Ford is killing Ka+ and Ka+ Active sales in the UK in order to concentrate on more profitable cars. A Ford spokesperson told Parkers that while the Ka+ sales in the UK are ‘adequate’, it’s not as profitable as some of the Blue Oval’s big hitters such as the Fiesta and Focus.
Neither models are available to be specified on Ford’s online configurator, however, new cars are still in stock at dealerships.
The Fiesta meanwhile, is gaining a new base spec trim line in order to pick up where the Ka+ left off. This model is called the Trend, and it replaces the Zetec. The Ka+ cull is part of Ford’s wider plan aimed at improving profits. Other cost-cutting exercises include cutting 12,000 jobs in Europe by 2020.
Ford Ka+ deals available
Ford has cut the recommended retail price of Ka+ Zetec models from £12,300 to £11,050, and Active models from £13,450 to £12,650.
The company expects that its smallest model will receive additional discounts depending on individual dealers.
Fiesta replaces Zetec with Trend trim
The Fiesta range has also been restructured. The base-spec Zetec has been axed in favour of Trend – with prices starting from £15,995, £500 more than the models they replace.
It will start from £120 per month on a PCP deal, with a £5,000 deposit, and a mileage allowance of 9,000 per year.
Standard equipment is improved over Zetec, and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a heated front windscreen, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s latest Sync3 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Up front there is a 1.1-litre petrol engine with a WLTP economy rating of 48.7mpg.
Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain managing director, said: ‘our new Fiesta Trend has been designed with our value Fiesta shopper in mind and represents the package of styling and ease of use they require.’
Ford Ka+ Active alternatives
The regular Ka+ is a city car – a segment Ford will not be covering once stocks have dwindled away, but there remain a number of alternatives from other brands including the Dacia Sandero, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Skoda Citigo and Vauxhall’s also-soon-to-be-axed Viva.
However, if you’re in the market for a small car with raised ride height, Ford is still offering the Fiesta Active. This is essentially a regular Fiesta with some extra space between the wheels and body, and some plastic cladding on the outside. Prices start from £18,350.
The Ford EcoSport is the next logical step in Ford’s small SUV lineup. Slightly higher-riding and more mini-SUV shaped than the Fiesta Active, prices start from £17,850.
Set to grace UK roads in early 2020 is the new Ford Puma. This is more like a crossover, and slots in between the EcoSport and Kuga in Ford’s range. A hybrid powertrain helps set this apart from other Ford products.
Further reading
>> Still looking for the best budget-focused small hatch? Read our Dacia Sandero review
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