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www.fordmagic.co.uk

Ford Ka Hatchback 1.3i 70 Luxury

For:
The Ka is a fun, cheap-to-run urban runabout that's also mature on main roads. The Sportka is a bit quicker and more agile while still offering great value.

Against:
The Ka's cabin is dated and it has poor safety kit. It is not as frugal or practical as some of its rivals.



Performance

The Ka's 1.3-litre engine has been pensioned off from the rest of the Ford range and uses yesterday's technology. Even so, it has a sprightly character and is capable of sustaining motorway pace with something to spare. The Sportka's 1.6 has a little more in reserve, but it's no hot hatch. Both have good mid-range pull, but don't like high revs.

Ride & handling

The Ka is proof that driving fun is often independent of price. With shortened 1995 Fiesta underpinnings, it changes course superbly, resisting roll in turns or bounce over undulations, and there's a firm but well damped ride. The lower, stiffer Sportka is even more agile without losing too much comfort.

Refinement

This is another area where the Ka belies its size and age. It suppresses wind and road noise impressively, even at motorway pace, although the engines are coarse at their upper limits. Top marks for the gearshift, pedal actions and movement of switches, too.

Buying & owning

The Ford Ka is reasonably priced and big discounts make it cheaper still. Fuel economy isn't as impressive as newer rivals, but running costs are still low, thanks to affordable insurance and servicing. Make sure you get a good deal, because depreciation hits the basic models pretty hard.

Quality & reliability

The Ka's materials are generally solid if uninspiring, and they have stood the test of time. There are no horror stories regarding mechanical reliability, even if the Ka is based on the old Fiesta, which once had a tarnished reputation. A three-year warranty adds to the peace of mind of buyers.

Safety & security

The Ka's standard safety equipment is quite basic, with a driver's airbag and anti-lock brakes fitted to most models, although passenger and side 'bags are available. There are no deadlocks on the cheapest version, but an immobiliser will stop thieves driving off.

Behind the wheel

The Ka's cabin is showing its age now; the plastics are brittle and space is tight, betraying its decade-old design. There's no seat-height movement in the basic model or steering column on any models. The seats are firm and well shaped, and the controls are simple and logical, however, while a 2005 face-lift included a new three-litre glovebox.

Space & practicality

This is where opting for a tiddler hits home. Squeezing in and out of the back of this small three-door car calls for a contortionist's suppleness, although accommodation in the rear is acceptable for a city car. The boot space is pretty small and also difficult to maximise due to the intrusive light clusters. A 50/50 split rear seat extends load-carrying possibilities a little.

Equipment

There are six versions of the Ka, with equipment ranging from measly to generous. There are sizable price and specification differences. All versions have power steering, a driver airbag, a radio and split rear seats; others add metallic paint, central locking, electric front windows, seat height adjustability, air-con and even leather upholstery.

Running Costs

Town mpg

31.7

Out of Town mpg

55.4

Average mpg

43.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

8.8

CO2 Rating (g/km)

154

Insurance Group

4

Typical Insurance Quote

£323

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

33

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

12/12,500

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 6yr Perforation + 1yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

3

Number of Seats

4

Engine (cc/type)

1297/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

69/5500

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

3620

Width (mm)

1639

Height (mm)

1358

Boot Space (min ltr)

186

Boot Space (max ltr)

724

Turning Circle (m)

9.9

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

935

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