What's all this about?
It's an all-new Ford Ka, which is actually called the Ka+.
Is it? It doesn't look much like a Ka...
No, it doesn't, does it? Sadly, this is a continuation of the 'One Ford' policy that was driven by the company's former big boss man Alan Mulally, and so it is actually based on Ford's global small-car platform. The Ka+ is built in India and to be honest, now it lacks any of the cheeky cuteness of the previous generations of the Ka (yes, including the Fiat 500-based model), it doesn't look particularly appealing on the outside.
Ah. Is this going to be like the first examples of the EcoSport all over again?
Ford assures us 'no'. We remain to be convinced. Perhaps the pertinent point is that, although it is a value car - starting at £8,995 in the UK and targeting the likes of the Kia Rio, Hyundai i10 and Vauxhall Viva - it's actually about as big as a Fiesta, the marque's B-segment supermini. The Ka+ is slightly less than four metres long and it's 29mm taller than the Fiesta, so Ford says it has class-leading front headroom and rear legroom. There's a 270-litre boot and loads of clever storage spaces inside, including enough room in the front door bins for an umbrella - but only a small one, mind you.
Umm, is the cabin a bit basic-looking or is it just the pictures?
The cabin is made of hard-wearing, charcoal grey plastics. Soft touch, it isn't. Value and space, remember?
What have we got in terms of motive power?
A new 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine, derived from the 1.25-litre unit found in the (yep, you guessed it) Fiesta. It delivers either 70- or 85hp, depending on which trim level you opt for, and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Ford says it has a 'broad spread' of torque but doesn't specify its output in Nm, although it's fair to say it focuses on economy ahead of performance. Various fuel-saving measures fitted to the car ensure 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 114g/km. Ford also says it has paid attention to the steering, suspension, front sub-frame and anti-roll bar, plus the engine mounts, in order to ensure it meets the exacting standards of the European marketplace.
You mentioned trim levels - can you outline those?
Studio models are offered with the 70hp engine alone; Ka+ Zetec variants, from £9,995 and certain to be the more popular, can be had with either 70- or 85hp. All Ka+ models get electric front windows and door mirrors, front fog lamps, an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, remote central locking, six airbags, ESC with Hill Start Assist, a tyre pressure monitor, a speed limiter and Ford's Easy Fuel technology. Step up to a Zetec and you get 15-inch alloys, air conditioning, DAB digital radio and CD with Ford's SYNC infotainment, a leather steering wheel and cruise control. Further cost options on the Zetec cars include climate control, heated front seats, privacy glass and a City Pack combining rear parking sensors, electric rear windows and powered folding door mirrors.
When can I buy, and why should I buy?
You can order the Ford Ka+ from June onwards, so that's the 'when' covered. As for the 'why', allow Darren Palmer, Ford of Europe's small car vehicle line director, to attempt to convinced you by saying: "Choosing a compact car should not mean having to compromise. Our all-new Ka+ lives up to the high standards set by our Ford Fiesta, B-Max and EcoSport compact cars by delivering the style, space, advanced technology and refinement that customers want."
Matt Robinson - 9 Jun 2016
