The SUV craze is now positively, definitely upon us, with soft-roaders sprouting all over in various shapes and sizes. The popularity of these vehicles is so overwhelming that we’re now seeing jacked-up wagons and even SUV “coupés”, so could rugged sedans be next? Ford seems to think so with the Ka Urban Warrior Concept, on display at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show.

It’s not a new idea, of course – Volvo previously produced the S60 Cross Country back in 2015. But while the Swedish offering was available with all-wheel drive, the Urban Warrior is based on the standard Ka sedan and therefore is likely only a front-wheel drive vehicle. It’s powered by a 136 hp 1.5 litre Ti-VCT petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford says that the more robust look and raised suspension allow the Urban Warrior to more easily “tackle the city’s challenges,” such as uneven asphalt and flooding. To that end, it comes with black body cladding, along with a silver front underguard, a grey finish for the front grille and black headlight graphics. The 15-inch four-twin-spoke alloy wheels are finished in pearlescent grey.

Other than the new looks, the Urban Warrior is equipped with the Ka’s various bits of kit, including leather seats, a 6.5-inch capacitive infotainment touchscreen, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, six airbags, stability control and hill start assist.