| New model | 2008 Paris Motor Show | 2009 Ford Ka |
The
current Ford Ka has been on sale for an incredible 12 years with only mild updates, yet Ford's tot has found 480,000 homes in that time. The Blue Oval must be hoping that the all-new Ka, which goes on sale early next year, is half as successful.
Ford released the first official images of the new Ka today and though its proportions are shared with the
Fiat 500 - due to common underpinnings - the Ka's design is distinctly a Ford, with plenty of 'kinetic design' cues from the new Ford Fiesta and
Kuga. Where as the 500 is cute and charming, the Ka takes on a sportier appearance, though the roundness of the rear end harks back to the original model.
The Ka's interior is a breath of fresh air in the city car class too, with sculpted surfaces, bold 'Ka' badging, an interesting selection of colours and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. It's expected that buyers will have the option of the latest communications and infotainment technology from launch, given that the Ka is aimed at younger buyers.
As well as being built in the same Polish factory as the Fiat 500, the new Ka is likely to share engines with its Italian cousin, possibly including Fiat's 1.3-litre turbodiesel unit. More information will be come available after the car's debut at the
Paris Motor Show, with prices likely to start in the region of £7,000 in the UK.
Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Aug 2008