Learning in the Ka

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ompared with the Mondeo TD, on balance I would say that the Ka is a better car to learn to drive in. In terms of steering feel, both are similar, but in terms of throttle response, the Ka is immediate and the Mondeo isn’t. The Ka’s gearing makes the engine more flexible even when compared with the 1·8 litre turbodiesel Mondeo. The Ka’s gearbox is slightly easier to use (but some of this must be associated with the Ka being much newer than the Mondeo).

Of course, the Ka is also easier to park, since it has shorter overhangs, a smaller turning circle and is easier to judge the end of the car.

The Ka is even quite hard to stall, since if you pull off with too little power, the ECU shoves more petrol into the engine to keep it going. You can’t move the Ka off on the idle as you can with the Mondeo, so low speed driving does require juggling three foot controls rather than two, but when slowing down from speed, you can move the Ka using the higher idle speed (the engine idles at a slightly quicker speed when the car is moving forward).

One problem that you do get when the Ka is wearing “L” plates is that many other drivers treat you with a degree of contempt that often defies belief. Ordinary motorists are turned in to Michael Schumaker at the very thought of a learner in front of them. Some have to overtake, even if the Ka is at the speed limit, some have to pull up next to you at an ordinary junction (effectively making a single carriageway road a dual), or they pull out of you at a junction far too close when you’re driving at the speed limit. Worse, you get cut up at roundabouts. This sort of attitude is dangerous, ill advised, and never happens when a policeman is watching.