Ford Ka

Hatchback (3-door Mk1 and Mk2, 5-door Ka+) · 1996 to 2020

The Ford Ka was a compact city car sold in the UK across three distinct generations. The original Ka, launched in 1996, was a small 3-door hatchback built on Fiesta underpinnings and became a popular first car thanks to its low running costs and nimble handling. A second-generation Ka arrived in 2008, this time sharing its platform and styling with the Fiat 500, still offered as a 3-door. In 2016 Ford introduced the Ka+, a larger 5-door city car aimed more squarely at budget-conscious families. Throughout its life the Ka was offered exclusively with small petrol engines, never a diesel option, keeping it simple and affordable to maintain. Production and UK sales ended in 2020 as Ford withdrew from the small-car segment. Today the Ka remains a common sight on UK roads as an affordable used first car or runabout.

Fuel and powertrain options

The Ford Ka is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Ford Ka. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear wheel arches, sills and floor pan, a known weak point on older Ka models
Inspect front suspension lower arms and bushes for wear, as these can deteriorate with age and mileage
Test the exhaust system and mounts for rust and leaks, particularly on earlier Mk1 and Mk2 cars
Check for engine mount wear causing excessive vibration, especially on the 1.2 litre petrol units
Verify all exterior lighting and electrical switches work correctly, as minor electrical faults are a common fail point

Frequently asked questions

What engines were available in the Ford Ka?

The Ford Ka was always petrol-only in the UK, typically fitted with small 1.0 to 1.3 litre engines depending on generation. No diesel version was ever offered.

Is the Ford Ka likely to need major work for its MOT?

Common issues relate to corrosion on the bodywork and suspension wear, but every car differs. Always check the vehicle's actual DVSA MOT history online for its specific test results and advisories.

When did Ford stop making the Ka?

UK sales of the Ford Ka ended in 2020, when the final generation, the Ka+, was discontinued as Ford moved away from small city cars.

Are parts and servicing for the Ford Ka affordable?

As a mainstream Ford model built on shared platforms, parts are generally easy to source and inexpensive compared with less common city cars, though you should always compare quotes from a few garages.

Run a free reg lookup on any Ka

Enter any Ka registration on MotifyMe^® to see its MOT history, tax status, full vehicle details and an estimated valuation. Free, instant, and no account needed.

Run a free reg lookup →