All-new Ford Ka unveiled

The very first pictures of Ford's new Ka have been released, ahead of the car's world debut at this autumn's Paris Motor Show.

Sharing its mechanicals with Fiat's uber-cute 500, the Ka will also be made in the same factory in Poland and goes on sale early in 2009.

Although Ford and Fiat shared the development of the underpinnings, and the Ka is of the same proportions as the 500, it is also distinctively styled, borrowing heavily from the new Fiesta and Ford Kuga in particular.

Ford's designers wanted to give the new Ka a more attractive shape, but are quick to point out that the old Ka's 'fun' design has been referred to for inspiration.

The outgoing model was a huge sales success and was on the market for 12 years with relatively little change.

Under the pert new bonnet, we expect to see a wider choice of engines than before, including some Fiat units, such as the excellent 1.3-litre turbodiesel engine found in the 500.

So as now to compete head-on with the in-demand Fiat 500, Ford is thought to position the Ka lower down the price range, marketing the Ka's value for money over its image. Prices could start as low as £7,000.

Shane O' Donoghue