Interesting stuff.

It is a shame Ford wasn't more adventurous with the current Ka, being rather bland, derivative, and frankly not small enough for there to be any reason for buyers to choose one over a Fiesta. A VW Up is more than 40cm shorter and 10cm narrower than a Polo (a clear distinction), but the Ka is only 10cm shorter and 3cm narrower than a Fiesta. If they could make a true successor to the original, something with funky, forward thinking styling, and impeccable road manners, it could be a winner.

Never thought anything of the Edge. Too big (for just having 5 seats) and too expensive for badge obsessed UK buyers.

The Tourneo Courier is something i definately would be interested in, assuming it was available with a T/C auto. I really like the new Berlingo/Rifter/Combo Life, and there will probably be some decent motability offers, but they are a bit wider than i'd be totally comfortable with (on our narrow street). And while i love the concept of a van based car, in truth, those three are bigger than what we need (what with no offspring living with us by the time the Jazz gets replaced). But the Tourneo Courier is usefully more compact (taking barely any more road space than a Fiesta), but with the higher seats we both like and plenty of interior space.

Edited by badbusdriver on 13/04/2019 at 19:54

Many thanks for this - very interesting although sadly not very surprising.

The Mondeo is struggling partly because the current model is too big for mist people (4.9m long), but also most private buyers go for PCPs, and fleets lease their cars. The German makes hold their value better than Fords so the monthly payments are often on a par. There are two Audis on our drive: I don't think we'd be much worse off if they'd been Fords.

I test-drove a Ka+ when they first came out, and found it hopelessly underpowered. City cars have above all to be nippy, and this isn't.

What your chap said about the petrol particulate filter is a worry: I thought I read that they were less likely to clog up on short journeys than DPFs. Someone more expert than I will be along to explain, I hope.

Generally it's a pity to see Ford of Europe consistently losing money. My memory goes back to the 1950s when Fords - persisting far too long with the awful side-valve engine - were sluggish in the extreme if they ever started at all. Then the Cortina signalled a turn for the better; and the heyday was in the 80s and 90s when Richard Parry-Jones was in charge of development.

Find this all a bit of a shame. Ford used to be good at building affordable less complex cars that the public liked (even if the motoring journalists didn't).

Have owned 3 Fiestas (1985 (950), 1992 (1.1), 2012 (1.25)) and loved all of them. The current Fiesta's are too upmarket. Ford are competing with the Japanese on price (ie: Ford's have higher prices), but some of there ideas are flawed (3 cylinder Ecoboosts). Anyone know if the current 3 cylinder engines are now reliable?

The Ka+ now has a choice of two 3 cylinder 1.2 engines (non-turbo). Knowing the problem with their Ecoboosts, would you trust this unproven engine?

The Mondeo will now be competing with SUV's (and MPV's). Ford are aiming the following cars at the same market segment: Mondeo, C-Max (both sizes), S-Max, Galaxy, 2 sizes of Tourneo connect. They have all these different models on sale competing with each other.

They also have the Vignal (brand/ trim). They keep trying to move the Ford brand upmarket, but at the end of the day they are all Ford's. If I wanted a posh car (I don't) I wouldn't buy a Ford.

When I wanted a reliable/ affordable/ nice car (in the past) I always considered Fords. Now I'm thinking Japanese!