FORD'S new Ka is expected to trigger a resurgence of interest in the manufacturer's personal leasing scheme - Acumen. The company has told its dealers that the sub-B class contender's competitive list price, high estimated residuals and buyer profile could make it the ideal vehicle to rejuvenate Acumen - which has never taken off.

Ford believes the younger driver at whom Ka is targeted will have less resistance to renting rather than owning a car and the combination of a price tag of under £8,000 and good projected resale values will result in very low monthly payments.