Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Ka

Not quite as lovable as the original but still an excellent small car

What do you get if you cross a Ford Fiesta with a Fiat 500? The new Ka. When it came to launching a replacement for the original, the blue oval cut costs and joined forces with the Italian giant.

So the new model gets underpinnings, including a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine range, from the 500 with a Fiesta-inspired body on top. Inside, it's the same story with lots of Fiat switchgear – although at least it's a vast improvement on its predecessor.

Not much of the original version's verve has been carried over, with numb, vague steering and a choppy ride, but the new Ka is refined, well made and spacious too. Our £8,000 limit will buy a 1.2 Studio, which doesn't get air-con as standard but does come with electric windows, power steering and two airbags.

It's peppy and thrifty, doing 0-60mph in 13 seconds, 55mpg and emitting 119g/km of CO2. It might not be as fun as the original, but it all adds up to a stylish and good value small car.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,910
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025