Ford Ka

After 12 years sterling service the original Ka has finally been replaced. Based on the Fiat 500, the newcomer has a tough act to follow.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
For : Practicality, performance, standard kit
Against : Looks, driving dynamics

Styling/Image
When it was unveiled in 1996, the original Ka redefined the style standard for city cars. Unfortunately, the second-generation car can’t match the visual impact of its predecessor. As a result of being based on the same platform as the Fiat 500, the Ford’s exterior design is compromised. It looks particularly ungainly from the rear, where it appears too tall and narrow. There are four models available, including Studio, Style and Style+. At the top of the range is the Zetec, which is distinguished by standard alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

Interior/practicality
Given its diminutive exterior dimensions, the Ka has a surprisingly practical cabin. There’s decent space front and rear, and a useful 224-litre boot – extending to 747-litres with the rear bench folded flat. The Ford’s Italian connection is obvious from behind the wheel, as it uses the same dashboard architecture and switchgear as the 500 and Panda. All models get a six speaker stereo with aux-in connection, while Style trim adds electric windows and central locking. Air-con is standard on Style+ and Zetec versions.

Engines/Performance
For the first time ever buyers can specify their Ka with a diesel engine. The torquey 74bhp 1.3-litre unit serves-up decent refinement and mid-range pace, and should also return nearly 70mpg at the pumps. However, we’d plump for the excellent 68bhp 1.2-litre petrol powerplant instead. It lacks the muscle of the oil-burner, but its smooth and eager delivery suits the small Ford’s character. Both engines are mated to a standard manual five-speed gearbox that’s linked to a stubby and slick-shifting centre console-mounted lever.

Driving experience
The first generation Ka was famed for its agile and entertaining chassis. Unfortunately, the new model struggles to live up to the legacy of its illustrious ancestor. However, the blue oval’s engineers have tweaked the suspension and steering, making the driving experience more involving than Fiat 500. Compared the Italian car, the Ford has more accurate steering and stronger body control, while the ride has greater composure over big bumps.

Ownership costs
Up against most of its city car rivals, the Ka looks a little expensive on paper. Going some way to offsetting this premium is the lengthy list of standard kit on all but the entry level Studio model. The residuals are decent too, ranging between 42 and 45 percent. Ford’s extensive dealer network should also help to keep servicing costs down. All models emit less than 120g/km, meaning an annual road tax bill of £35.

Safety/Environment
With a disappointing four star EuroNCAP rating, the Ford actually achieved a lower score than the older Fiat 500. Only driver and passenger airbags are standard – you’ll pay extra for side and curtain items. You’ll also have to dig a little deeper in your pocket if you want ESP. There’s better news on the environmental front, where sub 120g/km CO2 emissions result in a low VED Band B tax slot.

Our Choice: Ka 1.2 Style+

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21 Comments

I quite like the new Ka, definately a lot less self conciously cool than the Fiat 500, but can't help thinking you would be better off spending that bit extra on a Fiesta.

By Beckerman on 31 January, 2010, 12:06pm

I just hope it is far better made than the old KA - a rust bucket to rival an Alfasud or Lancia. They can show signs of rust at 3 years old and be a write off at 8 years old. Did you think terminal rust was a thing of the past?

By mozzer111 on 2 February, 2010, 8:37am

I don't like the shape of the rear end

Unfortunately, the rear end looks as though it has been squeezed between two buses.

It spoils the overall look of the car.

By jamesmclaughlin on 4 February, 2010, 4:37pm

Superb Ford Ka

My New Ford Ka is superb. It drives beautifully , with a good ride for a small car , it is well laid out with good use of room, my wife thinks its the best car we have owned and we have had a good few. My model is the style plus and the heated front screen is one of the best features. The only poor feature is the glove box lid which falls off if you cough.

By magpie on 16 February, 2010, 9:41pm

It looks characterless and does not drive as well as the old one.

By mondeo_man on 19 February, 2010, 2:32pm

Don't waste your money on this different bodied Fiat 500. Buy the Fiat because it is better in every way. Even the stereo in the Ka is rubbish compared to the Fiat. Ford must be the worst manufacturer in the history of car design. Isn't the Mondeo still based on the old Cortina chassis? At least Ford are doing there bit for recycling I suppose!

By bigbazza on 20 March, 2010, 4:43am

wtf

bigbazza get a life and leave your obvious hatred towards Ford out of this discussion you moron. The Ka drives better than the Fiat although i do agree that the 500 makes for a more appealing overall package...yet the Mondeo based on an old Cortina chassis? WTF? Go drive one

By falcon80 on 3 April, 2010, 11:33pm

LOL @ bigbazza

bazza even the Sierra wasn't based on the old Cortina platform.
I think the Focus proves that they're quite good at pulling a rabbit out the hat when they want to. And the current Mondeo is better to drive than an A4 or a 3 series (a few badge buyers will draw breath at that, but then ask them what the Skoda Superb is based on). I agree that the new Ka is a let down though, far better bet to buy the 500.

By davetst on 6 April, 2010, 12:38pm

smike

Ford had an iconic model in the KA. as did Renault with their Twingo

Unfortunately, instead of updating, the idiots at the helm in both cases didn't realise the value of what they had, and produced dull me-too successors which are deservedly selling badly.

By smike on 13 April, 2010, 10:47am

BAZZAA

the new ka is not such a good car as the old model.several things let it down. first,every ford i have had, from way back ,you were able to push the door hondle in to lock it before you got out, but now you have to operate the external and internal handles at the same time ! can be very awkward at times.then there is the matter of no passenger coutersey light, and the bonnet release right in the passenger footwell,but the worst fault in my mind is the stupid setup regarding the spare wheel.because you have to mess around with this foam ,or whatever it is, just a small puncture an you have to buy a new tyre!not very green for a start,so ,all in all i much prefer the old model.Ford have tried to cut costs at every turn, then they go and stick in a computer!! who gives a monkeys about"lap times"average speed, etc. the whole car, except for said computer, is a step back 20 years.

By BAZZAA on 16 April, 2010, 10:30pm

falcon80

Read the last few comments and consider who the moron is! Its you Pal!

By bigbazza on 29 April, 2010, 12:13am

Ford KA Parts

Ka has been the best selling car in its class in the United Kingdom for a number of years and commands around a fifth of the city car market. The United Kingdom model range originally consisted of the base version, the Ka, and the higher specification Ka² which standardised a number of the options listed above. The Ka² badge was fitted by dealers. Ka³ was introduced later. Power steering was added to the specification of the basic Ka after the first year.

By cheskanets on 7 June, 2010, 7:52pm

Mr Brian Grocock

The Ford Mondeo mk 3 is the best car around
The ka is a cheap car,cheaply made GO for the FORD FIESTA
Whoever said the 'mondeo' was built on the cortina chassis is living in the past, and there was nothing bad about either cchassis of either car there is also more to a car than just the foundations!
I guess you know little about motor cars ???
falcon 80 wants to look and learn, also get a mondeo 1999 tdci and it'll do what's on the tin forever!!
look you do not see the 'Police' using ka's in the days gone by the trusted anglia was used small and good
{ I HAD ONE.}
Well done always 'FORD'
If you own a mid range up to top range 'ford' you'll never go far wrong
HENRY FORD WAS NO FOOL !

By brianwayne on 30 June, 2010, 6:05pm

Ford made a slight mistake with this one

We all know Big Bazza is a ford hating fool, Cortina chassis? Now he just seems cluesless too! However, I do agree that the KA is not as good as the Fiat, purely from a design point of view.

The KA was designed to my mind as an after thought, the rear end is to high and narrow and athetically speaking does not work. The interior (on lower spec models in particular) is shocking. It looks like it was designed by a partially blind school child.

I have seen shots of the concept, which looked very cool, clearly with the platform Ford chose, this could not fit, so we end up with a squashed version, hence is looks like it's been squeezed between two buses.

By Focus_your_mind on 19 July, 2010, 11:16am

Style over function?

It seems the general opinion that the current Ford Ka handles and rides better than the FIAT 500 on which it is based,if not the previous Ka.So that means buyers of the FIAT are purely making a style statement in buying one-which is what my neighbour would call "a hairdressers car"!! I have a new Ka,for running around,and apart from a few minor criticisms over the pedal layout,and slightly wooden ride,it does the job for which it`s intended(i.e-a "city" car),and is real fun to drive and very economical on petrol.As it`s built in a FIAT factory,I hope it`s reliable as well-but the ubiquity of Ford dealers is a little reassuring. If one lives in the real world,I`d say the Ford was a better bet by far.Of course,if you feel the Ka would make you a fashion victim-be my guest,it`s your money!

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By lmmnb on 31 August, 2010, 3:07pm

Good front, bad back

I am a fan of the front of the new Ka. But I just can't stand the back. It's just weird.

By Jacobdb on 3 December, 2010, 6:20pm

Boring

This is a really boring looking car - the old KA had much more character

By cousins11 on 3 January, 2011, 7:35pm

My wifes had both old and new models and the new one is better in every way...apart from not having an external release for the boot, it is a great wee car.
Engine is fantastic and good rid to the old 1300 xflow which is almost identical to a mk1 escort engine that was tappety and guttless and not fuel efficient.
Good honest car that does what it says on the tin.
As for all all that harp on about it's looks, was that not exactly what was said of the old model.

By Dthorb on 25 January, 2011, 2:20pm

Wouldnt rate this car

I myself have only ever driven ford cars. But last year i decided to get myself a brand new Ka zetec. I was very happy with my purchase untill 10 months on.Since then my car has been in for engine problems , a recall as there was a pipe that could be leaking fumes through the air system. And now ive had to take it back as the car has had a real bad rattle when going around corners or over un-even surfaces. We have just been told today that both the wish bones on the car has gone and that im not the only one to exsperience this problem to date. So excuse me when i say this car is SHIT....

By ejay83 on 8 December, 2011, 2:06pm

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Pictures

Ford Ka