as alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, and a more premium interior upholstery. The interior design was functional and relatively simple, with a focus on durability and ease of use. The dashboard layout was straightforward, with clearly labeled controls.
Chassis & Braking
The KA III utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a twist-beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well. The front brakes are disc brakes, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drum brakes, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering is electrically assisted, offering light and easy maneuverability, particularly at low speeds. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling, resulting in a slight degree of body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford KA III 1.5e Automatic was generally well-received in the South American market. Critics praised its affordability, practicality, and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to other trims in the KA III lineup, the 1.5e Automatic offered a good balance between price and features. It was more expensive than the base models but offered a more convenient driving experience thanks to the automatic transmission. Fuel economy was competitive within its class, although not class-leading. Reliability was generally good, with the Dragon engine proving to be a durable and dependable unit.
Legacy
The Ford KA III 1.5e Automatic has established itself as a reliable and affordable used car option in South America. The Dragon engine is known for its longevity, and the automatic transmission, while not the most sophisticated, has proven to be relatively trouble-free. As a result, well-maintained examples of this model continue to hold their value reasonably well. The KA III, in general, represents a significant step forward for Ford in the South American market, offering a modern and well-equipped small car that caters to the needs of a wide range of buyers. Its blend of practicality, affordability, and reliability has cemented its place as a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
