Ford Ka

melbury

I am trying to find out if it is possible to buy a new Ford Ka without the start stop (or is it stop start) function, as I definitely don't want it.

Please, does anyone know? If so, what is the model called?

Many thanks.

Quiet_Spark

The driver can disable the "start/stop" feature.

Iceweasel

All ka models have the stop/start function.

IIUC it would need to be disabled each time the car is started as the default is 'ON'.

Perhaps it can be programmed out by the dealer - but I doubt it.

The stop/start is part of the reason for the low VED.

sh0597

Is there a reason why people don't like stop/start?

Quiet_Spark

sh0597 wrote: »

Is there a reason why people don't like stop/start?

You realise at the last moment that the car approaching you from behind isn't going to stop in time for whatever reason, but you can't make that instant getaway that will give you the extra couple of metres you need to avoid a collision because your engine wasn't running at the time.

melbury

Iceweasel wrote: »

The stop/start is part of the reason for the low VED.

But it is not that low being in the 111-120 CO2 emissions group (C).

I have read some bad things about it, like people nearly getting hit through slow pick up when pulling out of junctions:eek:

That is very disappointing it being on all models, guess that knocks Ford Ka off my list then:( Shame as there are some good deals about.

melbury

sh0597 wrote: »

Is there a reason why people don't like stop/start?

Yes, because it sounds dangerous in some situations. I like to feel that I am in control of the car.

Tiexen

Quiet_Spark wrote: »

You realise at the last moment that the car approaching you from behind isn't going to stop in time for whatever reason, but you can't make that instant getaway that will give you the extra couple of metres you need to avoid a collision because your engine wasn't running at the time.

I have a KA with stop start, as soon as you pull up and put it in neutral the engine stops but all the ancillaries lights / radio stay on, as soon as you depress the clutch, before you've even put it in gear the engine is running. You can switch it off with a press of a button, and in "crawling" traffic this can be useful.

Unless you sit with your car in gear with the clutch down it won't be any quicker to move.

melbury

Tiexen wrote: »

I have a KA with stop start, as soon as you pull up and put it in neutral the engine stops but all the ancillaries lights / radio stay on, as soon as you depress the clutch, before you've even put it in gear the engine is running. You can switch it off with a press of a button, and in "crawling" traffic this can be useful.

Unless you sit with your car in gear with the clutch down it won't be any quicker to move.

I am one of those who sits with the car in gear and the clutch down, so does that mean it wouldn't stop? Does it only stop when in neutral?

Apart from that, is it any good in terms of reliability and mpg?

Thanks.

Tiexen

melbury wrote: »

I am one of those who sits with the car in gear and the clutch down, so does that mean it wouldn't stop? Does it only stop when in neutral?

Apart from that, is it any good in terms of reliability and mpg?

Thanks.

Yes if you sit in gear with the clutch down it won't stop - but do you sit like that for minutes? - not good for the clutch

The KA is a Fiat 500 (the one everyone raves about) but Ford have changed the suspension so it doesn't roll in corners.

MPG when run in around 50 - (with the A/C on)
and re the Tax band I had a 1.25 Fiesta £140 tax the KA 1.2 is £30 that's the best part of a yearly service

Reliability: coming up for 2 years no problems at all
make sure you get one with spare wheel, and audio controls on the steering wheel are a good thing to have.

Note it didn't do well in the JD Power survey:

1 Volkswagen Up! 85.1% 61 Hyundai i10 77.0% 65 Toyota Aygo 76.9% 68 Kia Picanto 76.8% = 91 Fiat Panda 74.6% = 91 Peugeot 107 74.6% 97 Fiat 500 74.1% 100 Citroën C1 73.2% 102 smart fortwo 72.8% 105 Ford Ka 71.7%

facade

melbury wrote: »

I have read some bad things about it, like people nearly getting hit through slow pick up when pulling out of junctions:eek:

I had this problem in 2003, when I bought a brand new Corsa, with that new fangled "drive by wire" throttle. Pulled out of a junction, saw the traffic was approaching much faster than I thought, pressed the pedal down, and nothing whatsoever happened, for what seemed like half an hour, nut was more likely half a second.

Soon adapted to it, simply stamp the accelerator to the floor as the car you are going behind is passing you, then it is ready to pull out behind.


The reason I don't like stop/start is memories of The Olden Days, if ever the engine stalled you could not start the thing again ( like the old Triumph Bonneville , if that stopped you might as well park up and go for a meal)