The KA has grown up. After twelve years of production, Ford has decided to replace its familiar super mini with a new car and Rates Ford in Grays are one of the first dealers in the country to take delivery.

The original KA was based on the previous generation Fiesta, with simple but effective engine and cheeky looks. However, time moves on and despite its continuing sales success, Ford decided to team up with Fiat to design and develop a new model.

The new car is based on the Fiat 500 / Panda, with a thorough makeover and revised engineering from Ford. Certainly from the outside there is no way you would guess and it can’t be mistaken for anything other than a Ford product. Using their new “Kinetic” design language the body takes design cues from the original and updates them to give a chunky but cute looking car.

When you first step in to the new KA, if you have driven a modern Fiat recently, the layout will certainly be familiar. The dashboard is clear and logical with a high mounted gear lever and easy to use large switches. To add a touch of flair, in an iPod style, there are coloured plastic trims splashed around the cabin. As always there is a good complement of safety equipment including air bags allowing the car to gain a 5 star NCAP rating. The seats are firm and supportive with plenty of adjustment, and access to the back is made easy as the seat slides as well as folding. Even though it is a small car larger drivers and passengers are well accommodated, easily taking three adults and a child or four smaller adults. The boot is well shaped and reasonably sized, ideal for a weeks shopping, or if you are a parent, some of the smaller buggies. The KA is available in several different trim levels from the entry level Studio to the sporty Zetec model.

On the road, the KA has matured too. There are two engines offered from launch, a 1.2 petrol and the model I tried, the 1.3 diesel. On the move it is acceptably quiet and refined with a reasonable amount of pull, especially on the motorway where it will cruise happily at 70mph. Don’t get me wrong, this is no hot hatch but it is sprightly and you rarely feel short changed. I would suggest however if you are predominantly driving around town the 1.2 petrol would be the better bet with a slightly quicker get away. Being thoroughly modern, fuel consumption and emission outputs for both engines are excellent for a car of its size, the diesel returning in the region of 70mpg on a run.

One of the areas where the old KA excelled was ride and handling and Ford have made sure this is no different with the new model. The day that I drove the car it was icy and cold but the KA showed good balance and grip even in these conditions. Over Thurrock’s speed humps the car was well damped and always remained comfortable, displaying none of the crashy ride that some of its competitors can, whilst on the twisty back roads around Orsett it also showed a sense of composure and fun also lacking from its rivals.

Overall the new KA is a pleasing and entertaining car, one which arguably tops its class as a great all rounder. If you are looking for a small car then this should definitely be on your list.

Thanks to Rates Ford in Grays for the loan of the car.

Technical Information

Prices: £7995 to £10195

1.3 Diesel Engine
Acceleration 0-60mph: 13.1 sec
Max Speed: 100mph
Fuel Consumption: 67.3mpg (combined town and motorway driving)
CO2 Emissions: 112 g/km
Max Power: 74bhp
Max Torque: 107lb/ft
Insurance Group: 2E