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  • Road Test: Ford Streetka (2003-)
    Convertibles by: Farah AlKhalisi
    Ford Streetka (03 - )
    RUNNING COSTS RATING:

    Classed in insurance group 7A, the Streetka should prove cheap to run. Fuel consumption (35.8mpg) is reasonable if not spectacular, though carbon-dioxide emissions, and hence company car tax banding, are high-ish for this size of car at 191g/km. Ford prices for parts and servicing are generally cheap, and it should prove reliable. And although the initial purchase price may be on the steep side, the Streetka should make a good investment in the longer term - demand on the used market is likely to be very strong, so it will hold its value well. There will be no bargains around for a very long time, as the Streetka should hold its value very well - unless it suffers a sudden VW New Beetle-like fall from favour when a more fashionable new competitor (MINI) comes along. It should make a safe second-hand buy, however, if the hood and the interior prove sufficiently durable. The asking price is high for a not-particularly-powerful roadster with a manual fabric hood, and that entry-level model has a cheap-feeling cabin and no air conditioning; not even metallic paint is standard. The Luxury version looks better value, with leather seats, but its spec sheet is still sparse compared to that of the altogether more sophisticated (and modern-feeling) 206 CC, which has the benefit of two tiny rear seats for more practicality and that clever metal folding roof, for significantly improved refinement and insulation from the outside world. The Streetka seems expensive for what it is. However, to be fair to Ford, a car is worth just about as much as people are prepared to pay for it, and the company is going to struggle to meet demand, at least at first.

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    Introduction Ford's Streetka two-seater roadster is one of the most hyped cars of t...

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