Model tested: Ford Ka Zetec 1.2 8v Petrol
Price as tested: £10,845
Date tested: June 2009
Road tester: Keith Collantine

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 79%
Ford has taken on the difficult task of replacing an icon. While the new Fiesta has enjoyed rave reviews, reaction to the updated Ka has been more muted, but Keith Collantine found much to like about the new model.

1. Looks
The clean, sharp lines of the original Ka are gone, replaced with Ford's new 'kinetic' design. The Fiesta and Mondeo wear it well, but the Ka looks over-detailed in kinetic form.
6/10

2. Looks inside
The Ka may be basic but it doesn't strike you as being 'no frills'. The interior has some of the character the exterior lacks, and is put together with Ford's typical quality. It's a noticeable step up from the previous car.
7/10

3. Practicality
The Ka is a doddle to park and can be shoehorned into tiny spaces with ease. The boot may only manage 224 litres but fold the rear seats forward and the volume jumps to 747 litres. Rear passenger space is better than the previous model, but it's still rather cramped.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The steering is light – almost excessively so – making driving that bit less tiring, especially in city traffic. Ride comfort is generally good, with only larger pot holes able to unsettle it, but the fun factor isn't there like before.
8/10

5. Performance
The Duratec petrol engine revs happily and will push the Ka up to 99mph, reaching 62mph from a standstill in 13.1 seconds.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
Ford claims 55.4mpg is possible on the combined cycle; our test produced comparable results. CO2 emissions of 119g/km equate to a £35 tax bill.
10/10

7. Reliability
Ford's reputation for reliability is excellent and the previous model ranked far better than average on the Auto Trader Reliability Index.
10/10

8. Safety
Front airbags are standard; curtain and side airbags cost an extra £200. The rear seats have ISOFIX mountings for child safety seats but ESP and brake assist are extras.
8/10

9. Equipment
Even the entry-level Studio gets a stereo with an MP3 connection. Courtesy delay headlights are standard while a heated windscreen is optional on high-spec cars.
8/10

10. X-Factor
Accomplished though the new Ka is, there's no escaping the fact it hasn't got the same charm as the hugely popular original model. The Ka has dominated the city car segment, but rivals, including its cousin the Fiat 500, are more tempting propositions than ever before.
6/10