Ford has unveiled its new KA+ five-door hatchback.

Joining Ford’s small-car line-up alongside the Fiesta, the new Ford KA+ is built on Ford’s global small-car platform, and offers space for five people at an overall length of less than four metres.

Slightly shorter than the Fiesta, but 29mm taller, the new model is optimised for class-leading front headroom and best-in-class legroom for rear passengers, says Ford.

The KA+ offers 270 litres of luggage space – enough to accommodate two large suitcases – plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and 21 stowage locations throughout the cabin for small items. Stowage areas include MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel that enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and navigation systems, and front door bins that can each hold a 1.0-litre bottle, a 0.6-litre bottle and a small umbrella. A hidden stowage bin within the end of the instrument panel is only accessible when the driver’s door is open, allowing valuables to be hidden out of sight.

Taking inspiration from Ford’s latest design language, the exterior features a high-mounted trapezoidal grille with large, swept-back headlamps. All models include chrome detailing for the front grille, together with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors.

The interior has a grained finish on the instrument panel, with trim materials in a dark charcoal colour scheme. Distinctive chrome accents adorn the door release handles, centre console control knobs and air vents.

Available with a choice of 70PS and 85PS power outputs, the 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine is derived from the same family as the 1.25-litre engine in the Fiesta, and features twin-independent variable camshaft timing technology to enhance performance and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Both engine options achieve CO2 emissions of 114g/km, with combined fuel consumption of 56.5mpg.

Combined with a standard five-speed manual transmission, Ford says it has been tuned to deliver smooth and responsive performance, with a broad spread of torque that makes the car ‘easy and fun’ to drive. The new car features a ‘unique chassis specification’ with specially developed features including the steering system, springs and dampers, front anti-roll bar, rear torsion beam axle and tyres, along with re-engineered front sub-frame and engine mounts.

Fuel efficiency has been enhanced using optimised calibration, low-friction engine oil and regenerative charging, which saves fuel by maintaining efficient charge levels in the vehicle battery by capturing ‘free’ electrical energy when drivers coast or brake. Low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced aerodynamic details, such as an optimised front lower spoiler lip and grille openings, also contribute to improved efficiency.

Two trim levels can be specified - Studio, with the 70PS engine and Zetec which will be offered with both 70PS and 85PS. Standard spec includes powered front windows and door mirrors, front fog lamps, AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity, remote central double locking with perimeter alarm, safety system with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist, Deflation Detection System, Speed Limiter, and Ford Easy Fuel.

The Zetec series also adds 15-inch alloy wheels, manual air-conditioning, DAB digital radio/CD with Ford’s SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with AppLink, leather steering wheel and cruise control.

Prices for the new Ford KA+ start at £8,995 OTR, which will be available to order from June - with first deliveries later this year.