Ford Ka Zetec

The Ford Ka is a rival to the popular Fiat 500 as well as a competitor to the Skoda Citigo, VW Up! and the SEAT Mii. It's only available with a 68bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine, but it'll managed 57.7mpg – though disappointingly there is no automatic gearbox option.

The Ford Ka Zetec trim comes with a fair amount of standard equipment. Along with air conditioning, the Zetec comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a heated front windscreen, black tinted rear windows, a trip computer plus a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Although it hasn't been as successful as the original Ford Ka, the current model is fun to drive, cheap to run and perfect around town. However, if you spend a lot of time on the motorway, a MINI Cooper D copes better.

Good points

Despite being developed alongside the Fiat 500, the Ford Ka is much more fun to drive. The sole 1.2-litre petrol engine offers good performance and has reasonable running costs, but if you spend a lot of time on the motorway we'd look at the bigger Ford Fiesta.The cute looks and small dimensions mean it's a doddle to drive around town, while parking is simple due to the large windows and short front and rear overhangs.

Bad points

The Ford Ka Zetec is beginning to feel its age. It can no longer match its rivals for running costs, value or even practicality – both the VW up! and the Hyundai i10 have bigger boots, while space in the back is limited due to the lack of rear doors.Other rivals including the Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper also have better resale values.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Manual air conditioning
• Leather steering wheel
• Front electric windows

Recommended optional extras

• Bluetooth
• Rear boot spoiler
• Panoramic roof

Our choice

There's only one engine available in the Ford Ka – a 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine. It's fine around town, but struggles a bit on the motorway.