Hey there, dinky! Ford's new Ka has broken cover ahead of its official unveiling later this year.

Due to arrive at the Paris Motor Show, the little car replaces the original Ka after 12 years of service and shares the mechanicals of the Fiat 500.

But, reckons Auto Express magazine, the new four-seater is more than a simple rebranding of the popular Italian compact, with its mini-Fiesta styling: short overhangs, a steeply raked windscreen and arching roofline. Gone are the 500's round lines, in favour of sharper lines.

The new car will launch in Europe towards the end of the year with three engine options: 47kW 1.2-litre and 74kW 1.4-litre petrol mills, and a 56kW 1.3-litre Multijet diesel.

A sporty, top of the range ST is planned, according to the magazine, propelled by the Fiat 500 Abarth's turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol lump that's expected to produce at least 110kW, for a top speed of 200km/h and 0-100km/h sprint time of under eight seconds.

The new Ka range's interior gets a boost too: better build quality, more luxurious materials and boosted ergonomics (think higher gearlever, repositioned climate and radio controls, and multifunction control column on the steering wheel).

Expect more info, like official details from Ford, soon.