CHOOSE YOUR FRONT-DRIVE ESCORT

‘Erika’, internal codename for the first frontwheel drive Escort, replaces RWD ‘project Brenda’ in 1981. 1.3 and 1.6 are new sohc CVH (Compound Valve-angle Hemispherical) but 1.1 is old Valencia unit from Fiesta. Five-speed gearboxes from 1982. 1.6-litre XR3 starts with twin-choke Weber carb and 96bhp but gets fuel injection and 105bhp from October 1982 and becomes XR3I. Cabrio appears in 1983. RS Turbo (132bhp) from October 1984.

Facelifted ‘MKIV’ appears 1986 with minor body revisions that reduce drag and half-inch wider (6in) wheels – alloys still optional but buyers usually tick the box for them. Steering rack is repositioned to reduce bump-steer. Lesser versions gradually phased out until it is only available in XR3I spec. Improved gearchange mechanism from September 1987 and variable-ratio steering for 1989.

Production ends 1990 (for Europe); all-new fifth generation lasts until 1997.

Sixth generation (1995-2004) is last Escort.