... But where else are you going to find a car at this price, with a decent insurance group (7- a Smart Roadster is 14), and appealing looks? There you go, then!!
Don't be fooled by the dealer's spiel about how the cars sell themselves- I got a good price on mine, and Ford's website has only ... Read review
Advantages: Looks. value for money, nippiness Disadvantages: Poor visibility and seats
Before you buy a Streetka, there are a few things I would recommend you think about.
The first, and I guess seemingly obvious, is will a 2 seater interfere with your day to day life? I conducted a mini survery of my journeys before taking the plunge in Summer 2004 and found that probably 95% of my driving is done either on my own, or with one other person in the car. If you have kids or dogs obviously this car (or any other 2 seater ... ...of those but there've still been a few times I've wished I could strap an extra couple of chairs on to the back. At least you won't be used as a taxi, though.
The second factor is whether you mind driving around in a cave for most of the year? Mine is black, which I think looks great, but sometimes on a rainy day it is a bit bleak...
The third, and this is specific to a Streetka and worse than other convertibles I ... more
Before you buy a Streetka, there are a few things I would recommend you think about.
The first, and I guess seemingly obvious, is will a 2 seater interfere with your day to day life? I conducted a mini survery of my journeys before taking the plunge in Summer 2004 and found that probably 95% of my driving is done either on my own, or with one other person in the car. If you have kids or dogs obviously this car (or any other 2 seater to be fair) isn't for you- I'm 25, without either of those but there've still been a few times I've wished I could strap an extra couple of chairs on to the back. At least you won't be used as a taxi, though.
The second factor is whether you mind driving around in a cave for most of the year? Mine is black, which I think looks great, but sometimes on a rainy day it is a bit bleak...
The third, and this is specific to a Streetka and worse than other convertibles I looked at, is the visbility. Reversing out of a space, changing lanes or especailly parking in a tight spot is so much harder than in my last car (which was a normal Ka). It really annoys me. Much of it could be solved by having a a larger (and preferably glass) rear window, but I guess that would push the cost up.
If you can live with the list of negatives above, then go for it; as soon as the sun comes out (which admittedly isn't that often but maybe more so than you'd think) you'll be glad you handed over your £12k. The car is nippy, does shake a bit but no more than other small convertibles, will get you a tan with zero effort, and I think it looks great.
My Streetka is mainly for fun when I'm driving up and down the country with friends. If you like or don't like the standard Ka, from my experience you are not likely to change your views after owning a Streetka- you either love or hate the looks, and some people just don't see the point. Until the sun comes out....
Overall, I would recommend the Streetka if you can live with a few niggles- a small fuel tank means you can only do about 200 miles in one go, and the seats aren't comfortbale on long journeys. But where else are you going to find a car at this price, with a decent insurance group (7- a Smart Roadster is 14), and appealing looks? There you go, then!!
Don't be fooled by the dealer's spiel about how the cars sell themselves- I got a good price on mine, and Ford's website has only just put them back up to standard price.
Advantages: Great value for money, beautiful, fast, reliable Disadvantages: Eats the petrol a little but otherwise perfect!
...I owned a 1997 standard Ford Ka which despite it's age and very recent issues I adored and I struggled to part with.
I decided to buy a newer Ford Ka which could stand up to the milage I was going to throw at it. However when I went to the garage to look at these new standard Ford Ka's i couldn't help but notice a beautiful Imperial Blue SportKa out of the corner of my eye!
....and this is true you really do catch it in the corner of your eye because ... ...a budget! Oh and as you may have already guessed i didn't leave the garage without it!
With its sculpted bumpers and flared wheel arches, 16" 6-spoke alloy wheels with low profile tyres and front fog lights this is a far cry from the standard model. Even though I adored my previous car not too many people agreed with me...but even Ka haters can see the beauty in the SportKa. In fact every one loves it and that is part of the joy...a car to really ...
gjid 06.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Sportka 1.6i 8V Duratec
Advantages: Good turn of speed and quirky looks Disadvantages: Tyre roar and motorway exhaust note
Having bought my Ford SportKA over a year ago now, i can say that i am very happy everytime i get in, holding its chunking steering wheel and listening to the deep exhaust note i feel ready for the go-kart like race to work in the morning. One could consider a standard KA to be a particularily ugly car, the SportKA however is like a pretty pathetic weedy machine that has been given a dose of anabolic steroids with its flared wheel arches and 16" ... ...however with speeds that rival the Saxo VTR (beating it to 60mph) it is more that satisfactory for a younger driver like myself taking into account financial difficulties with insurance. One of the cars major advantages and simultaneously its most signifcant weaknesses is its gearbox, low ratio for lots of torque, it is not a car that suits the motorway. Everytime you change up it is although it is out of puff and you have to change up again, not ...
nikp39 27.08.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Sportka 1.6i 8V Duratec
Advantages: Very eye catching, Alloys as standard. Never see alot of them around! Disadvantages: For a new driver, has a high insurance category. Shame leather seats dont come as standard on SportKa.
...and the staff at the Ford garage where i bought it were really helpful too, so im sure theyu would sort me out if anything were to go wrong.
-Price
Price wise i think you get what you pay for but just be aware when buying from a garage/sales person. If youre too keen they will not hesitate to overcharge you! When i was enquiring about the ka i was told the price was £8,000 but after taking it on board and leaving it a few days they were soon back ... ...the car for £7,000with six months tax included at £82.50 so it was worth haggling with the sales team. -Looks
I think this car is so cool. It gets alot of attention as there dont appear to be many around. Ive had the car four months and ive only ever seen two other SportKa when ive been out driving, its a really rare find and definitely worth the wait. The car comes with 16"alloys as standard, which area really nice feature. The interior has sports ...
CHELLE925 21.11.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Sportka 1.6i 8V Duratec
Advantages: handling; speed; it puts a huge smile on your face; it looks badass Disadvantages: people want lifts in it....a lot
Amazing car. Seriously. It's so much faster than anyone expects it to be, it handles brilliantly - any road with a bend in it = fun! It is a LOT of fun to drive, it responds instantly to the accelrator/brake and is just overall the best car ever at this price range. NOTHING comes close. It does guzzle fuel, but it's no surprise when you have a large engine and a little car - you can't help but put your foot down! I used to own a standard 1.3 KA and ... ...the sport version and I couldn't wait to get it!! The sport is 100% better than the normal KA in every single aspect.
This car is for someone who: has a budget of up to £10,000; wants a stylish car; wants something that is fun, fun, fun to drive! ; something low cost with tax and insurance. It will also suit someone who is quite tall because there is more space than there appears to be. Words cannot express how much I love this car. ...
Lozza_hates_smart_cars 07.11.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Sportka 1.6i 8V Duratec
Advantages: Fun, zippy and great looks Disadvantages: boot space, drinks the fuel a little
I had a Ka collection before now and the difference is shocking!
The sportka handles like a dream! minimal body roll compared to the old Ka with its tendancy to lean round the corners. The grip from the sports suspension and pirreli tyres is incredable. The only issue with the handling is that the car tends to ground out on slopes with all the seats filled. The 1.6 engine is so eager to please with its zippy-ness and still gives a little back on ... ...for the looks this has been the best looking car I have owned, many Ka haters haved loved the Imperial blue!
The only issue I have had is the boot space, apart from that the little blue rocket has been brilliant.
If you want a fun-to-drive car that can squeeze into tight spaces, zippy as hell and in one of the best colours then the sportKa is for you! ...
wipeout9 10.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Sportka 1.6i 8V Duratec
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Road Handling
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Advantages: Very Comfortable! Very well built!...and very, very FAST!! Disadvantages: Petrol Guzzler
I have yet to drive a car with as much control and power for the price! The SportKa is very well built, has excellent handling, and is so very, very quick!! Be prepared for an exhilerating ride! I hated the Ford Ka... the style, the size and shape just didn't appeal. The design was tweeked with the StreetKa - Looks good... but definately one for the girls. The SportKa followed... a very solid, sporty look that definately appeals to the boy-racer in everyone (without going too far!!). A stylish, powerful car that I would be proud to drive. Only one negative point - if you like to put your foot down - expect to see the petrol gage drop... quickly!! ...
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