Ford’s Ka city car is 11 years old, which, in car years, means it’s an ageing old timer. Get in the recently revised model and you’ll see what I mean.

The steering wheel, for example, is un-adjustable, which is fine if it was positioned in a comfortable place, but it isn’t, being both too low and bizarrely to the left. Meanwhile the engine feels lethargic, raucous and reluctant to rev – just like they used to be – and even the gearchange feels dated. It’s less direct and slick than the engineered aluminium ball on our range-topping Sportka promises.

Then there are the plastics – cheap and hard – although the seats, ours dressed in dubious two-tone blue/black leather, are surprisingly comfortable and supportive.

It sounds like a good case for euthanasia doesn’t it?

CONTINUED…