By Chris Thorp

January 2007

• Rating:

From Escort to Focus, Sierra to Mondeo, Ford has gone facelift crazy in the past. And it’s easy to see why. Carbuyers’ tastes are changing faster than ever before, and manufacturers have adapted to keep pace. Asa result, the lifespan of a model is shorter than ever before. Today, vehicle production runs last for only six years, with a facelift halfway through.

	The steering is superbly weighted and the Ford’s nose turns into corners with the accuracy of a sports car.

And it’s that fact which makes the Ford Ka so special. Launched 10 years ago, the evergreen machine is one ofa handful of cars that have made do with the most minor of nips and tucks.

The new Zetec Climate is the latest example of the blue oval’s efforts to keep its baby at the top of the bestseller charts. Smart eight-spoke Minilight alloy wheels have been added to complement the Ka’s ever-popular shape.

However, climb inside and it’s clear time has caught up with the Ford. The cabin is tiny, and space inside is tight. Out on the road it’s easier to understand the Ka’s everlasting appeal. The steering is superbly weighted and the Ford’s nose turns into corners with the accuracy of a sports car. What’s more, the ride quality is well cushioned at any speed, and even the ageing 1.3-litre petrol engine feels capable.

The line-up now has seven trim levels with the mid-range Zetec Climate designed to give a com-promise between value and luxury. However, with a basic price of £8,595, the Ford costs the same as the 1.2-litre Vauxhall Corsa, which was launched only last year and offers more space. And that’s without taking into account the extensive number of options specified on our test model, which raise the total cost to £9,695.

At that price, it’s hard to justify buying a Ka, although discounts are widely available. While it’s still a great little car, basic variants offer the best value.

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