• Trip down memory lane in Ford Ka

    by  • June 4, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

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    2014 Ford Ka exterior front left static

    The Ford Ka has a cute, impish look about it

    The Ford Ka was always going to be a hard sell – not because of its own merits, but because the first generation model was my beloved first car. How could another possibly live up to Little Ben?

    Little Ben was affectionately called ‘the bubble car’ by my sister. Other names for it were less endearing (we’ll not dwell on ‘the lawnmower’ – strangely it never stopped anyone from asking for a lift in it though) but my entry level little navy blue car was much loved.

    Which brings me on 12 years, to the current model.

    For years I thought that Ford had truly ruined the uniqueness of the Ford Ka when it did away with the bubble exterior in favour of a more generic ‘Ford family’ look. Having put the two side by side, I’m not too sure, and the new mini Fiesta look has grown on me.

    In fact, the whole car was a grower, most especially in the driving stakes.

    The funky interior in my Edge model test car is much brighter and more stylish than the older model.

    With patterned upholstery, white inserts and a Ka logo on the centre console, at first glance it almost looked like it was trying too hard. But it grew on me.

    2014 Ford Ka interior cockpit

    The cabin in the Ford Ka is even funkier with the patterned upholstery of the Edge model

    The centre console is designed for small, nimble fingers with little buttons a bit on the fiddly side.

    While it does support phone pairing, unfortunately there was no Bluetooth streaming in the test car. I can’t complain too much though as there was both a USB port and a 12 volt socket, as well as a radio/CD.

    The infotainment unit could be operated remotely via buttons on the steering wheel. However, I found that because of their location I had to look at them every time I wanted to use them, rather than finding them by touch.

    The test car also had manual air conditioning and front electric windows.

    For the size of it, the Ford Ka is quite spacious, with very good leg and headroom in the front (legroom thanks to a recessed glove box for the passenger).

    Two adults would fit comfortably in the back and legroom there is adequate for someone of my height (5ft 5in) sitting behind a driver of similar height.

    The boot was magic, deep but narrow, it fits much more than you’d expect – and there’s also a spare wheel.

    I couldn’t find a sunglasses holder though and there’s only one cupholder in the front so passengers will just have to carry their cup throughout.

    2002 Ford Ka Little Ben

    My first generation, much loved Little Ben

    Our route in this car took us around the city, on the motorway, and on winding country roads in Co Kildare.

    In the city, I found that the Ka very much wanted to take off at the lights so I found myself over-reving it in first gear.

    It’s no doubt something you’d get used to if it was your regular drive though.

    Beyond this, it’s a lovely city car, that’s smooth on the road and easy to park. Stop/start transmission is economical for city driving.

    I really enjoyed the 1.2-litre 69ps petrol test car on winding country roads and on the motorway.

    Once out of first gear the Ka spirit comes into force and it’s a joy to drive, you do have to push it hard though once out of the city. It was great fun on winding country roads, and handled well with negligible body roll.

    Similarly, there’s a nice strong push through the five-speed manual gear box to bring it up to speed on the motorway. My test car didn’t have cruise control though, which I missed.

    Suspension was great on even the most challenging road surfaces.

    Overall, nostalgia aside, I’m torn over this car. It’s a city car, but the over-eager take off meant I didn’t particularly enjoy it in the city. However, out on the open road, it’s a different matter and I really loved my time behind the wheel.

    The Ford Ka is available now, with prices starting from €12,695. A new model is expected next year.

    Tech Spec
    Engine: 1.2-litre 69ps
    Acceleration: 0-100kph in 13.4seconds
    Maximum Speed: 159kph
    CO2 emissions: 115g/km
    Combined fuel economy: 4.9l/100km
    Annual road tax: €200

    Visit the Ford Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.