The Ka is gone, replaced by the new Ka+. What’s it like to drive? We give our verdict
New Indian-built sub-fiesta small car offers European levels of quality and dynamics
Verdict on practical small car New five-door starts from £8,995; on sale now
WHEN Ford’s funky-looking Ka emerged in the mid-nineties it revolutionised the city car sector, with fun handling and a striking design matched neatly to an affordable price. But the market moved on, and the dumpier second-generation Ka never reached the heights of the original.
So now Ford has repositioned its famous nameplate to follow more conservative, value-led trends. European boss Jim Farley told us the brand is “replacing the Ka with the Ka+ as the B-car value segment is exploding”. So, with prices from £8,995 and dimensions similar to the current Fiesta, it offers even more space – and five-door practicality – for not much cash.
It’s a full five-seater, too. It’s 40mm shorter than the Fiesta but stands 29mm taller. And while the Ka+ isn’t the most stylish hatch, it’s difficult to argue with the versatility this shape provides: it has a 270litre boot, including 13 litres of underfloor space, and 21 different storage locations – a fact Ford is particularly proud of. Fold the rear seats and there’s 849 litres on offer.
Despite its compact dimensions the Ka+ is roomy inside, with generous head and legroom. This is thanks in part to the higher, more upright seating position made possible by the taller roof, which allows extra rear legroom. But there’s more to like than just the Ford’s versatility. Quality is good; on par with the soon-to-be-replaced Fiesta and unquestionably better than in a Dacia Sandero, with more soft-touch materials and a smattering of gloss black plastics. It feels more robust than luxurious, but there’s little to complain about given the price.
The Ka+ is based on Ford’s ‘global B’ small car platform, which underpins the Fiesta, too. That’s a brilliant car to drive, and the DNA is clear to see in the newcomer. However, Ford has gone to great lengths to make this city car-cum-supermini more refined for Europe. The Ka+ is built in India, as Ford is targeting emerging markets hungry for car ownership. Yet this formula doesn’t necessarily translate to the UK, as the brand’s lacklustre Ecosport, developed in Brazil, has already proven.
But Ford has taken note. The European Ka+ gets a 47 per cent stiffer front anti-roll bar than the Indian model, new springs and dampers, Fiesta-spec hydraulic engine mounts, more sound deadening and different door seals. There are also new rear suspension bushes, aero tweaks for less turbulence, a stiffer front subframe, faster steering and revised suspension geometry. It’s a thorough job.
And it shows on the move, as the Ka+ rides and handles with the quality we’ve come to expect from small Fords. Although we drove it on smooth German roads, it rounded the
“Cabin is more robust than luxurious, but there are few complaints for the price”
harsh edges off bumps with finesse, and the steering and chassis make it sweet to drive.
Few cars at this price offer the compliant ride and refinement of the Ka+, and the lack of road and wind noise is impressive. Models like the Vauxhall Viva and Suzuki Celerio are left trailing. Extra soundproofing has reduced engine noise, too – although there isn’t a clever downsized turbo under the bonnet as you’ll find in a new Fiesta. Instead, the Ka+ has a conventional 1.2-litre petrol with 69bhp or 84bhp, linked to Ford’s sweet five-speed manual. Variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust camshafts helps both versions claim 56.5mpg and 114g/km of CO2 – not as efficient as some rivals, but acceptable.
Performance isn’t great, either. The engine is derived from the Fiesta’s old 1.25litre, but the 84bhp version we tried didn’t rev as sweetly. It’s been tuned for smooth mid-range pace, with 112Nm of torque, so despite being naturally aspirated it feels flexible; 0-62mph takes 13.3 seconds. But the engine feels strained when revved and there isn’t much get up and go. Better to focus on the car’s grown-up, relaxed gait and value.
The Ka+ starts at £8,995 in Studio spec, with Zetec trim costing £1,000 more. Studio gets electric front windows, Bluetooth, aircon and a system called Myford Dock, which clamps your smartphone to the dashtop.
Zetec (expected to account for 80 per cent of sales) adds 15-inch alloys, DAB, Ford’s SYNC system and Applink for improved connectivity. Options on this model include electric rear windows and parking sensors, auto climate control and heated front seats.