Ford Ka+ Active (2018-2019) Review

In 2003, the Rover Streetwise was unleashed into the world. It was a supermini with a beefed up exterior, which looked a bit like a miniature off-roader. It didn’t catch on.

Maybe it was ahead of its time, though, because there has since been a whole range of mini-SUVS appearing on the market, including the Ford Ka+ Active, a beefed up version of the Ford Ka+.

It goes toe-to-toe with the likes of the Vauxhall Viva Rocks, Fiat Panda Cross and Suzuki Ignis, and offers a cheap way for drivers to get behind the wheel of a small car with the raised ride height of an SUV.

The Active spec adds new 15-inch wheels, a painted black grille, and roof rails over the regular Ka+, which bring a needed bit of spice to the car.

It’s 23mm taller than the regular Ka+ too, thanks to its higher suspension. This extra ride height will happily help out while mounting a kerb, but won’t really help when climbing a mountain.

When it was new, prices for the Ka+ Active were a little on the high side, but compared to rivals like the Suzuki Ignis it featured more standard kit. For example, you’ll find a touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electric door mirrors, and hill start assist on all models.

Inside, it does feel dated. It’s based off the previous-generation Ford Fiesta and feels as old as it looks. The font and colours of the dials behind the steering wheel are reminiscent of a 1970s video game.

There is a decent amount of space. The added height gives passengers more headroom, and four adults can travel comfortably. At 270 litres, the boot is only slightly smaller than the larger Ford Fiesta.

The controls are simple, light, and easy to use. The buttons throughout are neatly arranged and easy to find, and heating controls are operated via physical switches rather than the more modern use of a touchscreen.

Look down to the left of the driver's seat, and there’s a five-speed manual gearbox. There’s no automatic option, but the five-speed is easy enough to use, and the clutch is light too.

When looking for used Ford Ka+ Active models on BuyaCar, the most popular option is likely to be the 1.2-litre petrol engine. However, Ford also sold a 1.5-litre diesel option, which accounted for less than one in 10 sales.

The petrol is enough for most people who just want a car for mostly town and city driving. It feels and sounds coarse under hard acceleration, which you will need to do if you want to get up to motorway speeds or up particularly steep hills.

It rides well, and efficiently soaks up rough urban roads. The fact that you’re relatively high up and further away from the road helps to reduce vibrations from potholes. It handles surprisingly well too, with little lean around twisting country roads. Visibility is brilliant, which gives you plenty of confidence to squeeze through tight spots.

The Fiat Panda Cross and Suzuki Ignis are more capable off-road, and the Vauxhall Viva Rocks is cheaper. But if you want something compact, with off-roading looks, it’s worth your consideration.

It’s a hard car to recommend over a regular supermini, like a Ford Fiesta. While the Fiesta is likely to be more expensive, it does have a nicer interior, a better selection of engines, and is physically larger, offering more room for passengers.

Key facts

Warranty	Three years/60,000 miles
Width	1,704mm
Height	1,524mm
Boot size	270 litres/849 litres
Length	3,941mm
Tax (min to max)	165 in the first year, £140 thereafter

Best Ford Ka+ Active for...

Best for Economy – Ford Ka+ Active 1.5 TDCi

There are no prizes for guessing that the diesel engine is more economical than the petrol version. The latest kind of real-world testing puts it a respectable 56.5mpg.

Best for Families – Ford KA+ Active 1.2Ti-VCT petrol

We shouldn’t imagine people are going to do galactic mileage in such a small car, so most families will prefer the cheaper petrol engine.

Best for Performance – Ford Ka+ Active 1.5TDCi

Neither the petrol or diesel engine make the Ka+ Active fast car. The petrol takes 13.5 seconds in the 0-62mph sprint, where as the diesel will do the same in 11 seconds.

History

Understanding Ford Ka+ Active names

Engine 1.2 Ti-VCT

There’s one petrol, or one diesel engine on offer. The petrol is a 1.2-litre, and is badged 1.2 Ti-VCT. The diesel is a 1.5-litre and is badged 1.5 TDCi.

Trim Active

There’s only one trim to pick from, and it’s simply called Active.

Gearbox Manual

One option here too - a five-speed manual.

Ford Ka+ Active Engines

Ford Ka+ Active Trims

Used Ford Ka+ Active

Other Editions