It's out. The new Ford Ka has been revealed ahead of its October release.

The little car, due to debut at the Paris Motor Show, clearly takes its cue from the new Fiesta with those distinct accent lines, front fascia and headlamps.

Although there are visual traces of the microcar's rival, the Opel Corsa, the Ka shares its platform with the Fiat 500/Panda.

Initially the car is to come with a 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engine, as well as a 1.6-litre diesel TDCi engine.

An ST model is expected later, featuring the 1.4-litre turbo from the Fiat 500 Abarth, as well as a redesigned front and suspension tweaks.

After its Paris debut, the Ka will appear in the new James Bond film 'Quantum of Solace' before hitting European showroom floors early in 2009.