02/02/09

• Price7995-�£10,195
• We like...Ride; boot space
• We don't...Pricey; only 2 airbags as standard

Twelve years after the original's launch, a new Ford Ka reaches the UK. should you rush to buy one? Find out hereSmall and cute. Two things that made us love the original Ford Ka. Now there’s a new one along. Will we take to it as strongly? Let’s see. Inevitably, it’s grown a little, as next-generation cars tend to.

It’s put on weight, too, gaining 70kgs. There’s a family look to the new Ka, which resembles other Fords but also has echs of the original’s pert-lines, especially around the rear window. But there are big changes under its skin. It was developed jointly with Fiat, and 70% of its parts, including its engines, can also be found in a Fiat 500 or Panda. All three are built in the same Polish factory.

Step straight from a Panda and into a Ka and you’d notice similarities – the mounting of the stereo and air vents, and the location of the front window up/down switches.

Ford has, at least, designed the body and cabin, while it has also been able to tune the engines and suspension. Even so, it’s a surprise that it feels so much like a Fiesta to drive. There’s not the darty alertness of the original Ka, but it feels agile enough and, for a small, short car, it rides beautifully. Small bumps and broken surfaces are soaked up, while only potholes transmit any real noise to the cabin.

The 1.2 engine, meanwhile, that most Kas will end up (there’s also a 1.3 turbodiesel) is willing if kept in its mid-range but it also pretty slow overall. It’s noisy if you push it, but it will cruise easily at the motorway limit. You probably wouldn’t buy a Ka if your life involves hours spent on the M-ways but we reckon it would do OK on a four-hour trip. It’s a step up from a Panda or 500.

Inside, there’s fair space for up to four grown-ups and scrambling into the back isn’t too much of a faff because of slide ‘n’ fold and big, wide-opening doors. And cabin space is helped by a scooped-away section of the dash directly ahead of the passenger, so that his or seat can be comfortably slid forward, to add leg room for whver’s sat behind them. The boot is now decently sized and can be extended by dropping the rear seat backs one by one. Its lip is high, though, and will challenge anyone short and lifting a heavy bag into it.

The cabin in the Style Plus and Zetec models we drove (the two top trim levels: cheaper models have Studio or Style trim) looked appealing, with light-coloured plastics on the centre console contrasting with the grey elsewhere, but it feels gritty and rather cheap in places. We also found that the roof lining was coming loose in the rear.

Standard equipment is sparse on the entry model Studio – you need to move up a trim level to get remote locking, for instance. Meanwhile, side airbags are extra on all models: you get only twin front ‘bags, unless you opt for an optional pack of safety kit.
Should you buy one? The new Ka is worth a look. It’s an attractive car, but the asking prices look steep. We’d compare value with its rivals and check how they stack up, like for like, before signing the order form.

For new and used Ford Kas, go to motors.co.uk

• Engines1.2 petrol, 1.3turbodiesel
• Power67bhp, 74bhp
• 0-60 mph13.1secs
• Economy55.4mpg, 6
• CO2g/km119, 112
• Insurance groups1-2
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags2
• Seats4

Motors.co.uk value verdict: