Review: Ford Ka Zetec

29th June 2011

By Anthony Peacock

It’s not been seen in competition for a while, but Ford’s diminutive Ka was once one of the most prolific rally cars to come out of the factory, buzzing around in various one-make championships from 1997 to 2003.. 

 

Now, more than 10 years later – it’s unbelievable to think that so much time has passed – we drive its successor. Except that this one has not got a rollcage and instead it’s based on a Fiat 500 platform (which is evident when you get in from the position of the gear lever and some of the other interior ergonomics).

The second evolution of the Ka was introduced in 2008 in keeping with the philosophy of the original. While the styling is not as sharply dynamic as the original ‘new edge’ look, the newer Ka is probably even more true to its purpose: as other cars in the Ford range get bigger, the Ka retains its city car dimensions, which along with an ample glass house make it easy to punt through traffic. The 1.2 engine is perkier than the original 1.3; more willing to win the dash to the first corner at the traffic light grand prix that is the hallmark of city living, although the handling does not quite have the go-kart directness that made the first Ka such an effective rally car.

It’s generally a bit more civilised, which is either a good or a bad thing depending on the driver’s general willingness to grow up.

The Ford Ka Zetec that was our transport to various events up and down the country  recently felt very much like a Fiat 500 – and there’s a good reason for that because essentially they’re the same car (using exactly the same engine, even built in the same factory). The 500 looks better but the Ka goes better so which car you actually choose depends on how superficial you are. I own a Fiat 500.

But the Ka is actually a better car, as long as you can cope with the upright driving position and a transmission tunnel nestled cosily against your left leg, which is a hallmark of both. Despite its cutesy looks though, this car should come with a warning: it is liable to provoke road rage among a wide selection of your fellow road users – particularly those with powerful cars.

 Understandably, they feel incensed – not to mention emasculated – at the prospect of being overtaken by a driver who they assume must be Noddy, given his choice of transport. Any Ka driven quickly (and it can quite comfortably exceed its claimed 99mph top speed) therefore becomes the focal point of swift retribution from those who it has just passed. Luckily the ABS works, and even that fails, you can always get Big Ears to stick his head out of the window and act as a thrust brake.