The all-new Ford Ka makes its global debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and it will feature a diesel engine for the first time.

Production starts in the autumn and it will go on sale in the UK in late 2008 or early 2009. It uses two economical, low emission engines: a 1.2-litre 69 PS Duratec petrol engine and a 1.3-litre 75 PS Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel. Both petrol and diesel models are available with sub-120g/km CO₂ emissions.

Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf BlueMotion concept capable of a combined 74.3 mpg while emitting 99 g/km of CO₂. 

This matches the economy of the Polo BlueMotion, itself among the most efficient vehicles currently on sale.

Citroën has released first details of a special edition of its convertible supermini, the C3 Pluriel - The Charleston.

The limited edition model will be unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale in the UK in early 2009.

The C3 Pluriel Charleston fashions a contemporary reinterpretation of Citroën’s famous 2CV with bold two-tone colour scheme of black and Bordeaux red, gloss-black fittings, leather upholstery and chrome trim.

Also fitted as standard are stylish 15” aluminium wheels which feature red embellisher centres.