2001 Ford Ka Base review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has gone wrong as such. Flimsy glove-box seems to be stuck open.

This is a loaner while my Focus 1.8 TD Zetec is being repaired after a RTA last week.

I have to say that the KA loaner is the most basic, nasty, tinny little car it has ever been my misfortune to encounter.

Why anyone would test drive one of these and then say "yes, that's the car for me" is a mystery.

As that engine fires up it reminds me of MK2 Escorts (which it basically is), there is exposed metal in the interior, no AM on the radio, its very hot to drive in, even with the windows open, seats are like torture, steering wheel is spindly and the handing is so poor.

I thought the economy may be its life saver, but its actually quite thirsty for such a tin can. Performance is non-existent.

The only saving grace I can think of is the engine, this has been around for donkeys years and should be very long lasting being a very basic OHV design.