First Drive Review
Frugal and fun to drive, the Ford Ka is proof that American automakers can build great small cars when they want to. In Europe, where a gallon of gas can cost more than $9, Ford never really had much of a choice in the matter. When gas prices in the U.S. were on the rise, there was talk of possibly bringing the Ka to our shores, but those voices have since died down in the wake of buck-fifty fuel.
Although the Ka is built on the same platform as the Fiat Panda and 500 city cars, don’t expect Italian levels of thrust from the available motors. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine and the optional 1.3-liter diesel—the first oil burner in a Ka—emphasize economy over performance. The diesel manages 68 mpg according to Ford’s estimates, and the gasoline engine is right behind with an average claimed economy of 55 mpg.
We spent a few days with the gas-powered Ka, meaning we sacrificed a few mpg over the diesel variant. But as questionable as the future of the Ka in the U.S. is, the likelihood of the diesel making it to our shores is essentially zip. Ford quotes a leisurely 0-to-62-mph time of 13.1 seconds for the 68-hp, 1.2-liter Ka and a top speed just short of 100 mph.
Those modest performance numbers don’t reliably predict the excitement that can be had behind the wheel of the Ka. Part of the fun is simply getting used to the car’s tiny size. At 142.5 inches long, the Ka makes a compact sedan such as the 176.0-inch Nissan Versa sedan feel as big as a school bus. A Smart Fortwo is shorter by three feet—106.1 inches—but only seats two.
Movie-Star Looks
The Ka has a fresh and modern design. Its large headlights, chunky side styling, and truncated rear end have a clean and classy look. The tiny Ford even has a degree of celebrity status, thanks to its cameo role in the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace , where it was driven by Bond girl Olga Kurylenko.
The cabin has space for four adults and a cargo area that is not quite big enough to stuff evil villains into, but it proved fine for a couple of duffel bags. With the rear seats folded, cargo room swells predictably. So long as the front occupants aren’t too long of limb, the rear seat is comfy for short trips, although the tapering side windows make it claustrophobic after a few minutes.
The beige, aqua, and tan interior of our test car was especially attractive. White plastic on the steering wheel, door pulls, and center console brightened the cabin and received praise from every passenger.
The Ka is a cheap car, so don’t expect lots of soft-touch plastics, because there aren’t any. Yet the finish of the beige plastic covering the doors and much of the lower dash imparts a warm atmosphere. It sort of looks like textured cardboard, which sounds strange but is meant as a compliment.
