Anyone who owns a city car will be familiar with that immensely satisfying and unashamedly smug feeling of slipping snuggly into the smallest slot in the parking pay. Life seems a veritable doddle as the bigger kids on the block continue their perpetual prowl around the backstreets in search of that 5m x 2m grey chunk of gold dust. But what if you’ve outgrown your city run-around? Need a roomier alternative for a growing family but don’t want to give up your car park conquering abilities? With the new Ford KA+, we may just have the perfect solution for you.
In layman’s terms, this all-new five-door hatch aims to bridge the admittedly small size gap between the Fiesta and Ford’s existing Ka city car. Indeed, the new KA+ shares the same platform as the Fiesta, but measures up 29mm taller and a pinch shorter than its sister car. Compared with the standard Ka, the new extended version gets an additional 270 litres of luggage space that’s get-at-able via the KA+’s 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The result; a compact, city-friendly Ka boasting Fiesta-standards of headroom, legroom and loading capacity.
Beyond its extended body, the latest interpretation of Ford’s ‘family face’ replaces the more compact grille of the current Ka and there’s an additional smattering of chrome detailing together with body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors. A dark colour scheme dominates the cabin with the odd contrasting chrome accent visible on the door handles, centre console control knobs and air vents.
You’ll find Ford’s new 1.2 litre Duratec petrol mated to a five-speed manual gearbox under the bonnet of the KA+. In keeping with the new variant’s crossbreed nature, the powertrain is directly derived from the Fiesta’s 1.25 litre unit and comes with a choice of 69 or 84bhp in top Zetec spec.
The KA+ chassis has undergone a few essential tweaks to compliment the car’s extended dimensions. Changes to the steering system, suspension, anti-roll bars and tyres, along with a re-engineered front sub-frame, mean the KA+ should be just as light footed as its smaller sibling.
On top of the entry level Ka equipment, the Zetec series throws in 15in alloy wheels, a voice activated infotainment system, leather steering wheel and cruise control. If that still doesn’t give you enough toys to play with, there’s yet more kit on offer in the form of optional upgrades such as heated front seats, privacy glass and a City Pack combining rear parking sensors, electric rear windows and automatic folding door mirrors.
Although a new face on these shores, the KA+ has already been available in Brazil for some two years and has seen service in southern Asia too. Will it measure up to European expectations? We’ll find out when the first wave of Ford KA+s arrive in UK showrooms later this year. Prices for the basic trim level KA+ Studio start at a snip under £9000.
