The Ford Streetka offers a stylish open-top driving experience without the usual hefty price tag. This compact roadster is best known for its distinctive looks and fun-to-drive nature – especially appealing if you value a lively drive in a compact footprint.
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Overall rating 4/5
Running costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality
The Ford Streetka was designed with pure enjoyment in mind. With its standout convertible design and sharp handling, it’s a car that brings back the joy of driving – especially with the roof down on a sunny day. Produced between 2003 and 2006, it was based on the humble Ford Ka but added a sporty twist, making it unique among its city car peers. The Streetka competes with cars like the Vauxhall Tigra and Nissan Micra C+C but stands out for its simple manual roof and playful feel. Space is fairly limited, so it’s best suited for solo drivers or couples, but if you’re after character and value, it’s hard to ignore. Today, the Streetka is defined by its chic styling and affordability.
Fun styling and characterAffordable running costsOpen-top driving thrills
Limited practicality and spaceDated interior finishCan suffer from rust and suspension issuesThe Ford Streetka comes with essential safety features for its class, including dual front airbags, ABS, seatbelt pretensioners and reinforced doors. While not packed with modern systems, it meets the basics expected from early-2000s convertibles. Always check the operation of the roof, too, as it’s manually operated.
All Ford Streetka models are powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 94bhp, paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine choice is consistent across the range – it’s lively enough for city trips and fun on country roads, but not aimed at outright speed.
Standard technology in the Streetka is straightforward. Most models offer a radio/CD player and electric windows. Higher trims, such as the Luxury or Winter Edition, might add heated leather seats and air conditioning, but you won’t find the latest infotainment tech common in newer cars.
The Ford Streetka returns average fuel economy figures of around 35 mpg, with the total depending on driving style and condition. Insurance and road tax remain reasonable, making it a cost-conscious convertible for everyday use.
Look for rust, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, and inspect the fabric roof for signs of damage or leaks. Suspension components are vulnerable to wear from kerb impacts. For extra confidence, a comprehensive check, such as from The AA Vehicle Inspection service, is recommended.
The 1.6-litre engine and major mechanical parts are robust if regularly serviced, but common faults include worn suspension and roof issues. As with any older convertible, attentive care is key – but most problems are affordable to repair and parts generally remain available.
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