Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ford Ka+ White Edition 2017 review

The Ford Ka+ White Edition adds extra styling and comes loaded with kit, but does it offer value for money?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford Ka+
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Ford Ka+ remains a comfortable and spacious small car, but one that’s still only available with sub-par engines. This White Edition spruces up the otherwise mundane styling and comes loaded with kit, but it’s no better-equipped out than a regular Zetec model – a car that costs £600 less to buy.

Advertisement - Article continues below

When the Ford Ka+ arrived in the UK last year, it represented such a big step in a new direction that bosses felt it necessary to add the ‘+’ suffix to the established Ka name.

This new model is a five-door-only sub-supermini designed to rival small cars like the Volkswagen up! and Renault Twingo. It’s noticeably larger those models though, thanks to the fact it shares its platform with its bigger brother, the Fiesta

With prices kicking off at £9,545, the Ka+ offers supermini space for a city car-rivalling price. Now, however, Ford has added a pair of range-topping special editions that pushes the list price all the way up to £11,545. A Black Edition is available, but it’s the White Edition we’re driving in the UK for the first time. 

Unsurprisingly, both cars receive a smart lick of white or black paint, plus plenty of equipment. Our White Edition car also receives contrasting black wing mirrors, gloss black 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a black roof and tinted windows. It’ll cost £600 more than the equivalent Zetec, but the changes are limited to the aforementioned styling tweaks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

45,539 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £17,697
View Golf
ID.3

2022 Volkswagen

ID.3

29,650 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £17,397
View ID.3
Sportage

2023 Kia

Sportage

46,172 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,597
View Sportage
Discovery Sport

2021 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

61,307 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,297
View Discovery Sport

Best small cars on sale right now

As standard, you’ll find the Zetec’s DAB radio, Ford’s SYNC infotainment system and a 4.2-inch display. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port are also included, as is a leather multifunction steering wheel. In terms of driver assistance systems, cruise control makes the cut alongside a speed limiter function, hill start assist and tyre pressure monitoring. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Indeed, only three items on the Ka+’s options list aren’t fitted as standard. Heated front seats and automatic climate control are both extra, as well as the City Pack, which includes rear parking sensors, power folding heated mirrors and electric rear windows.

But while the tweaks are intended to give the Ka+ a sportier, standout image, the engine is the same naturally aspirated 84bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder available elsewhere in the range. It can’t compete with the new generation of smaller, turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder units now available in so many of its rivals, either.

The 0-62mph sprint takes 13.3 seconds, while low peak torque of 112Nm means the Ka+ isn’t all that nippy. It’s not as economical as downsized rivals either; Ford claims just 56.6mpg, with a comparable Kia Picanto returning more than 60mpg.

However, what the Ka+ lacks in city-car zip and fuel economy, it makes up for with refinement. The Fiesta platform means it’s good to drive once up to speed and despite the five-speed gearbox it’s a quiet car even at motorway speeds. A soft ride means it’s pretty comfortable too. The handling is sharp and the steering direct, too.

The wheels have been pushed out to the corners of the car, which translates to an impressively roomy cabin. The roofline sits 29mm taller than on the Fiesta, allowing lots more headroom in the rear. There’s even a decent 270-litre boot, which sits just 20 litres shy of the outgoing Fiesta.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025