The Ford Ka + is larger and more spacious than its predecessor without the + in the name. Does he do better at the TÜV?
The Ford Ka was a lively microcar that did not show the close relationship with the Fiat 500 at first glance. While the Cinquecento continues to make its rounds, Ford took the Ka out of the range in 2016. Since then, its successor has been the Ka +, which apart from the name has little in common with the vehicle without a plus sign. This is also evident from the TÜV.
Body and interior
Even if the name of the 3,93 meter long Ka + is reminiscent of its predecessor, the similarities stop with the name. The Ka + is based on the platform of the Fiesta, so it offers more space than the Ka +, which is only 3,62 meters long. Instead of being cute and plump, he drives up in a matter-of-fact manner. There are always five doors instead of three. The rear doors allow comfortable and contortion-free entry and exit. The space in the back seats is - at least for two people - quite decent. There is also a trunk that definitely deserves its name. The technical data indicate between 270 and 849 liters of luggage volume. There is also a rear seat backrest that can be split in a 60:40 ratio.
The interior design of the small car is simple and does not require a lot of chi-chi. Anyone looking for a fully digital speedometer or a large infotainment system is in the wrong place. A simple but easy to use cockpit, lots of shelves, decent seats and good workmanship are its strengths.
At the beginning of 2018, the Ka + received a facelift, which is particularly noticeable through a revision of the front section. Ford also includes the crossover version Ka + Active, with a little more ground clearance and a little plastic planking, in the program.
Motors and drive
At the market launch, the range of engines is clear. A 1,2-liter four-cylinder is available in the versions with 52 kW / 70 PS and 63 kW / 85 PS. Both engines are suckers. The top speed is between 159 and 169 km / h, the sprint to 100 km / h takes between 13,3 and 15,5 seconds. In 2018, the four-cylinder made space for an almost equally large three-cylinder vacuum cleaner. The performance of the two engines on offer remains the same, and there is not much change in fuel consumption or acceleration. A 2018-liter diesel with 2019 kW / 1,5 PS is also available between 70 and 95. This requires an average of 3,7 liters and has a top speed of 179 km / h. What all engines have in common is the type of power transmission: It takes place exclusively via a manual five-speed gearbox to the front wheels.
Equipment and safety
The basic version of the Ka + (2016 from just under 10.000 euros) has, among other things, front electric windows and exterior mirrors, central locking with radio remote control, ESP and six airbags. The first owner had to book radio and air conditioning. There is more comfort with the Cool & Sound equipment line. Air conditioning and a music system as well as the Ford connectivity system Sync are on board. The Ka + achieved a three-star rating in the NCAP crash test.
Quality
The change to the platform of the Fiesta was good for the Ka +. In contrast to the Ka, the Ka + has so far performed almost without fault at TÜV. On average, it is on par with all of the vehicles examined. The TÜV inspector usually ticks off the chassis, brakes as well as the exhaust system and oil loss without any complaints. There is often criticism of the settings of the low beam and rear light.
Conclusion
The basic version cost just under 2016 euros in 10.000. For a well-equipped KA + with the 85 hp engine, you had to invest around 14.000 euros. On the used car portals, the small car is quite stable in price. Early copies are for sale from around 6.500 euros.