Ford Ka - Pictures

Decent grip and minimal body roll mean the Ka is great fun through corners, although taller drivers may find that their left knee bashes against the centre console. This can become quite painful on a long journey.

Simple and well laid out it may be, but the cabin isn’t as fresh as that of the Swift. Storage is in short supply, too, and while the oddly shaped door pockets are nicely designed, they aren’t particularly useful.

complete with distinctive Ka lettering worked into the design, the £400 optional 14-inch Star wheels on our test model are an acquired taste. In standard guise, the Ford is equipped with Minilite alloy rims.

It’s the shortest car here, so the Ka has the smallest boot, but it isn’t too far behind the Suzuki. With the seats in place, the 210-litre capacity is only three litres less, thanks to minimal wheel and suspension intrusio

The Ka has the least power here, but it never feels sluggish and is excellent in town, thanks to well spaced ratios in the five-speed box. While it’s noisy on the motorway, the Ford has no problem keeping up with traffic.