FEW new models have been preceded by quite so much hype as the Streetka.
First revealed as a concept at the Turin show of 2000, Ford's first European two-seat roadster has taken fully three years to reach the road.
The wait though has been worthwhile. Even if you take the view that an absence of aggression makes this more of a girls' car, there's no disputing it's a chic piece of kit.
With the magnificent Puma no longer available, Streetka is probably the closest Ford drivers will get to recreating the little coupe's sense of fun.
Much has been made in recent times of high-tech hoods with sub-25 second fold-down times. Ford has opted for a manually operated soft top on the Streetka for the simple reason that it's more space effective, lighter and, above all, cheaper.
And while you have the minor inconvenience of stepping out to press a small release button, the overall operation couldn't be easier and can be completed in the same time it takes for an electronic hood to be folded. If there's a concern then it's that the rear screen is plastic and, in time, could crease.
There's no doubt the Streetka looks coolest as a cabrio. The aerodynamic lines show the influence of Italian styling house Pininfarina, where the model is built, and the Audi TT-style rollover hoops give it a real presence on the road.
Just the one engine - a 1.6-litre Duratec 8-valve unit producing 94bhp - is available, and while that offers quite brisk performance, there's no doubt that a stronger powerplant would be welcome.
Nonetheless, there's plenty of enjoyment to be had with the existing unit and its close-ratio gearbox is a treat to use.
Best of all though is the driving experience. You can really push the Streetka through bends with confidence, it feels stable at speed and rides smoothly on the commuter run. Wind noise is well suppressed with the hood up too.
My main criticism concerns the cabin, which is pretty much standard Ka. There's so little interior space that even a single CD case won't fit in the glovebox.
Rivals like the long-standing Peugeot 206 CC and recently launched Citroen Pluriel, plus upcoming models like the smart roadster, Nissan Micra C+C and Daihatsu Copen will soon provide lovers of fun in the sun with some tasty options.
But the entry level Streetka price of £12,495 will keep the Ford top of many wish lists. Standard spec includes ABS, dual airbags, 16-inch alloys, electric windows, CD player, front fog lamps and height-adjustable driver's seat.
Splashing out an extra £1,250 for Luxury trim adds heated leather seats, air-con and height-adjustable passenger seat.
FAST FACTS
Ford Streetka Luxury
Price: £13,745
Mechanical: 94bhp, 1,597cc petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 108mph
0-62mph: 12.1 secs
Combined mpg: 35.8
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 191g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust