The Ford Ka was first introduced into the market in 1996. It made quite a mark with its “New Edge” design generation that placed it at the forefront for Ford Europe. And although the first generation model suffered from a weak engine, the first-generation Ka has been able to maintain a large amount of sales in the last 12 years. Half a million units have been sold in the UK and more than 1.4 million homes are housing this Ford vehicle. The Ka’s latest production was in 2008, so whatever vehicle decides to succeed it has a lot of pressure to make the same mark in the market.

Pros

The first Ford Ka sported the company’s New Edge design but the second generation upgrades this innovator with the Kinetic design ideology. This theme features squinting yet long headlights and a front grille aperture for a manga-like look to the Ka’s latest new look. The current Ka has also retained original elements from its previous generation, such as the tailgate handle references’ position and shape. The Ka’s Fiat origins are also evident in the fuel filler of the vehicle and the model’s retention of a traditional cap for the key release. The Fiat is also responsible for the bodyshell’s basic framework, as well as other performance parts such as the gearboxes, chassis, suspension systems, and engines. The latest Ka takes a page from the Fiat by making its 1.2-litre petrol engine identical to the Fiat 500 in terms of its 75lb ft and 67bhp. But the ride itself is distinct so as to establish the Ford’s superior performance on the road.

Rear suspension is the biggest improvement on the Ka in terms of design, with the model delivering the right balance in dynamism while still using the same MacPherson struts basic geometry and front coil sprints plus a torsion beam.

The Ford Ka’s style is composed of three style themes that consumers can customize according to their preference. Design combinations include trim, colour, and other options that Ford has varied to an almost countless number. There are four basic trim levels available: the Zetec, Titanium, Studio, and Edge. The style themes themselves are the Metal, Grand, and Digital.

Passengers won’t feel shortchanged for space, as the interior is home more than enough head, leg, and arm room for four adults. Plus the boot is big enough for several pieces of luggage.

Cons

The interior isn’t as impressive as the exterior, as the features tend to look ordinary and the seats don’t offer adequate support. The plastics found on the trim are quite cheap and don’t give the inside a sophisticated look. Only the centre console has any trace of colour. Thankfully that area lays out each instrument and dial for easy use. Unfortunately the stereo operation does have its setbacks, tending to become fiddly. You’ll have a hard time choosing the right radio frequency as the hazard warning button tends to feel too easy on the thumb. That said, the Ford Ka is a worthy drive if you can get past these minor flaws.

                In the year 1996, Ford Ka was released by the Ford Motor Company as a city car that is available as a three door hatchback and a three door convertible. It has a front engine and a front wheel drive, and it has been made available in a number of generations.

                The first generation of the Ka was released in September 1996 and was originally based on Ford Fiesta’s fourth generation version. It was designed by Claude Lobo, an automobile designer for the Ford Motor Company, and the car has been available in other versions. Among this includes the Ford StreetKa which was released in 2005, and the Ford SportKa, which was also released in the same year.

                The second generation of the Ka was made available in 2008 and was assembled in Tychy, Poland as a three door hatchback. It is closely related to the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda and has a five speed manual transmission. This car was first displayed at the Paris Motor Show in 2008 and it was also seen in Quantum of Solace, a known James Bond Film. The third generation Ford Ka is expected to be released by the year 2015, and is said to be based on the Ford Start Concept.