FEW cars manage to survive for 12 years almost untouched. One of those that has is Ford's baby Ka.

But that's all about to change.

A new fresh fun and funky Ka is preparing to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show this October.

This is the first official picture. Ford says the new model (which uses the same platform as the Fiat 500) retains all of the qualities which made the Ka so popular - its compact size, unique looks, lively dynamics and fun personality - but presents them in a fresh new package.

Designers have given the new Ka a fashionable, modern but at the same time slightly less individualistic appearance based around the company's 'kinetic design' form language including the familiar trapezodial front grille.

A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ka, such as the rounded front end.

But with its new face and chunky proportions the new model has its own character.

The interior of the new Ka combines bold contrasts and expressive colours to reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka buyer.

The new model has a lot to live up to as the original inspiring fierce loyalty from its owners and sales exceeded 1.4 million vehicles.

"The original has been a huge hit in the UK with a sales record of over 480,000 - 80 per cent 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," says Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain.