The first generation Ford Ka had become something of a modern-day cult car - over a decade on sale and it was still seeing off the competition with its appealing combination of perky charm and piffling running costs. Replacing it meant a real dilemma for Ford - copy it and play it safe, or try something a little bit different.
The world has changed after those ten years, though - the car market isn't what it used to be and manufacturers are finding themselves having to be careful about their costs. The new Ka represents a step forward in terms of pure quality, but it might have lost something in translation through a platform-sharing deal with Fiat and its 500.
Considerable tweaking by Ford's engineers means that the Ka steers and rides much better than the 500. We'd hazard to say it's the best drive in the city car class, which is high praise indeed. The Fiat's fingerprints are all over it, though - the silhouette of the car and look of the interior do bring the 500 to mind. Under the skin they are much the same car.
The 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel are straight from the 500 range, and whilst the diesel is frugal yet gutsy the extra purchase costs don't quite add up. The petrol engine needs plenty of revs to make progress, but makes for a more interesting car. Both units are noisy, though, and can get on your nerves after a while.
The Ka is something of a contradiction inside - it feels solidly constructed and is comfortable to drive, but the firm ride and raised seating position contrive to keep it in limbo, neither sporting nor overly refined. As with any such small car, long journeys can get tiresome.
Ford has made a token effort at providing the sort of personalisation that sets the Mini and the 500 apart from the competition, but the somewhat bland Ka lacks the personality to make it happen. Your money doesn't get you a lot of car, either, with a meagre standard kit list.
Ford hasn't copied the first generation car, but it hasn't tried anything much different either, instead opting to play it nice and safe. The new Ka lacks charisma - and although it definitely won't be a flop, we can't see it becoming a cult favourite like its predecessor either. It's a good car, but it could have been better.