All-new Ford Ka exposed

Last week we brought you a leaked image of the Porsche Cayman S Sport Edition, and now it's the turn of Ford's all-new, second-generation Ka, which has been exposed ahead of its official debut at October's Paris motor show.

The funky newcomer stays true to the 'kinetic design' philosophy embodied by the new Mondeo and Fiesta, even though it was co-developed with Fiat using the Panda/500 platform.

The new-age Ka will be produced in Tychy, Poland -- a nation that's emerging as a car-maker of some significance, thanks to low production costs.

Although its diminutive proportions are in keeping with the essence of the first-generation Ka, the sweeping headlights, high waistline and sculpted flanks distinguish it as an altogether more modern offering.

And this is no less than you'd expect, given that the original Ka has been around since 1996. This model was offered here for a brief period in the wake of the Korean-built Festiva's demise, but it never proved a hit with Australian buyers.

The second-generation Ka is expected to be much better appointed than its rather basic predecessor, and its safety equipment quota will also be significantly better.

Euro sources suggest the new Ka will be available with 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.4-litre TDCi diesel unit.

There will also be a go-faster ST model in due course, and this version is expected to score the Fiat 500 Abarth's 99kW turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, in addition to firmer suspension and a beefier wheel/tyre package.

And extending the product-placement agreement Ford has with the James Bond franchise, the new Ka will make its screen debut in the Quantum of Solace, just as the current Mondeo first appeared in Casino Royale.

European sales will begin early next year, but there's no word as yet as to whether Ford Australia is interested in a sub-Fiesta model. Minimal (or non-existent) profit margins in this segment suggest it's an unlikely starter here, but you never know...

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