Ford Ka Plus (2016 - 2019) practicality

• Plenty of space for people and luggage
• Five-doors only for this generation
• Plethora of cubbies for cabin detritus

Space is high on the Ford Ka+’s list of priorities. There’s room for four six-footers, but what’s more impressive for a car of this price is the seats. Both rows offer good back support, making it a comfortable car for longer journeys. You should be able to fit five passengers in at a push, too.

Boot space is pretty good for the size of car, too, at 270 litres – just 20 litres less than the Fiesta. This beats the Hyundai i10’s figure of 252 litres and the Vauxhall Viva's at 206 litres. The larger Dacia Sandero does offer greater loading space, though.

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There are plenty of cubby holes for cans, bottles and umbrellas scattered around the cabin, meaning that the Ka+ could easily be your only car, rather than simply being fit for commuting or short urban journeys.

Safety

• Only three stars when tested by Euro NCAP
• Chest protection an area of concern
• Six airbags and stability control are standard

Unlike the (old) Fiesta upon which it’s based that scored top marks for safety, when the Ford Ka+ was crash tested by Euro NCAP it disappointingly only scored three stars. The organisation specifically cited the lack of autonomous emergency braking technology and poor chest protection for front seat occupants as areas for concern.

Still, there are six airbags fitted as standard, along with electronic stability control and an Emergency Assistance function that alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash.

Helping to boost safety is a speed limiter on all models, along with hill-start assist and Ford’s My Key feature, which allows parents to set maximum speed limits and stereo volume limits for their children. All UK models also get a perimeter alarm in an attempt to boost security.

Watch: Ford Ka+ Euro NCAP crash-test video