Ford's trendy city car, the Ka, is almost one year old and undergoing some changes to coincide with the 2010 model year. The existing 1.2-litre petrol (68bhp) and 1.3-litre (74bhp) diesel engines remain, but interior trim and other revisions have been made to Studio, Edge and Zetec models.
The standard entry-level Ka Studio now gets rear head restraints, while the Ka Edge replaces the Style and gets air conditioning into the bargain. The Zetec receives a leather steering wheel and extra interior storage.
There is a new flagship Ka Titanium model, which features larger 16-inch alloy wheels, advanced music options and additional chrome bright work.
As rival Fiat introduces funky versions of its 500 (on which the Ka is based), Ford has also joined the lifestyle movement with four new derivatives based on the Zetec specification. The Ka Grand Prix has 16-inch alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler, additional chrome work and unique exterior graphics. The Ka Digital also has the larger alloys, chrome exhaust tip and special artwork. Tattoo and Tattoo Premium models get the 'Digital' spec, with added trim, scuff plates, graphics and 'Tattoo' interior in either cloth or leather - depending on model.
That's a lot of models, colours and variations on a theme, so be aware of this before you venture to the local Ford dealer. A browse online could save a lot of time -
www.ford.co.uk.
David Hamilton - 26 Jan 2010