Ford Ka 1.3i  > Reviews (147)

I won't go deep into Clarkson mode but instead give you a real-world opinion of this car.

We bought our Ford KA as a replacement for a 26-year-old Austin Mini HL. We were going to fix the Mini when it failed its MOT but decided to sell it and buy a new car.

We looked around for a while, not really sure of what to buy. For a long time we were thinking of buying a newer classic Mini but kept other cars in mind, specifically the new breed of super-minis such as the KA, Aygo etc. In the the end, after a successful test drive, we opted for a 2002 Kord KA 1.3i Collection.
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Long Journeys
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We got the car with 32000 on the clock for £3200 from a dealership in Greater Manchester. Immediately we had to test out her long journey skills by driving from Manchester-Portsmouth-Stansted-Portsmout​h-Manchester.

How did she cope? Extremely well. We managed to get to Portsmouth on £30 of petrol. We didn't need to stop once to refuel, only for breaks. Encouraging also is the fact that the car was running with a full load as we were transporting goods to family including clothes, guitars, food etc. If the car had had no luggage to carry I think we could have spent even less money on Petrol. Since this journey she has not shown any signs of tiredness of strain which we are very happy about.

The car copes well on motorways and can keep up easily with traffic. Although, my only scrutiny of the Ford KA is the engine at times doesn't have enough torque and can pull a bit - sometimes when overtaking it can take a good few seconds to get up to a decent enough speed. I have read other reviews that this car shakes when it passes 70, I can say with certainty that ours doesn't. It is very comfortable at 70 and although acceleration after this is lacking the ride remains smooth from 70mph to 90mph.
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Day-to-Day
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The car runs very well around a city, it is very nippy and agile and you can fit into the smallest of spaces.

When you venture out to the shops the boot can handle 6 full carrier bags, but if you need more room the back seats fold down also (folding thus - 1 seat, and the other seat+center section). We have managed successful trips to Ikea for tables and other housewares in the little car.

As a passenger there is plenty of room both front and back. The small dashboard gives the interior a Tardis-like feel. You are never short of leg room on the front or back, as a passenger or driver. You do feel very secure in the car, and the cockpit especially. Should you drive through a 'rough' area you can just click on the central locking and sit securely at a set of traffic lights. The 1.3i engine also provides decent enough acceleration if you ever need it. There are also driver and passenger airbags should you ever need them.
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Use as a tour-bus
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I bought my VW Vento because of its big boot and spacious interior to allow me to cart around my musical equipment and some band members. Unfortunately I was without my car for a little while and had to use the KA.

I couldn't believe what happened when I had to fit myself, my drummer, my equipment and his equipment into this tiny super-mini. The boot can easily fit my 4x12 speaker cab and 2 back-packs packed down the side (we unlocked the backseats for a little give on the window pressure). The backseats and rear foot wells can fit 2 amp heads, 2 guitars, a snare drum, stand bag, pedal case and cymbal case. This still left us enough room in the front to be comfortable and enjoy the journey without having to put anything in the front with us. Amazing!! I will reiterate my previous Tardis comment here :)

Most people seem to think that you can only fit a pea in the boot but I tell you they are wrong. It is how you utilise the space you have. People and luggage fit very comfortably in this car.
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Summary
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In summary - buy it! If you're worried about space, fuel economy, ride comfort, accessories, looks - then stop worrying. I thought I would feel silly driving this car but it I absolutely love it. I don't feel daft or embarrassed, and I know that the car is reliable and perfect for what I need. Many think of the KA as a girl's car, as I used to, but I now disagree. I work a lot in the UK's Punk music scene and if I don't feel daft turning up in a Ford KA to gigs then you shouldn't feel daft turning up to football or the pub in a KA either.

I do love my big VW Vento and would drive that as priority, but I like this little fella too and it has served my very very well so far!
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Specs
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Engine Type - RoCam
Capacity (cc) -1297
Bore and stroke (mm) - 73.95 x 75.48
Compression Ratio - 10.2: 1
Power (kW) @ rpm - 51 @ 5 500
Torque (Nm) @ rpm - 106 @ 3 000
Fuel system - Sequential fuel injection

Transmission - 5 Speed Manual

Wheels - 14" alloy
Tyres - 165/60 R14
Spare Wheel - Full size

Power steering as standard

0-100km/h (secs) - 13.39
Max speed (km/h) - 165
Fuel consumption - combined cycle (L/100km) 8.07

ABS
2 Airbags
Remote Central Locking
Immobiliser

CD player as standard
Air Con as as standard
Headlight-on buzzer

Fuel Tank (L) - 40
Boot space (L) - 186 / 210
Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) - 1265