Ford Ka buyer’s guide

How to get your hands on Mk2 city car for as little as £2,300

FORD has just introduced a new city car called the Ka+ and we suspect this latest model will prove a hit, just as its predecessors did. That’s because if there’s one thing that’s key to making a small car succeed, it’s keen pricing – something at which Ford has always excelled.

But buyers don’t choose Fords just because they’re cheap; they tend to be desirable for a whole host of reasons, such as being good value, practical, cheap to run and reliable. While the second take on the Ka formula didn’t have the cheekiness of the original, it was good enough for us to declare it a class leader at launch. It’s now dated in some ways, but it’s still a top buy.

History

THE original Ka was launched in 1996 but it wouldn’t be until January 2009 that its allnew successor came along. From the start there were 68bhp 1.2 petrol or 74bhp 1.3litre diesel engines, each with a five-speed manual gearbox. While the petrol would be offered throughout production, the diesel was axed in 2013 due to limited demand.

The trim level hierarchy is Studio, Style, Style+, Edge, Zetec then Titanium, while Grand Prix, Digital and Tattoo trim packs allow buyers to personalise their cars with distinctive colours and graphics.

By March 2011, the Tattoo had been superseded by a Metal option, based on the range-topping Titanium edition and featuring extra black and chrome trim.

Which one?

UNUSUALLY for a Ford, the Ka model range was quite limited. We’d avoid the diesel because this heavy engine spoils the driving experience and it’s not very free-revving. It is frugal, though, so if economy is your priority then it might be worth a look.

With no auto option and realistically only the 1.2-litre petrol engine to choose from (diesels are very rare), it’s just a matter of buying whichever trim level suits you best.

The Studio is basic, so aim for at least a Style, which comes with electric windows, air-con and remote central locking. Zetec trim includes alloy wheels and a heated windscreen; Titanium adds climate control, 16-inch alloys and an upgraded stereo.

Alternatives

THE Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 share key attributes including decent reliability, generous equipment levels and a good driving experience. Running costs are very manageable, too. The SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up! siblings are another excellent bet; they feel grownup to drive and tend to be reliable.

Another trio that are related are the Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108, which are fun behind the wheel, plus they’re eminently affordable. The Renault Twingo is great value but neither as good to drive nor as refined as the Ka. The Fiat 500 shares its platform and running gear with Ford’s city car; it’s more distinctive but is less practical and it’s more costly.

Verdict

SOME of the biggest strides in car design and technology have been at the lower end of the market, with some of the smallest models seeing the biggest gains.

As a result, the Ka feels quite dated in some ways because it’s almost a decade since it was first revealed and it was never a particularly hi-tech car to start with.

Ford also didn’t develop it very much, but compared with the original Ka, the Mk2 offered more cabin space, more equipment and better safety, as well as more modern engines. But at this end of the market, most buyers want good value above all else, and that’s something the Ka has in spades.

“We declared it a class leader at launch. It’s now dated in some ways, but it’s still a top buy”

INCREDIBLY, the Ka Mk2 has never appeared in our Driver Power satisfaction survey, while its predecessor was last included in the 2011 poll (in 100th place). There are five Fords in the top 75 of the 2017 poll, with the Kuga SUV ranking the highest, in an impressive 14th place.

YOUR VIEW

CLAIRE Short from Tewkesbury, Gloucs, owns a 2012 Ka 1.2-litre petrol model. She says: “It was cheap to buy and costs pennies to run as parts and insurance are so cheap, plus it’s economical.

“It’s okay to drive on the motorway but is much happier on slower roads, and while my car has been reliable, it squeaks and rattles quite a lot.”