We"re doubled up with...

We"re doubled up with city car excitement! Not only can Auto Express magazine bring you the clearest picture yet of Ford"s new Ka, but the mag also has spyshots of the Fiat 500. And these two babies look set to create a massive storm.

Thanks to a joint venture between Ford and Fiat, the newcomers share similar underpinnings, and will be built at the Italian firm"s factory in Poland. However, as you can see, they"ll look very different, each drawing on the cute styling of its predecessor.

We broke the news that work had started on Ford"s new baby in Issue 869. But, as the mag"s main image shows, the next Ka is very different from that early development car - which will come as a relief to fans of the current model.

Retaining all of its neat styling cues, the new Ka is a thoroughly modern, yet instantly recognisable interpretation of the runabout. That"s because of the distinctive rear overhangs and the wheel-at-each-corner stance, which combine with a more grown-up face featuring elliptical headlights.

As with the Fiat 500, the latest Ka is to be bigger than its predecessor, and a four-seat interior layout is expected. Cabin material quality and standard kit will also be improved, with MP3 player compatibility and low-cost sat-nav sys-tems featuring across the range.

Power is to set come from Ford"s 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines, plus its 1.4 TDCi diesel. Refinement is likely to improve, and engineers are working hard to ensure the Ka keeps its reputation as one of the best-handling small cars on the road. Prices for the new model are expected to start at чЈ7,500 when it arrives in UK showrooms in 2008. Meanwhile, its Italian relative - the all-new Fiat 500 - is due to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And, judging by these spyshots, development is well advanced.

The cute profile of 2005"s Trepiuno concept will clearly make it to production. Yet despite offering room for four, the compact external dimensions are set to make the newcomer ideal for urban motoring. The 500 has minimal overhangs and a stubby bonnet, giving it a distinctive, bubble-like appearance.

At the front, a low-mounted radiator grille is expected, with the round Fiat logo dominating the nose. A prominent crease along the flanks promises to give the city car a sporty stance. Zesty performance will come from a range of existing Fiat engines, including the 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrols from the Panda and the impressive 1.3-litre Multijet diesel.

This stylish addition to the range is set to follow in the footsteps of the new Grande Punto, which has proved a massive sales smash. And although entry-level models are set to cost little more than чЈ5,000 when the 500 hits UK showrooms next autumn, buyers will be able to personalise their car with a range of Fiat add-ons.

Top-of-the-range variants are likely to feature luxurious extras such as leather upholstery, as the brand aims to emulate the success that"s currently enjoyed by the fashionable MINI.