SecondHandSense:IF YOU consider the Ford Ka dull and dated, you would be right. It has taken Ford 12 years to come up with the recently-launched replacement and the older model has, in the meantime, been trundling around making little effort to see off its many smarter, safer and cleverer competitors.
In its day, as they say, the Ka had quite a lot to offer. It was certainly different to the small, boxy offerings from the east, funkier than most of its European competitors – and it even drove with some panache, compared to them.
It has, however, become duller and duller. And the fact that it still only has a three-star Euro NCAP crash rating does not make it the safest option. The basic model comes with a 1.3-litre engine that originally only had 60 horse power and was then boosted to 70. It was designed as a city car to attract a youthful ownership, rather than a car for the long haul. For a small car it does handle well and has a competent ride but there is little to say beyond that.
The rest of the car is basic too. There is little room in the rear but the front is comfortable.Boot space is limited. Equipment levels are basic but smart and the dashboard was once a strong point. The older Ka does not really live up to its exterior styling which, with its low overhangs, gave it something different. The car is at its best around town where the engine is more than capable, but it does get loud as you move out of the city environment.
It is generally a reliable car and there have not been major problems with it. In fact, there is only one small recall recorded in the car’s relatively long life. Most reported problems are of the niggling variety – and it is cheap.
A 2005 model with basic equipment (there is only one airbag on many older cars) and 20,000km on the clock is on offer at one garage for €4,999. A 2006 model with 29,000km is €5,900. These, of course, are asking prices – an increasingly fluid concept in this market. You could do a lot better for probably not much more. The second-hand Ka may be cheap but really isn’t all that cheerful anymore and the low crash rating is a concern.
- STAR RATING: 2/10