Review: The new Ford Ka

The all-new Ka is the replacement for the ubiquitous Ka that has been in production since the mid-90s and in motoring language it makes the original an absolute dinosaur to still be about without too many makeovers writes Bob Hickman.

The new Ford is built as a result of a joint venture with the mighty Fiat organisation; the new Ka uses the same platform, engine and transmissions as the brilliant Fiat 500 and excellent selling Fiat Pandas.

Ford however have re-tuned and modified the suspensions to give them what they consider a better handling vehicle.

In the region of 80 per cent of the contents of the new car is Fiat derived the 20 per cent that Ford have attached to it makes the KA a stunning little vehicle.

The original one was always iconic and eye-catching and I think that the new car has grown up a bit. It is still a small, diminutive car and it still has this quirky aspect to it.

However it is now wider, taller and it is the same length but it has obviously added a little bit of weight as well. It does however look a refreshing model and I think an interesting vehicle.

1.2-litre engine

My Zetec test model came equipped with a 1.2-litre engine, again sourced from the Fiat parts bin. This was developing 68 bhp and it was a free revving, responsive engine.

Economics of running the vehicle were not too bad; I managed to achieve mid-40s, which for the size of this vehicle is not over exciting but not too disappointing.

It has quite low CO2 emissions and one huge appealing factor is the low £35 per year road fund licence. A top speed of 99 mph should be possible where legal and the 0-60 gallop takes 13.5 seconds.

One big feature that the original Ka had and has been carried over to the new model is the wonderful ride and handling characteristics - the tweaks that Ford has made to this vehicle in the suspension department were a revelation.

I have been privileged to drive the Fiat 500 and the Panda on which this vehicle was based and believe me in the Ka the difference is outstanding.

Zetec model

The Zetec model is quite well equipped, it has the safety features that you now expect to be commonplace, for example anti-lock brakes with an electronic brake force distribution system.

A power saving device has been incorporated by the power steering being operated electrically as opposed to taking power from the engine.

I do like Ford's quick clear heated front windscreen feature and I find that on most cars now remote central double locking is a feature.

The 15-inch alloy wheels look smart and it is pleasurable to note Isofix fittings are incorporated so junior's seat can be fitted.

Air conditioning and privacy glass and electrically heated front windows with a one shot driver's window were also features.

The Zetec normally has body co-ordinated door and mirror housings but on my vehicle it was as if someone had parked the vehicle in a paint ball arena.

Paint-job

The amount of day-glo yellow-green was horrifying. I could just about live with the external stripes and I thought the front grille made the vehicle have more of a character but what I couldn't live with was the interior - it was just too over the top.

I worry for the next owner when he comes to trade the vehicle in. In a few years time the dealer will look and rolls his eyes in horror and say: "I can't sell this, no one will want to buy it with this trim".

Enough of the moans of the interior, the new KA is set to continue Ford's reputation in the very small car market and I am quietly confident the Ford Ka will continue to win new admirers and new owners in abundance as its sibling has done over the last 12 years.

Ford Ka's are priced between £9,395 and £12,395, my Zetec is £10,895.