The hugely successful Ford Ka is a city car and has been the best selling car of its class in the United Kingdom for a number of years. It has only just entered its second generation after twelve years of first generation production. Based on the Ford Fiesta Mk III but with a very different exterior, it was an immediate hit on the market when it first arrived in 1996, because of its driveability and city-living practicalities. Because of its low production costs, it was also released at a very affordable price.

Practical City Car

The Ford Ka was innovatively designed to cater to the needs and obstacles of the modern city-dweller. A black plastic bumper meant that the heightened danger of bumps and scrapes in the city was far less likely to cause any damage to the paintwork of other cars. Its size is also practical for city living, making it easier to fit into limited parking spaces and manoeuvre your way through tight bends and narrow streets.

Quality Handling & Performance

The Ford Ka is famed for its easy, dextrous handling. This, when combined with its sporty suspension and high level of grip, make it an all-round joy to drive. The gears are also light and responsive, and the vehicle's low weight makes it able to gain speed efficiently. Its driveability was praised by many critics at the time of its release, and it is also, mechanically, a very reliable car and cheap to find parts for and repair.

Developments

Originally featuring production options such as air conditioning, power steering, adjustable seats and airbags, the Ford Ka also later introduced Anti-Lock Braking and coloured bumpers (as opposed to the previously UV-protected black design) as a result of public demand. About halfway through the first generation's life, the StreetKa and SportKa were introduced, featuring a convertible and spruced up exterior design respectively.

Mark II Ford Ka

The second generation Ford Ka was released in 2008. It has received a higher safety rating and is being manufactured alongside the Fiat 500. It comes in a range of new colours and is as easy to handle as its predecessor; this time offering more cabin space and a range of modernised production options such as Bluetooth, wireless, USB and MP3 compatibility. The Mark II was also featured in the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. With its exciting and innovative developments, it looks as if this next generation could go on to be as successful as the first.