Is a special edition Ka enough to put Ford’s city car back on the fleet user’s map, asks Al Suttie?
1 – Ford is the past master of special editions going back decades and the Ka Black Edition is the latest, but not the greatest.
2 – Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels in black and matching paintwork, but it doesn’t make the Ka stand out from a Fiat 500.
3 – Inside, Ford has added splashes of white to the seats, dash and steering wheel, which do lift the otherwise humdrum cabin’s looks.
4 – It’s a pity the interior changes do not improve the steering feel, which can suffer from a staccato action at lower speeds.
5 – This is compounded by the throttle pedal’s stiff and jerky action that made town driving, which should be this car’s forte, a chore.
6 – The throttle also impeded any enjoyment at higher speeds, along with the roaringly poor refinement.
7 – At least the 1.2-litre petrol engine is reasonably quiet and pulls well through the five-speed manual ‘box.
8 – Economy of 57.7mpg and 115g/km emissions are in the ballpark of rivals, but not scoring any home runs.
9 – Optional rear parking sensors for £200 seem unnecessary for such a compact car, but £225 rear spoiler looks the part.
10 – Good driving position makes it easy to see in all directions and sidesteps any aches and pains on a longer drive.
