Ford Ka review (2009 onwards)

Model: Ford Ka Zetec TDCi three-door hatchback city car
Engine: 1.3-litre TDCi turbodiesel, 75hp, 107lb ft of torque
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive

Read more Ford car reviews

What is it?

The new Ford Ka almost shouldn't need any introduction. It's the follow up to perhaps the most successful small car of modern times - the original Ka was on sale for 12 years, and still outselling its rivals when Ford pulled the plug in 2008. This new version is taller, safer and more efficient.But is it any good? We were certainly impressed when we drove it on the international launch in October last year. However, after driving the new Ka for a week in the UK we find our spirits disappointingly dampened. It's an ok car, but far from a genuinely great one.

Where does it fit?

This particular example doesn't do the Ka any favours. It's the 1.3-litre TDCi turbodiesel - which in theory should be excellent news, as the 75hp Fiat-built engine not only delivers a hearty blend of economy and performance in most applications, it's also the first diesel ever offered in a Ka.Yet in the Ka the engine is expensive - only available in top-spec Zetec trim, it's priced from £10,595 - and noisy. That's NOISY. In case you couldn't hear us over the din. The cost makes this Ka a luxury level city runabout, a notional rival to the Fiat 500. Ambitious.

Is it for you?

This makes more sense once you learn Ka and 500 are basically the same vehicle underneath, and both are built - by Fiat - in the same factory. So if you're considering a Ka, you might want to prepare yourself for the occasional quality issue (we'll come back to this).More generally, compelled by the looks of the latest Fiesta, but want a smaller vehicle? The Ka is every inch a modern Ford. Sharply styled - almost aggressive - reasonably spacious, and fun to drive if you can accept certain key limitations. However, it has lost the original's unique charm and character.

What does it do well?

If you're after a city car that's more fun to drive than it is practical, well, really you should buy the petrol version. But even the diesel Ka is capable of putting a pretty big smile on your face - if you thrash it. Ford's chassis-tuning prowess shining through the 500's shortcomings.The steering's direct, the suspension unfazed by mid-corner bumps, the Ka impressively poised and settled at speed. Unfortunately, to reach this point you have to push on through the vulnerable-feeling upright stance - initially the Ka seems unnervingly likely to topple over at any moment - not to mention withstand the under-bonnet racket.

What doesn't it do well?

We can't stress enough just how noisy this TDCi is. It becomes extremely close to totally unbearable at UK motorway speeds - and the stereo simply isn't good enough to cope. And while the diesel has the punch to keep pace here, it's considerably less comfortable when called upon for B-road overtakes.Again, the specification of our particular test specimen didn't help with the ride: optional 16-inch alloys turning a relatively supple small car into a bouncy crashy irritation over UK tarmac. Travel adequately fast and this brittleness eases away, but for regular driving a Ka on big wheels is decidedly disagreeable.

What's it like to live with?

However, a smaller set of rims is not going to solve the fundamental issues with the driving position. If you're anywhere near the top end of five feet, you can forget about being properly comfy. The steering wheel adjusts for rake but not reach, meaning squashed legs or tired arms - your choice.The interior styling lacks the 500's glamour, you only get two standard airbags, ESP is a £400 option, and the glovebox lid in our test car fell off. It also rattled alarmingly when changing gear. There has already been a recall (not necessarily unusual in new car terms) over the wipers, and reports of teething quality issues.

How green is it?

Ah-ha. Something the new Ka can be proud of. Not that it was especially difficult for Ford to produce a greener Ka than the last one, since that was one of the least environmentally efficient city cars available. Still, Fiat's engine technology makes the new Ka an eco-friendly dream.Even the petrol officially returns 55.4mpg combined, and emits just 119g/km CO2. The diesel manages 67.3mpg while emitting 112g/km. But we'd gladly sacrifice that extra economy for the 69hp petrol's lower asking price (Zetec for £9,795, entry-level Studio £7,995), quieter running, and more spirited driving experience. 0-62mph takes 13.1 seconds in either case.

Would we buy it?

On the face of our UK experience with the Ka, no. Although it does ultimately handle better than the Fiat 500, if you have no intention of driving everywhere really fast the 500 is a much nicer total package. Plus it costs barely any more and comes with seven standard airbags. Go figure.If style doesn't matter and you want no nonsense city car practicality, the Hyundai i10 offers massively better value - albeit no diesel option. And while the Ka's noisy TDCi engine issue is resolved by buying the petrol, the compromised driving position means we just couldn't live with it everyday. Shame.

Read more Ford car reviews

Ford Ka photo gallery
Driven: Fiat 500
Driven: Hyundai i10
Driven: Nissan Pixo
Driven: Vauxhall Agila
Driven: Suzuki Splash
Driven: Citroen C1
Driven: Toyota Aygo