Ford has updated the Ka+ for 2018 with a facelift, including new styling, new infotainment, and a range of new engines. However, the headline news is that a new Active-badged crossover version of its city car has also been introduced, which has now made its public debut at the 2018 Geneva motor Show. 
Advertisement – post continues below

The new Ka+ active joins a hold of city car crossovers now on sale, such as the Kia Picanto X-Line and Vauxhall Viva Rocks. sticking out against the rest of the Ka+ line-up it boasts SUV-inspired styling with artificial aluminium bash plates, plus black plastic cladding and wheel arches. It rides on special 15-inch alloy wheels, and up top a set of roofing rails sprout above the doors. 
Mechanical changes include a 23mm increase in ride height, while the Ka+ active also features a broader track, larger front anti-roll bar and tweaked electronic power steering. The dampers have been retuned too; Ford says this must result in a smoother ride. The interior features special scuff plates and a leather steering wheel, while the stripe pattern on the fabric upholstery is reserved for the active model only too.
38
About our adsClose this ad

Across the Ka+ line-up, design changes include a revised front apron with a new grille, new headlamps and new C-shaped daytime running lights. The rear bumper has been altered too, with a subtle and slightly sportier profile, and a boot-opening button has been placed on the tailgate. 
• Best city cars to get 2018
Inside, the greatest news is the addition of a SYNC 3 6.5-inch tablet style touchscreen replacing the old car’s outdated SYNC 2 display, complete with Android automobile and Apple CarPlay. A starter button system arrives as well.
38

It’s all change under the bonnet. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is out, in favour of a new three-cylinder unit. It’s still 1.2-litres in size and is available with the same 69bhp and 84bhp power outputs, but produces ten per cent a lot more torque. stop start tech is enabled too. 
Alongside the fresh petrols, a diesel option arrives. It’s a 1.5-litre TDCi unit intended to inject a bit of long distance cruising ability into the Ka+, developing 94bhp and 215Nm of torque, with tailpipe emissions of 99g/km.

No prices for the Ka+ active have been revealed, but the regular refreshed range will arrive in UK showrooms this summer, priced from £10,795. 
Click here for our list of the best city cars on sale ideal now…