Ford KA Parts | 1996 - 2008 | Mk1 HCS Duratec Zetec #27K4K045K
The Ford Ka Mk1 model may not be the newest small car on the market, but it still has a lot to offer. Cheap to buy and run, its once unusual style has stood the test of time and it is very fun to drive - especially the peppy SportKa version. It is quite spacious considering its small size, but the cabin is starting to look dated, especially with large amounts of exposed metal on display. The standard 1.3-liter engine in the Ka is fine around town, but noisy at higher speeds, and the Ford lacks the refinement of new small hatchbacks. Click on the sections above for the full review of the Ford Ka. Only the driver gets a standard airbag across the range, as passenger and side airbags are optional on lower-spec models. Security is largely left to the immobilizer, although some models get locks. The mediocre Euro NCAP safety rating of three stars highlights the Kas somewhat soft body - which crumples quite easily - although the large plastic bumpers fare a little better in collisions. The trunk will be close to squeezing in the weekly shopping, and the rear seat folds for extra practicality. The three-door design can be a bit awkward to get in and out of (though small children shouldnt find it so complicated), but this car is designed to be compact, so dont be surprised by the cozy interior. The Ka can handle long highway journeys, but it wasnt designed to cover ultra-high miles and is much happier around town. Inside a Ford KA first generation The driving position is manually adjustable, so a commanding view isnt too difficult to find, and there are no major obstructions to rear visibility. The enlarged dashboard and driver-oriented design do a good job of disguising the fact that the materials are cheap and cheerful, but there are plenty of exposed metal panels on display. Overall, it feels durable and well-built - if not particularly sophisticated, and all controls are easy to use. Fortunately, the glove box, which has a crude plastic lift-up lid, has been improved on newer models. Long journeys can feel a bit cramped, especially for rear occupants, although the driver and front passenger are given a bit more legroom, and the overall comfort level isnt too bad. Two small children could fit in the rear seats quite comfortably, but adults will find it a bit tight. The spongy seats offer sufficient back support, but the look on the base models is a touch clinical, dour, and disappointing, despite the neat dashboard. Only one engine is available in the standard Ka - a small 1.3-liter unit, which initially had 60 HP before being upgraded to deliver 70 HP in 2002. It is smooth enough and rarely feels underpowered, as the eight-valve engine has been tuned for low rev response, so it is excellent in the city and for getting in and out of traffic. However, it is quite noisy at higher revs, and the drone can become tiring on highway journeys. The SportKa comes with a 1.6-liter engine, which offers 95 HP and a 0-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds, however, due to its light weight, it is very fun to drive, especially on country lanes. The gear shifter is light, easy, and responsive, making the Ka an ideal car for those who have just passed their tests. Thanks to its small size and short overhangs, the Ford feels agile and even when thrown into a corner, it handles well with minimal body roll and high levels of grip. The steering is precise and there is good feedback while turning sharply - take it on a twisty road and the Ka is in its element with a go-kart-like feel. Although power steering was optional on base models before 1997, it was made standard across the range and certainly takes the hassle out of driving and parking. A surprising issue with the Ka is the disappointing turning circle - which is odd considering it should be a city car. If you have a problem with those who fold pajamas or iron creases in jeans, the choice of affordable used cars designed to fit your lifestyle is expanding. It took car manufacturers quite a while to wake up to the fact that for a very large number of us, a car is as much a lifestyle statement as a means of transport. These days it seems obvious, but it wasnt so long ago that car design stagnated, and manufacturers were happy to repeatedly churn out more of the same. Fords Ka was instrumental in the revival. You may want to argue, but it seems clear that Fords city car, called the Ka, was probably the most innovative thing the industry had produced since the Mini. And not just because its new, daring, and innovative design looked like nothing else on the road. Introduced in the fall of 1996 and sold until 2009, it is a popular choice on the used market, but it requires some searching - examples are harder to find than Fords main Fiesta. Models covered: (3dr hatch 1.3, 1.6 [Ka, Ka2, Collection, Ka3, Streetka, Sportka, Style, Collection, Streetka] Ford Ka history When the Ka was launched in October 1996, it was a collective surprise from the industry. Few expected something so radical from normally conservative Ford. The companys new car would slot below the Fiesta and become a fashion statement. It was offered only with the companys faithful Endura-E 1.3-liter engine - straight from the Fiesta. In fact, this was the only thing about the car that wasnt futuristic. The base Ka and Plus Ka2 models were offered at launch. Ka2 included a height-adjustable drivers seat, rear seat headrest, and most importantly power steering (the latter feature standardized across the range in 1997, although it can be deleted on order). All versions were equipped with a drivers airbag, a stereo, and tinted glass. In June 1997, a larger Ka3 version was announced, with alloy wheels, metallic paint, a CD player, and air conditioning. You may also encounter special editions such as Green and Copper, based on Ka2, and Black based on Ka3, introduced in 1999. There was also a great yellow Millennium version and a luxury luxury version. For the year 2000, Ka2 was replaced by the Collection available in bright colors with painted bumpers, and in 2001 Ka Now replaced Ka1. Ford Ka model 1.3 petrol Endura spare parts A clutch assembly is about 175 euros. Front pads are around 45 euros, a complete exhaust about 190 euros, a catalyst about 200 euros, and an alternator around 215 euros. A headlight is about 70 euros. Informative prices.
2026