Ford Ka

Had a lot to live up to – didn’t. The new Ka is fine – but not what it could have been.

• Comfort

  The old Ka kept going for 12 years, but the new one looks basically like a shrunken Fiesta. It is, however, based on the same basic bits as Fiat's 500. In other words, developed from the Panda platform. Ford has redesigned the basic suspension, but it's still a little choppy on rough surfaces. On the pace, but not a lot more.  

  

• Performance

  This version of the Ka gets a 55kW, 1.3-litre diesel (the last one was petrol-only). You'd think the car would only suit a buzzy petrol, but the diesel works OK - especially as it has a decent slug'o'torque to propel it along. The petrol is a 46kW 1.2-lire and is...um... fine.  

  

• Cool

  The new Ka is pleasing, but won't last as long as the old one - it lacks the verve and charm.

  

• Quality

  The interior and plastics feel quite obviously pimped, but there's not a lot wrong with the general feel of the Ka except that it lacks the jewel-like interest of the 500. Could have done with some nicer touch points. 

  

• Handling

  This is the real disappointment with the Ka. The original had a fizzy, buzzy little chassis - and the new one is just a bit dull. That's not to say it is actually bad - but you never escape the feeling that this is a warmed-through Fiat. Better than that, but not by enough. 

  

• Practicality

  Small but perfectly formed - the Ka has good space, but nothing exceptional. The space up front is good though, and it's a joy to thread through traffic if you 're going to be a townie.  

  

• Running costs

  Cheap to run if not spectacularly cheap to buy.  Insurance is low. You won't fid much cheaper.