I’m a little bit biased here, because I’ve had both of these cars but I’m going to recommend them anyway because a) they’re brilliant and b) I did my research.

Ford Ka

This was my first set of wheels. Cool I know. It had red paintwork, black bumpers and 13” wheels with trims. It looked a bit like a noddy car (that well known children’s TV character) and wasn’t particularly quick by virtue of its slightly wheezy 1.3 litre four pot engine. So, why is it perfect for young drivers?

I’ll cut to the chase. I think this car is all about the chassis. It is the car that taught me about car control due to its ability to turn in accurately with the minimum of chassis flex and plenty of communication. And, assuming that the driver isn’t a complete numpty the end that breaks away first is the rear. Hallelujah.

I know what you’re going to say though, you’re going to go back to those ‘love it or loathe it’ looks and you have a point. That said, at least they are distinctive and you can’t say that about many other small hatchbacks from the late ‘90s and early noughties.

As I discovered, they will also take a fair bit of abuse. The interior is fundamentally hardy and there isn’t a huge amount that can go wrong. Then there is the issue of the factory fitted inbuilt stereo…it may not be hugely loud but it is difficult to steal! Perfect for leaving somewhere dark as you trundle off to the cinema.

It’ll also teach you how to drive. With its low power output you will have the opportunity to learn all about driving a car smoothly, thinking ahead and using a gearbox efficiently. To get decent fuel economy and make good progress you’ll need to think about your driving a whole lot more than you would in ‘mummy’s Golf’.

Of course, if you can stretch to it there is always the Sport Ka with a 1.6 and chunkier looks.

More than anything though, I’ll go back to the chassis. Trust me, you’ll never forget it and I’ve driven the odd other car too…

Ford Ka 1.3 stats
Price: from £750 (for something decent)
Power: 59 bhp
Insurance group: 3
Years produced: 1996-2008

Encyclopedia FordFord KaFord Ka Gen.1Ford Ka 2

Engine Straight 4 Displacement 79 cu in Top Speed 93 mph Transmission 5, Manual Maximum power 60 hp @ 5000 rpm Type Hatchback Fuel Petrol Fuel consumption (combined) --

price -- annual ownership cost $ 781

Ford Focus Mk 1

If the Ka is a little bit small for you, you need something a little bit more refined or you have a slightly larger budget then I present to you the Ford Focus.

I’ve owned a Focus (or two) as well as it seemed like a logical successor to the Ka. The Focus succeeded the Mk 4 Escort at a time when Ford was not doing its reputation much good. But that all changed with the Focus. Here was a car that shot straight to the top of the class.

The Focus brought a new level of handling balance to the sector which will resonate with any of the younger Autoviva readers. It also came with a decent range of engines, starting from the slightly asthmatic 1.4 petrol and moving all the way up to the opinion splitting but undeniably brilliant looking RS. I’d go for the 1.6 though if it was me. It blends enough performance (100bhp) with half a chance of escaping an exorbitant insurance premium.

If you need a reasonable amount of space it should tick a few of the boxes too. It can take a tow bar comfortably (if you are into sailing like me) and will absorb some golf clubs and four adults without too much hassle.

Ultimately the Focus is not quite as much fun as the Ka due to its heftier weight and larger footprint, but it is undeniably brilliant for a car of its size and there are plenty about too. It’ll also come with alloys if you can find a Zetec and most of them come with a climate pack which even includes a heated front screen!
In fact, this has got me wanting one again…maybe an ST170 this time though…

Ford Focus Mk 1 1.6 stats
Price: From £1200 (for something decent)
Power: 100bhp
Insurance group: 6
Years produced: 1998-2004

Encyclopedia FordFord Focus (UK)Ford Focus (UK) Gen.1Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec-SE

Engine Straight 4 Displacement 97 cu in Top Speed 115 mph Transmission 5, Manual Maximum power 101 hp @ 6000 rpm Type Hatchback Fuel Petrol Fuel consumption (combined) --

price -- annual ownership cost $ 912