Remember the cute Ka of the Nineties? It was made for two generations, before being replaced by this, the Ka+.

Not just a replacement for the Ka, it also replaced cheaper versions of the Fiesta. But the replacement has become the replacee, as Ford confirmed that it will be discontinued before the end of the year.

Other city cars that go toe-to-toe with the Ka+ come in the shape of the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10, and VW Up. Britain’s cheapest new car, the Dacia Sandero, provides even more space for similar money.

Entry-level model has grown

While some small cars focus on style with endless personalisation options from zany patterns to lurid paint and bright interior trim, the Ka+ is a much more serious prospect. It doesn’t aim to compete with rivals in the design stakes but instead has neat and tidy styling inside and out and plenty of standard kit.

It’s also much bigger than its Fiat 500-based predecessor, giving little away to the Fiesta in terms of length, meaning there’s more space for passengers and their luggage. A pair of rear doors also increases the Ka+’s flexibility and sense of value.

Three engines and two trims

Though Ford is known for offering countless versions of most of its cars, the Ka+ is not one of them. Just two 1.2-litre petrol engines are available, with one 1.5-litre diesel producing 95hp. Two specifications are offered, with base Studio trim only fitted with the less powerful 70hp petrol motor, while Zetec trim is available with both petrol powerplants and the diesel.

Fuel economy for both petrol models are identical, although a number of rivals offer lower claimed fuel consumption, meaning that if you want the most economical small car, this isn’t it. On the other hand, in 85hp form the Ka+ is one of the faster city cars. Opting for diesel may get you towards 60.1mpg but you’d have to cover a lot of miles in the Ka+ before you start recouping the savings. The higher list price is to blame here. 

At this end of the market many cars feel like they’ve had equipment stripped out to cut the price. With just two specification levels on offer, this is not the case with the Ka+.

Even the basic car includes Bluetooth, an alarm and a trip computer plus a handy speed limiter and hill start assist. Those after an automatic gearbox, however, will be disappointed, as just a five-speed manual is available with both engines.