Ford Ka running costs aren’t too onerous. Thanks to affordable prices and decent equipment levels on most models (apart from the base level Studio), there’s little need to spend much money on options. Both engines are cheap to tax and economical too – the popular 1.2-litre is capable of 55mpg, while servicing, parts and insurance costs are all low. Ford says it won’t sell the Ka to rental firms, which should help keep residual values healthy.

The Ka is very eco-friendly and both engines emit less than 120g/km of CO2, making them cheap to tax. Ford Ka emissions are best with the diesel, plus it can return 67mpg. The 1.2-litre petrol isn’t far behind with an economy figure of 55mpg. An ECOnetic version – which emits less than 100g/km of CO2 and will be free to tax – is in the pipeline.

Ford Ka reliability shouldn’t be too much of a concern. It’s based on Fiat components and the Italian hatch has proved reliable so far while both engines have been well proven.