Ford reveals new Ka replacement

Ford has finally revealed its replacement for the Ka city-car that's sold in Europe, unveiling a bigger, five-door hatchback that's set to be significantly cheaper than the current Fiesta.

Originally it was thought Ford of Europe would source the new micro-car -- now called the Ford Ka+ -- from Ford's Brazilian plant, but it's now been confirmed European markets will get reengineered versions of the Australian-designed Figo model that's sold in India.

Sharing the same Ford global small car platform as the previous Fiesta, the little Ka+ is actually 42mm taller than the current Fiesta hatch, has exactly the same wheelbase as the Fiesta and, measuring in at 3229mm, is only 20mm shorter.

Riding lower than its Indian and Brazilian cousins, the European Ka+ is said to have a chassis that's been tuned at Ford Europe’s Lommel proving ground in Belgium.

The upgrades to the Euro model include springs, dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars and a new rear torsion beam.

The result, Ford says, is a car more in tune with European tastes.

Under the bonnet, the Euro Ka+ comes with a 1.2-litre petrol that's related to the current Fiesta's 1.25-litre.

Just two power outputs are available -- a 52kW or 63kW -- and both will come standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. An automatic option has not been announced.

Ford has not released performance figures but says both engine options are capable of averaging 5.0L/100km while emitting 114g/km of CO2.

In the UK market there's just two trims available for the Ka+ -- the Style and a range-topping Zetec model.

Base Style models come with electric front windows and mirrors, front foglights, Bluetooth and remote locking, plus six airbags.

The more generous Zetec throws in air-con, 15-inch alloys, a digital radio, Ford's SYNC infotainment system, heated seats and parking sensors.

Pricing in the UK starts at around $17,500.

The first-generation Ka came to Australia in limited numbers until 2002, but never set the sales charts alight.

The next, second-generation, Ka was co-developed on the Fiat Panda platform alongside the 500, but never came here because it lacked a conventional automatic transmission -- something the new budget hatch misses out on.

Factor in that and the need for even keener pricing in Australia's shrinking micro-car market and Ford Australia is unlikely to make a business case for the new Ka+.