Ford Ka

Ford's latest creations such as the Mondeo and Fiesta have been engineered, built and styled in ways that shadow the likes of Renault, Vauxhall and Citroen. However, these models have been true Ford thoroughbreds, whereas the new Ka shares the same platform with the Fiat 500 and is even built in the same factory in an attempt to reduce costs.

This is important as the original was a huge success with students due to its attractive prices, low running costs and cheeky styling even after 11 years of production. If the new Ka is to succeed like its predecessor then Ford needs to produce a repeat performance.

The new Ka looks charming and playful inheriting many design cues from its siblings including its distinctive headlights and gaping front grill. In all it’s a huge improvement from the previous model.

The Ka’s interior is a nice place to be, it no longer exposes the car's metallic shell which wasn’t cool then and certainly isn’t cool now. Even though some cheaper plastics have found their way on to the dashboard the rest of the cockpit has been styled with flare. The steering wheel and dials are especially smart, both giving the sense of style and build quality missing from the original.

There’s also a proper iPod connection with a USB port so the driver can use the in-car controls to play tracks, instead of fiddling with an auxiliary socket. The centre console features an elegantly styled single piece of high gloss plastic, which is an especially nice touch considering it doesn’t look, nor feel like plastic, kudos Ford.

On B-roads, the Ka is smooth and comfortable and is more than capable when given a tough corner at speed. Fords dynamic engineers have certainly worked their magic in this area. More importantly though in its home environment of the city, it continues to exce

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