Mike's city car choice

They might be small, but modern city cars are big value these days – especially when you are buying second-hand. When I used to sell used motors, urban runarounds were what punters bought if they couldn’t afford a proper car.

Yet the latest generation are seriously talented machines. They provide enough room in the back for the children, as well as decent engine choices. What’s more, the seats are comfortable – which means you won’t need to see a chiropractor every time you go on a long journey! Here, I’ve lined up two of the best examples around.

The Ford Ka doesn’t need any introduction. It first arrived in showrooms way back in 1996, and has barely changed since. We won’t see its replacement until next year, either, so there’s still plenty of life left in the old girl. Going head-to-head with the blue oval stalwart is Nissan’s tiny Micra. A facelifted version was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October, but compared to the Ka, the existing model is still as fresh as a daisy – it only went on sale in 2003.

What you get
The Ka line-up is straightforward – and basic models are exactly that. These cars get manual window winders and unpainted bumpers, while early examples even miss out on power-steering. Above them sit the Ka2 and Collection models, and they easily represent the best value for money. At the top end of the range, the Ka3 and Luxury variants are equipped with big car features such as leather upholstery and air-conditioning.

The Nissan hasn’t been around for quite as long as the Ford, so even entry-level models feature power-steering and anti-lock brakes as standard. The Micra is also available with five doors, unlike the Ka, while its 251-litre boot will swallow a great deal more shopping. The Ford has a meagre 186 litres of luggage space and two cramped rear seats – so the Nissan wins out when it comes to practicality.

The Japanese machine is even available with the firm’s excellent keyless entry system, which is great when you’ve got your hands full. Aim for SE spec and higher, and you’re guaranteed luxuries such as air-con. Yet no matter which model you buy, you get trendy white switchgear for the ventilation controls.

On the road
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks – and the Ka proves it. So the blue oval’s engineers deserve plenty of praise because, even after 11 years on sale, no other car in this class comes close from behind the wheel. There’s nothing particularly wrong with the way the Nissan drives, but it doesn’t have the pin-sharp responses of the Ford. You feel as though you’re sitting snugly inside the Ka, but in comparison, you perch on top of the Micra’s seats. Then again, handling won’t be an essential consideration for most buyers in the city car market.

Broaden your horizons and you’ll see the Nissan has a much wider engine line-up than its rival. It even comes with an economical 1.5-litre diesel, making this car a better option for drivers who often undertake longer journeys or cover high mileages. If you spend most of your time pottering about locally, though, and only use the car for occasional jaunts along the motorway, the Ka’s 1.3-litre petrol engine is certainly up to the job. It was revised in 2002, so later cars are more refined and deliver better performance.

Prices
An early Ka can cost as little as £750, so it’s an excellent first car. However, if you’re looking for something more up to date, a 2003 Collection model will set you back around £2,500 from a dealer.

The latter amount should be just about enough to get you behind the wheel of an entry-level 1.0-litre three-door version of the Micra. Go for a five-door, and that figure rises by another £150. For my money, though, the 1.2-litre model is a better bet. This starts at around £2,750 in entry-level S trim, while automatic versions command a premium of £350.

Buyers even get the option of a more powerful 1.4-litre engine in the Nissan, and it’s just a few hundred pounds more expensive than the equivalent 1.2. You should be able to get hold of one for not much more than three grand. And you are looking at £3,500 upwards for the excellent 1.5-litre dCi diesel variant.

Problem points
The Ka is about as straightforward as modern cars get. Even so, the peppy 1.3-litre engine can be trouble if it isn’t properly maintained, so check the service log. Also, examine the doors; they don’t have rubbing strips, and dents are attracted to the thin metal like moths to a light bulb. Pay close attention to the brakes as well, because city cars are usually confined to the stop-start grind of urban traffic, which takes its toll on pads and discs.

Judging by the Driver Power survey, the Micra isn’t as reliable as other Nissans – it finished 72nd in the Top 100 of the 2007 poll. But the Ka’s performance was nothing to write home about, either; it came 96th.

Electrical gremlins are common on the Micra, so check all the dash warning lights go out once you’ve fired the engine. It’s also worth giving the rear bumper the once over. Although the car has minimal overhangs, its curved back window can distort the rear view, making reversing manoeuvres easy to misjudge – and the bumper is usually the victim!

Verdict
So which of these cars should you choose? Well, if you want practicality, there’s really only one choice. The Micra is bigger and more comfortable than the Ka, and offers a choice of four engines.

But if you only need to use the rear seats occasionally, I’d buy the Ford every time. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face, even if you’re just going to buy a loaf of bread from the local newsagent. Although it’s an OAP in car terms, the Ka still feels like a spring chicken!

Verdict

Ford Ka (1996 to date)
Prices: £750-£9,500
Engines: 1.3-litre 4cyl petrol, 59bhp or 69bhp
Insurance groups: 2-4
Driver Power ranking: 96/100
Notes: Limited line-up and practicality, but the driving experience compensates.

Nissan Micra (2003 to date)
Prices: £2,500-£10,000
Engines: 64bhp 1.0, 78bhp 1.2 and 86bhp 1.4-litre petrols; 64bhp 1.5-litre diesel
Insurance groups: 2-4
Driver Power ranking: 72/100
Notes: Five-door and diesel options boost car’s appeal.