New Car: 2009 Ford Ka

Ford has taken the covers off its all-new Ka city-car. The original launched in Paris back in 1996 and over its 12 year lifetime, sales surpassed 1.4 million units.

Engines and specification details will be finalised closer to the Ka’s launch in September, but there will be crossover with Fiat’s powerplants. So expect a 69bhp, 1.2-litre petrol engine along with the more powerful 99bhp 1.4-litre from the Cinquecento. Fiat’s super-frugal 1.3-litre Multijet diesel is likely to make it to the Ka too, the first time a diesel version’s ever been offered. Naturally, there is an emphasis on younger customers with this model and they can expect iPod connectivity across the range plus Bluetooth hands-free as an option.

Fiat and Ford are also thought to be considering using an extremely fuel-efficient 900cc, 2-cylinder turbo motor that would offer class-beating, sub-100g/km CO2 emissions and 60+ mpg fuel economy.

The new Ka will be built alongside its counterpart at Fiat’s factory in Poland Since the Panda is built at this plant, the 500 and Ford Ka are both based upon it. This production line and platform sharing helps both companies cut manufacturing costs and therefore offer their respective city cars at a lower price.

While Fiat’s opted for image-driven, premium price market positioning for its 500, Ford has already said that it won’t follow suit with the Ka. A starting price of around £7,500 is expected when this funky little urban cruiser arrives in showrooms early in 2009.

'We are very excited about the launch of the new Ka,' said Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain. 'The original has been a huge hit in the UK with a sales record of over 480,000 -80% of which have been to retail customers, and many of those first-time buyers. I'm confident that the latest design will prove just as big a hit.'

The newcomer will be unveiled at the upcoming Paris motorshow. So, the question is, which out of the 2 would you choose? The Fiat 500 or Ford Ka?

Press Release:

FRESH, FUNKY AND FUN – INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW FORD KA

Paris Show debut for all-new Ford Ka Bold, fashionable and stylish design

Full of youthful and cheeky Ka spirit

Exciting successor to the iconic original

The exciting new Ka, Ford’s fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars. Twelve years after the original Ka was launched to great acclaim, its successor captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit. The new model retains all of the qualities which made the Ka so popular – its compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality – but presents them in a fresh new package.

Stylish Inside and Out:

Ford designers have given the new Ka a fashionable, modern appearance based around the company's 'kinetic design' form language. A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ka, but with its distinctive face and chunky proportions the new model has its own unique character. The interior of the new Ka also has a stylish, dynamic design, combining bold contrasts and expressive colours which reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka buyer.

Rebirth of a Design Icon:

The new model is destined to continue the considerable success of the original Ford Ka, which is widely considered to be an automotive design icon. Launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1996, the Ka was immediately praised for its exciting “New Edge” styling and class-leading driving dynamics. Throughout its 12-year life the Ka has remained tremendously popular among small-car buyers, inspiring fierce loyalty from its owners. In total, Ka production has exceeded 1.4 million vehicles. Further information on the new Ford Ka range will be released in time for the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008.