Ford Ka+ hatchback (2016-2020) - Interior & comfort
Decent comfort and a quiet drive make the Ford Ka+ feel larger up than it is
You sit upright in the Ford Ka+, in comfortable seats surrounded by plenty of glass and decent interior materials. Ford has deliberately ensured four six-foot-tall adults can fit in the Ka+ without having to fold themselves up with their legs by their ears. The excellent suspension and strong visibility round off what is a component and impressively comfortable small car. Those looking for the ultimate in ride comfort should opt for the Active model, as the extra suspension travel helps insulate the cabin from bumps and jolts.
Ford Ka+ dashboard
The Ka+ has a newer, nicer dashboard than either the larger Fiesta or smaller Ka it replaces. Clear dials, good fit and finish and reasonable material quality all help here, but it’s the overall layout that most impresses. It feels less busy and cluttered than its siblings and, while it’s some way off the VW up!’s sleekly minimalist design, it’s much improved over older small Fords.
Equipment
Equipment for the entry-level Studio Ka+ is generally good. You get front electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking with an alarm (which, surprisingly, isn’t always standard with this class of car), air-conditioning and a handy smartphone clamp called MyFord Dock, but most buyers are expected to upgrade to Zetec trim.
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This costs a reasonable £1,000 and bundles 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, cruise control, DAB radio and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The more powerful version of the 1.2-litre engine also becomes available with Zetec trim and, given Ford charges just £300 extra for this, we question why it’s not standard.
Opting for the Zetec model also gets you Ford’s MyKey, which is aimed at parents who want to help their children make sensible decisions on the road. It prevents deactivation of the Ka+’s electronic stability control, as well as allowing you set a maximum top speed and stereo volume.
The Active is just over £1,000 more than the price of a standard Zetec model and brings raised suspension, plastic body cladding in black plastic around the wheel arches, faux-skid plates on the front and rear bumpers, a pair of roof rails, rear privacy glass, a model-specific set of 15-inch alloy wheels and a new colour called Canyon Orange.
Options
Zetec buyers can add heated front seats, a heated windscreen, a driver’s armrest, tinted rear windows and a spare wheel, instead of tyre sealant. We advise you specify this last item (it’s only £150), as tyre sealant can’t deal with seriously damaged tyres; an actual spare wheel will prevent you from potentially being stranded.
Ford’s City Pack is also worth going for. This £350 option includes electric rear windows, rear parking sensors and heated power-folding door mirrors.
