The third-generation Ford Ka was unveiled in November 2013 in Brazil. It was launched about a year later in the same country in both hatchback and sedan body styles. Unlike its predecessor, which shared underpinnings with the Fiat 500, the third-gen Ka is based on Ford's global B platform, also used by the Fiesta. Available in various markets in South America and Africa since 2015, the supermini is being sold in Europe as well starting 2016.

In case you're wondering why it took so long for the small hatch to cross the pond, it's because Ford had to create a version that complies with European safety standards. For instance, the original model developed in Brazil didn't have standard airbags and lacked many of the features European drivers are accustomed to. Thus Ford created the Ka+, which was introduced in Latin America in late 2015 and it is now being offered in certain markets across the Old Continent. The Ka+ is in many aspects identical to the standard Ka. What makes it stand out are the added convenience features, the two front airbags, and a retuned chassis for European roads.

“Choosing a compact car should not mean having to compromise,” said Darren Palmer, small car vehicle line director at Ford of Europe. “Our all-new Ka+ lives up to the high standards set by our Ford Fiesta, B-MAX and EcoSport compact cars by delivering the style, space, advanced technology and refinement that customers want.”

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Ford Ka+.

2016 Ford Ka+

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Ford Ka+
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 69
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Designed around Ford's latest design language, the Ka+ shares many cues with the Fiesta, its slightly bigger sibling. It has the trademark, high-mounted trapezoidal grille on its nose, swept-back headlamps, a pronounced beltline, and a clean tailgate flanked by large taillights and a beefy rear bumper. The roof spoiler adds a touch of sportiness to the design, while the chrome detailing on the front grille, together with the body-colored bumpers, door handles, and door mirrors give it a more premium appearance compared to the previous model. The Ka+ comes with standard fog lamps, a plus in this segment, and 14-inch wheels on the base Studio trim. Opting for the Zetec version brings you 15-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the Ka+ is far from impressive as far as design goes and it's not quite as attractive as the Fiesta, but it is well-proportioned and seems like the perfect car to navigate through busy city streets.

Interior

Though Ford has yet to roll out official data for the Euro-spec Ka, we already know -- based on info from the car launched in Brazil in 2014 -- that the new hatch is taller and a bit wider than the previous model. Also, even though it is shorter than the Fiesta, its wheelbase is exactly the same. This means the new Ka offers a greater sensation of roominess on the inside, as well as enhanced comfort in the rear, as the seats have been moved further back. There's also improved head and shoulder room due to the higher roofline. On the flipside, the trunk's capacity is only nine cubic feet, which puts the Ka at the bottom of its segment in this respect.

The interior is mostly made of hard plastics. However, the fit-and-finish seems decent and different textures and colors improve its dull appearance. The layout is based on the Fiesta's, with a relatively simple dashboard and small center console. The aluminum-like center stack is a nice touch. All these features will be present in the European model as well.

Drivetrain

Initially expected to come to Europe with both the 1.0- and 1.5-liter engines, the Ka+ crossed the pond with only the 1.2-liter Duratec unit. The four-cylinder is available in two versions, with 69 or 84 horsepower. Derived from the 1.25-liter in the Fiesta, it features twin-independent variable camshaft timing technology and optimized calibration for enhanced fuel economy. It also has regenerative charging, which saves fuel by maintaining efficient charge levels in the vehicle battery by capturing "free" electrical energy when drivers coast or brake. The engine mates to a five-speed manual transmission with no automatic options. Performance figures aren't yet available, but don't get your hopes up on getting anywhere fast in this thing. Ford did say that both engine options achieve CO2 emissions of 114g/km, with combined fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg on the U.K. scale.

Prices

Pricing for the Ka+ starts from £8,995 (about $13,045) in the U.K., which is identical to the previous-generation model. Expect the Zetec model to cost in excess of £10,500 (around $15,225) before options.

Competition

Volkswagen Up!

Launched in 2011 following a series of concept cars that debuted as early as 2007, the Volkswagen Up! was also designed as an economy city car. Currently also available as the Seat->ke80 Mii and Skoda Citigo->ke4388, rebadged versions with distinct front and rear designs, the Up! uses a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 59 horsepower in the base model and 74 horses in the range-topping version. Both units deliver 70 pound-feet of torque and use either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The Up! can accelerate to 62 mph in 13.2 seconds in its most powerful version and hits a top speed of 106 mph. In the U.K., the Up! costs from £8,870 (about $12,860) in base trim, while the top-of-the-line version fetches £13,580 (around $19,690) before options.

Read our full review here.

Toyota Aygo

Redesigned for 2014, the Toyota Aygo->ke2535 is the newest vehicle of the bunch. Now in its second generation, the Japanese city car is also a more attractive proposition in terms of design, having received a sportier exterior and offering several customizing features like part-leather seats, and gloss-black or machined wheels. Power comes from a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder with 68 horsepower on tap. Though it's less powerful than its rivals, the Aygo benefits from a bold design that most of its competitors can't provide. It's also slightly more affordable, starting from £7,995 (around $11,595) as a three-door and from £8,395 (about $12,175) as a five-door. The range-topping model costs more than £11,945 (around $17,320).

Conclusion

Though it's not as fancy as the Fiat 500, and its exterior design won't win any beauty contests, the Ford Ka+ is actually a fun little car to drive in the city. It's brilliant at squeezing into the tightest parking spaces and through the city’s narrowest streets, and it boasts great performance-to-mileage ratios with both engines. As long as you don't want to take your family on vacation in a Ka+, you should be fine with this little Ford as a daily driver.