Ford has announced a new crossover version of its Ka+ city car.

The Active is being introduced alongside a revised Ka+ range, with models now coming with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system via a 6.5in screen, which is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There’s also a heated windscreen, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The new Active comes with SUV-inspired styling, a raised ride height, 15in alloy wheels, and a revised front grille and interior trim. There’s also a wider track, larger front anti-roll bar and specifically tuned electronic power steering.

Retuned dampers feature a hydraulic rebound stopper for a smoother ride over harsh surfaces, and active rollover prevention works within the electronic stability control system to offer additional security when carrying roof loads.

In terms of engines, the Ka+ range gets an all-new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, available with 69hp or 84hp, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 94hp. 

Official emissions and economy figures are yet to be established, but Ford is expecting CO2 emissions for the petrol to start from 114g/km, and for the diesel to be 99g/km.

Compared with the outgoing petrol engine, Ford says the new unit offers up to 10% more torque between 1,000rpm and 3,000rpm, while delivering an average fuel efficiency improvement of around 4%.

The new Ka+ range will go on sale later this year, with prices starting at £10,795.

Roelant de Waard, Ford’s vice-president for marketing, sales and service, said: “Last year Ford sold more than 200,000 SUVs in Europe for the first time, and demand for SUV and crossover models has never been higher.

“Our new Ford KA+ Active model will this year make the crossover affordable to even greater numbers of customers, with aspirational styling and sophisticated technologies customers would expect to see in much more expensive cars. 

“Ford has sold more than 61,000 KA+ since we first introduced the model in late 2016, and now we’re offering customers even more choice with our first KA+ diesel engine for greater fuel-efficiency and cruising ability, and all-new petrol powertrains that are more responsive in town, all meeting the latest stringent emissions standards.”