THE smallest member of the fast expanding Ford stable is a model that certainly splits opinions.

There are those who shun the Ka city car as being too small, underequipped and lacking charm, while others adore its distinctive wheel at each corner styling and nippy nature.

Built alongside the trendy Fiat 500 in Poland, the Ka has been in its second generation for more than five years and Ford recently unveiled its predecessor, which is due in 2015.

That model will be larger, more spacious and have five doors. In other words it won't have an awful lot in common with the Ka so many folk know and love.

Just seven models, including Metal and Grand Prix special editions, make up the current Ka line-up and all are powered by the same 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine.

Prices range from £8,795 for the entry level Studio version to £11,295 for the specials, the tested Studio Connect adding an extra £500 to base grade.

For that you get extras like the Connectivity Pack comprising Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a USB. Stuff like curtain and side airbags (£250), reversing sensors (£200) and Crystal White paint (£250) bump up the tab.

The cabin of the Ka though is a pleasant place to be with its ivory inserts to adorn the dash/fascia, door handles, gear knob and steering wheel.

It's comfortable enough too with a funky design on the fabrics and adequate space for a pair of rear passengers.

On the negative side those people don't get much in the way of stowage space, the boot is small and the windows are wind-down.

Where the Ka really scores though is in the fun way it drives - solid on the motorway once up to speed and both brisk and agile in town and country.