Ford KA+ Auto Parts | 2016 - 2018 | Sigma Duratec #8A28K065K
Do you remember the cute Ka from the nineties? It was made for two generations before being replaced by this one, Ka +. Not just a replacement for the Ka, but it also replaced the cheaper versions of the Fiesta. The replacement became a substitute, as Ford confirmed it will be discontinued before the end of the year. Other city cars that go head-to-head with the Ford Ka plus come in the form of the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10, and VW Up. The cheapest new car in the UK, the Dacia Sandero, also offers more space for similar money. The entry-level model has grown While some small cars focus on style with endless customization options, from zany designs to striking paint and bright interior finishes, the Ka + is a much more serious prospect. It doesnt aim to compete with rivals in design stakes but instead has a neat style inside and out and plenty of standard kits. A practical Ford Ka plus Space is high on the priority list for the Ford Ka +. Theres room for four six-footers, but whats more impressive for a car at this price are the seats. Both rows offer good back support, making it a comfortable car for longer journeys. You should also be able to fit five passengers. The boot space is quite good for the cars size, too, at 270 liters - just 20 liters less than the Fiesta. This beats the Hyundai i10s 252 liters and the Vauxhall Viva at 206 liters. However, the Dacia Sandero offers more boot space. Unlike the (old) Fiesta it was based on, which scored top marks for safety, when the Ford Ka + was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, it disappointingly scored only three stars. The organization specifically mentioned the lack of autonomous emergency braking technology and poor chest protection for front seat occupants as areas of concern. However, there are six airbags fitted as standard, along with electronic stability control and an emergency assistance feature that alerts emergency services in the event of an accident. Helping to boost safety is a speed limiter on all models, along with hill start assist and Fords My Key feature, which allows parents to set maximum speed limits and stereo volume limits for their children. All models also receive a perimeter alarm in an attempt to enhance security. The interior of the Ka + is very dark and simple. All materials feel solid and are built to last, but there are none of the stylish design details found in models like the style-centric Fiat 500 or even those of the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108. With black seat fabric, black dashboard plastics, and glossy black piano trims, the cabin of the Ka + is a rather uninspiring place, although the materials feel surprisingly plush. The layout of the controls and build quality are fine, but there are no imaginative details to make you smile. Function firmly takes precedence here. Even the speedometer looks very dated and drab - especially for this class of car, where manufacturers are constantly upping their game with new ways for buyers to play with both the interior and exterior of cars. No sat-nav system is available on the Ka +, meaning the standard media system is very basic compared to rivals, including the Peugeot 108, which has a 7.0-inch touchscreen system. Even top Zetec Ka + models only get a small 4.2-inch screen. The Ka + can beat rivals with impressive road-holding, but it also scores well for comfort. Theres plenty of space in both rows, and the seats themselves offer much more back support than youd expect for such an affordable car. These well-padded seats mean you should be able to get out after a long journey without aches and pains. The suspension also effectively smooths out bumps. Helping the Ka + to be suitable for more than just city car duties is the smooth suspension and decent refinement levels, while low wind and road noise levels mean it didnt feel out of place on the motorways we experienced during our evaluation. Fortunately, the engine remains reasonably quiet even at speed. The Ford Ka + model is the only five-door car in its class that falls into insurance group one, meaning it should be one of the cheapest cars to insure. Step up to the Zetec trim, and the Ka + slots into insurance group two, with the 85 HP model falling into group five. Consequently, all three should prove cheap to insure. Claimed fuel economy lags behind some rivals at 56.5mpg - regardless of the engine you opt for. As with other Fords, the large number of Ka + models sold should mean maintenance and upkeep are cheap. A number of parts are shared with the Fiesta - which has been the best-selling car in the UK for several years - so parts for the Ka + should prove cheap and plentiful. For a car of this size, claimed CO2 emissions of 114g/km are on the high side, with a number of rivals managing to sneak under the 100g/km mark, guaranteeing free car tax. Unless other engines are imminent, 114g/km is likely the lowest the Ka + emissions will drop for now. Ford Ka plus engines Regardless of the Ford Ka + model you go for, its limited performance is ensured by a non-turbo petrol engine that sends power to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The Ka + is light on power but, fortunately, also light on weight. As a result, the 1.2-liter Ti-VCT 85 HP model is reasonably sprightly for this class of car, accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds and continuing to reach 165 km/h. Around town, the engine is smooth and pulls well from low engine speeds, while the light and progressive clutch make this an easy car to drive slowly. Youll need to fully use the engines rev range to keep up with faster traffic on the highway, as it takes time to build speed. Should you buy a Ford Ka +? Like its predecessors, the Ford Ka + continues to appeal as a small city hatchback, thanks to the way it drives - except now, the standard rear doors can make it a much more practical proposition than before. Theres plenty of space for four adults, and the boot space is near the top of the class. Compared to its rivals, the Ka + feels more polished than the Vauxhall Viva and the likes of the Peugeot 108, Citroen C1, and Toyota Aygo. However, these rivals can be found with more affordable deals, while the Kia Picanto feels somewhat more up-to-date. Should you buy one? Probably not, unless you really like the Kia Picanto. The truth is, larger, more refined cars like the Dacia Sandero and Ford Fiesta are just as cheap. If you have your heart set on one, choosing a Ka + is easy. There are two options available, and if you want something with a hint of SUV-inspired rugged style, the Ford Ka + Active is available to suit buyers as well. The 1.2-liter petrol with lower power, with 70 HP Studio, is the cheapest way into the range, while the 95 HP diesel engine in Zetec form is the most expensive. Either engine will be cheap to run, but wed be wary of paying extra for the diesel engine unless you cover a large number of miles or your companys costs are relatively close. A noteworthy aspect is that the Ford Ka + scored only three stars when crash-tested by Euro NCAP.
2026