FORD SportKa Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

It took Ford's almost seven years to put a good engine in its nimble little Ka and tuned its suspension to make it more fun to drive.

The Ka was introduced in 1997 and represented the answer for chic vehicles in the mini-segment. It was a car that screamed for attention with its rounded lines and bubble shape. In 2003 the hot-hatch segment in the mini category started to increase, and the French carmakers were leading the pack with the Twingo and the C2.

On the outside, Ford refreshed the little's car look with the introduction of some elements saw before on the convertible version, the StreetKa. Unlike the regular Ka, the SportKa featured different upright headlights and a set of triangular fog lights in the bumper. Ford installed a broader and taller grille in the lower front bumper to increase the engine cooling. The little hot-hatch featured the same bumper as the StreetKa with a center-mounted reversing light in the rear.

Inside, the carmaker made some adjustments to make the car feel sportier. At the front, there was a pair of high-bolstered bucket seats. The instrument cluster was the same as in a regular Ka, but there was a standard tachometer in the instrument panel.

The most significant changes were under the bodywork. Apart from the bigger, more powerful engine, the suspension was stiffer so the car could go faster around the corners.