FORD'S diminuative little Ka's quirky looks have appealed to people from all walks of life ever since it was launched.

The performance of most is quite ordinary and now there is a new model out the old one will make an even better buy.

It was ugly when it was first unveiled, with acres of black bumper but it looked so much better in later versions, which had body colour all over.

The strong, sharp styling was later used for the Focus but the Ka has changed little over the years it's been in production.

Most have a 1.3 litre 60 or 70bhp engine and five speed ‘box, although the SportKa and StreetKa cabrio have a 93bhp1.6.

Positive steering, sharp handling and excellent grip and roadholding combine to make it great fun to drive and marvellous to manoeuvre in tight town spaces..

Comfort is good, and although it's not perfect, with nil legroom in the back, it does most things very well.

The seats are fair, but there's no legroom in the back, the clutch is light and the interior and controls well set out.

Base models get tinted glass, stereo CD or cassette, split-fold back seat, driver's airbag and immobiliser. Electric front windows, central locking, height adjustable seat, aircon and alloys were available in different models.

Pay about £2,280 for an ‘05 05-reg 1.3i or £3,560 for an ‘07 07-reg Style

70bhp, 1,297cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox

104mph

14.1secs

45

2

8/10

VW Lupo, Vauxhall Agila