Ford Ka Hatchback 1.6i Sportka SE Overall Rating Price: £11,295 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: Not the most practical of cars,
for either rear-seat or luggage space, and cheaper models are sparsely equipped.
Performance Ride Handling Refinement Wrinkles appearing in ageing engine
The perfect tool for town traffic weaving Only vocal engine will disturb the peace
![[Linked Image]](http://www.carsalesireland.ie/images/ka_lge1.gif)
Performance The 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.
Handling The Ka is proof that driving fun is often independent of price.
With 1995 Fiesta underpinnings but shorter overall,
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.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.tuning-es.com/fotos/marcas/Ford/modelos/Ka-2.jpg)
Refinement This is another area where the Ka belies its size, price and status.
It suppresses wind and road noise impressively,
even at motorway pace, although the engines are noticeable at their upper limits.
Top marks for the gearshift, pedal actions and movement of switches, too.
Body type Hatchback
Number of doors 3
Number of seats 5
Engine (cc/type) 1597/4
Fuel type Unleaded
Max power (bhp/rpm) 94/5500
Max torque (lb ft/rpm) 100/4250
Max speed (mph) 108
0-60mph (sec)
30-70mph (sec) no data
In Gears 30 to 50 (sec) no data/no data/no data
In Gears 50 to 70 (sec) no data/no data/no data
Braking distance (m) no data/no data
Engine position F
Driven wheels Front
Length (mm) 3650
Width (mm) 1640
Height (mm) 1436
Front headroom (mm) 991
Front legroom (mm) 1036
Rear headroom (mm) no data
Rear kneeroom (mm) no data
Boot space (min ltr) 186
Boot space (max ltr) 724
Turning circle (m) 11.1
Turning circle lock to lock(m) not available
Towing weight (kg) no data
Kerb weight (kg) 934
Buying Quality Safety and Security Cheap city car holds its value well Three-year warranty bolsters
solid reliability Ka focuses on security at the cost of safety.
Buying. The Ford Ka will appeal to the cost-conscious.
Few will find it expensive to run, with mid-30s fuel economy at least,
low-cost insurance and servicing, and a three-year warranty.
Depreciation is reasonable and dealers will cut their asking prices.
Quality The Ka’s materials are 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 and Security The Ka’s standard safety equipment is basic,
with only a driver airbag fitted to most models,
although passenger and side ’bags are available.
Non-skid brakes are standard on the Sportka.
There are no deadlocks on the cheapest version,
but thanks to the immobiliser, thieves won’t be able to drive your car away.
Urban 27.2
Extra Urban 47.1
Combined 37.2
Tank Capacity 8.8
CO2 Rating 182
Insurance Group 6
Typical Quote 309
Retained Value 48
Contract Hire Rate 279
Cost per mile 37.3
Service Cost 635
Servicing 12/12,500
Warranty 36/60 000 + 3 yr Paint + 6 yr Perforation + 1 yr Breakdown
Behind the Wheel Space and Practicality Equipment Stylish, spacious and appealing
This car is for people who travel light Both versions offer value for money
Behind the Wheel Comfort, ease of use and style combine in the cabin.
There’s plenty of room for two, and only the smallest drivers
will notice the absence of seat height movement in the basic model
or steering column adjustment. The seats are firm and well shaped,
the controls set out logically, and there are lots of storage areas.
Space and Practicality This is where opting for a tiddler hits home.
Squeezing in and out of the back of a 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 reasonable,
but difficult to maximise due to light clusters making access awkward.
A 50/50 split rear seat extends load-carrying possibilities.
Equipment There are five versions of the Ka, with the Sportka SEas the range-topper.
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 adjustment,
air-con and even leather upholstery.
Central Locking standard Remote Locking standard
Adjustable Steering Reach not available Adjustable Steering Rake standard
Electric Steering Adjustable not available
Seat Height Adjustable standard Power Seats Adjustable not available
Air Conditioning standard Climate Control not available
Seat Belt Tensioners not available Driver Airbag standard Passenger Airbag
325 Side Airbag 325 Side Impactbars standard
Centre 3 Pointbelt not available Traction Control not available
Antilock Brakes standard Auto Gearbox not available
Alloywheels standard Deadlocks standard Immobiliser standard Alarm standard
Visible Vin standard Secure Spare Wheel standard
Marked Parts standard Etched Windows not available
Satellite Navigation not available Handsfree Phone not available
Leather Seats standard Locking Wheelnuts
standard Metallic Paint 300 Split Fold Rear Seats
standard Electric Front Windows standard Electric Mirrors
standard Heated Mirrors not available
Manual Sunroof not available Electric Sunroof not available
Cruise Control not available Multi CD 200 Radio not available
RDS Radio standard Unique Fit Radio standard
