Ka is coming

With Fiat's perky 500 already taking its first steps as a reborn version of the iconic 1950s baby car, its co-developed twin, the next generation Ford Ka, has been spotted once more by specialist spy snappers Carparazzi during winter tests near Germany's famous Nurburgring (more here).

The outcome of a signed deal between Ford and Fiat in 2005 is a cheeky interpretation of the concept that spawned the new Fiat and will bear no visual resemblance to its Italian counterpart.

With its perky, abrupt and vertically oriented packaging the new mini Ford, in heavily disguised prototype form at least, shows proportions more akin to a Smart ForTwo than the retro Fiat -- although unlike the Smart, it will offer rear-seat accommodation rather than room for just two.

To be built at the same factory in Tychy, Poland, that produces the Fiat 500, the new Ford is expected to also receive an identical powerplant lineup, with 1.2-litre, 1.3-litre and 1.4-litre engines available.

But the Ford will arrive at least six months in arrears of the Fiat. "We had already started with the 500 project when Ford came into the picture," says Fiat's new business projects leader Alfredo Altvilla.

The new Ford baby also required changes to the manufacturing process, including new construction robots for the interior, which contributed to the time gap between it and the Fiat.

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