Currently reading: Spies catch the new Ford Ka
Ford's smallest model, sister car to the new Fiat 500, out in the open; on sale next year

This cobbled-up prototype is the new Ford Ka, caught testing in Germany last week for the first time. The new Ka, which will replace the 11-year old original, is being built as part of a co-operation deal between Ford and Fiat.Ford’s baby car is not expected to be launched until autumn 2008 at the earliest, and will be built by Fiat in Poland. The new Ka is based on the same compact platform that underpins the Fiat Panda and Fiat 500.A substantial re-working and re-tuning of the basic Fiat chassis will take up much of Ford’s work between now and the launch date.Judging by these scoop shots the Ka’s understructure looks to be closely related to that of the distinctive 500. The doorframes and truncated rear end look very similar to the baby Fiat.However John Fleming, president of Ford of Europe, recently told an industry newspaper that the new Ka would not share any visible part with its Fiat sister car. He added that Ford has designed the interior and exterior as part of the ‘kinetic design’ philosophy and Ford were ‘very pleased with the result’.Ford has also revealed that the new Ka will not be pushed into premium bracket, with showroom pricing kicking off at about the £6000 mark.Blue Oval executives are pencilling in annual sales of between 100,000 and 120,000. It’s also thought that the Ka badge could be dropped.

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Car review
Ford Ka
The Ford Ka lacks the sparkle of the original model

The Ford Ka is the sister car to the Fiat 500, but is it more appealing than the funky Italian?

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