Ford to launch Ka+ model later this year

A new small car in the shape of the Ford Ka+ will arrive to UK showrooms in the second half of the year, replacing the old Fiat-based Ka.

Revealed as a concept back in 2013, Ford engineers have finally produced the latest member of the growing supermini sector.

The Ford Ka+ is a five-door only model and it will sit on the current Ford Fiesta platform with a similar wheelbase and 4,000mm length.

Fitted inside the new model will be luxury features such as climate control, a leather steering wheel, a 4.2-inch infotainment screen in the centre and a 2.3-inch TFT display positioned between the main instruments.

Prices for the Ford Kia+ are set to start at around £8,000, and potential buyers will be able to get a look at the car when it is unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show alongside other Ford models including the Vignale, Edge and Fiesta ST200.

Ford of Europe boss, Jim Farely says demand for the lower reaches of the small-car market has grown, leading to the push towards production for the Ka+.

He said: "The B-car value segment is exploding. Sales have double in the past few years. So we're replacing Ka with Ka+ to compete in that segment."

"It's very roomy, will have very low cost of ownership and it'll have the driving dynamics of a Fiesta."

The Ka+ will offer robustness, cabin quality and good handling, according to Ford, which the manufacturer says are all established small-car values.

It is likely that the Ford Ka+ will be produced in Gurjarat, India, which is already home to the company's Fiesta-related EcoSport compact SUV.