Ford Ka Hatchback (2009-2016) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 5 out of 55.0

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Written by Richard Kilpatrick Updated: 15 August 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 55 - 68 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Ford Ka running costs aren’t too onerous. Thanks to affordable prices and decent equipment levels on most models (apart from the base level Studio), there’s little need to spend much money on options. Both engines are cheap to tax and economical too – the popular 1.2-litre is capable of 55mpg, while servicing, parts and insurance costs are all low. Ford says it won’t sell the Ka to rental firms, which should help keep residual values healthy.

The Ka is very eco-friendly and both engines emit less than 120g/km of CO2, making them cheap to tax. Ford Ka emissions are best with the diesel, plus it can return 67mpg. The 1.2-litre petrol isn’t far behind with an economy figure of 55mpg. An ECOnetic version – which emits less than 100g/km of CO2 and will be free to tax – is in the pipeline.

Ford Ka reliability shouldn’t be too much of a concern. It’s based on Fiat components and the Italian hatch has proved reliable so far while both engines have been well proven.