Ford Ka review
The Ford Ka is a small car with a spacious interior. It’s easy to park in town and can handle narrow streets and rural lanes. It features an efficient engine that delivers great fuel consumption.
Pros
- Low cost to buy and own
- It's a popular model, so there’s lots of choice when buying used
- Good fun to drive
Cons
- Engine is noisy on the motorway
- Cramped back seats
- Safety tech is a bit outdated
Summary
“It’s a low-cost city car that’s entertaining to drive and super practical.”
Ideal as a first car or a city runaround, the Ford Ka is good to drive, cheap to buy and cost-efficient to own.
It’s practical, reliable and offers a decent amount of room inside. The Ka is also a frugal choice, which is ideal if you’re looking for a small car that won’t cost much to run.
What's the interior like?
“The interior quality is decent, but it looks a little dated now.”
Considering its size, the Ka is pretty roomy and comfortable for front seat passengers, but there’s a lot less space in the back seats. It can fit a couple of adults but this isn’t ideal for longer journeys. There’s an airy feel in the back and a decent amount of headroom.
Visibility of the road is good, but as the steering wheel doesn’t slide in and out, it can be difficult to get comfortable.
Sat nav was an optional extra so you may find one which has this added when new.
The boot is reasonable for a city car at 224 litres which can hold several soft bags or a weekly shop, but a few rival small cars have bigger boots.
What's it like to drive?
“The Ka is best suited for driving on country lanes or in town."
The Ka is good to drive on country lanes or in town, but its engine can sound a bit strained on the motorway.
Ford has a reputation for good handling cars that are fun to drive and the Ka is definitely that. The Ka’s suspension has a good grip of the road while there’s little body lean when going around corners.
The 1.2-litre Duratech petrol engine is powerful enough on the road in most conditions.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“This is a small car that won’t cost much to buy or run.”
Depreciation and the popularity of the Ford Ka means that you should be able to pick up a bargain. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine promises good fuel economy and offers up to 57 mpg.
Ford’s own servicing and any repair costs for the Ka should be comparatively cheap. The same goes for insurance, with the Ka featuring in a low group 3 rating. Road tax is only £30 per year.
How reliable and safe is it?
“Good safety standards will give you peace of mind.”
Ford has a pretty good reliability record and the Ka is popular with its owners.
The Ka scored a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating during independent crash testing which is good and should give you some reassurance.
Which one is best for you?
Best for economy - 1.2 Studio
Best for family - 1.2 Edge
Best for fun - 1.2 Zetec
The Ford Ka Studio entry model is quite simple without central locking or electric windows. Move up to the Edge for electric windows and remote locks, or the Zetec for a 16-inch alloy wheels and fog-lamps which instantly ramp-up the kerbside appeal. The Titanium is more lavish with climate control and parking sensors.
There’s only a 1.2-litre petrol engine which is efficient and powerful enough to suit most people's needs.
