FORD'S first European two-seat roadster, the sexy new Streetka convertible is officially on sale in the UK from March 2003, priced from £12,495 on-the-road.

Already acclaimed for its sassy exterior looks, the neat little convertible offers even more underneath: the standard £12,495 Streetka boasts standard features including ABS, driver & passenger airbags, height adjustable driver's seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, power heated door mirrors, front fog lamps, CD player and power windows.

The £13,745 Luxury Streetka offers additional heated leather seats, height adjustable passenger's seat and air conditioning.

Options of a six-CD autochanger and metallic paint are offered across the range.

Streetka's standard Thatcham CAT1 perimeter alarm, remote central locking, engine immobiliser and secure boot (opened only by remote key) help make sure it is affordable to own as well as great to look at, with a low 7A insurance group for both models.

The easy-to-use folding hood can be put up or down in seconds and stows in a dedicated area, so as to maintain a useful luggage space.

Meanwhile, the feisty Duratec 1.6-litre engine also offers a combined 35.8mpg, making Streetka easy on the pocket and practical for everyday life.

For added all-weather practicality in winter, a lightweight, bodycolour factory fit hardtop option, including heated rear screen, will be also

available at the end of the year.

Ford of Britain's Director of Marketing, Peter Fleet, said: "We know from the demand so far there's nothing that matches Streetka in its attention-grabbing looks.

"But we've worked hard to make sure it's also a practical and affordable all-rounder, perfectly suited to everyday life in the UK."