Ford Ka debuts in Paris

Ford replaces a legend at the Paris motor show, and it looks like the new Ka has got all the ingredients to continue the success of its massive-selling predecessor.

What's all the fuss about?

Any new Ford is big news, but when Ford replaces a model as long running and as loved as the Ka it's an absolutely massive story. Big news then for a tiny car, the Ka being just one of a number of new small cars sitting on revolving plinths under the bright lights in Paris. The Ka is arguably the most significant as it has utterly dominated the sub-supermini class since it was introduced 12 years ago. Ford has updated it comprehensively, but - whisper it - to maximise economies of scale and profitability the Ka shares some of its DNA with Fiat's diminutive 500.

Anything that stands out?

Brilliant as the old Ka was it was well past its sell-by date. Safety, refinement, economy, space provision, interior design and quality have all significantly moved on in the class. The new Ka addresses this with a much-improved interior, a far larger arsenal of safety equipment and a range of engines that are both more economical and enhanced in terms of refinement, too. Don't think though that Ford has binned some of the Ka's joie de vie with the new Ka's unveil in Paris, the Blue Oval claiming that a key development goal for the Ka was to retain the great driving dynamics the original offered.

When can I buy one?

Sales of the Ka start late this year. For the first time there's a choice of petrol and diesel engines - a 1.2-litre petrol delivering 68bhp and the 1.3-litre turbodiesel with 74bhp. Opt for that tiny turbodiesel and you'll see similarly small fuel bills as it is returns 67.2mpg on the official combined cycle.

Kyle Fortune