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FORD SIERRA XR4X4 TESTED 26.6.85 Ford’s answer to the Audi Quattro introduced four-wheel drive to the popular five-door Sierra. The XR4X4 was no firebreather but it handled a treat. A Formula Ferguson-derived four-wheel drive system distributed drive 34% front, 66% rear. Suspension was upgraded over the Xr4i’s to accommodate four-wheel drive and allow sportier handling, and the rear brake discs were enlarged, but the rear-drive car’s biplane rear wing was ditched for a subtler spoiler. The fuel-injected 2.8-litre Cologne V6 wasn’t brimming with poke at 150bhp, a feeling heightened by the fuss-free way the four-wheel drive system laid down the available power. The engine was sweet and free-revving for the most part but became thrashy at high revs, and the five-speed manual gearbox baulked at times. Balanced handling defaulted to mild understeer at the limit, but a heavy right foot brought easily controllable oversteer, and traction was excellent. The new variable-ratio steering worked well in town and at pace. The understated cabin was more luxurious than sporty and boasted healthy standard equipment save for air-con. FOR Handling, equipment levels, refinement AGAINST Fuel consumption, questionable looks

FACTFILE

Price £11,737 Engine V6, 2792cc, petrol Power 150bhp at 5700rpm Torque 159lb ft at 3800rpm 0-60mph 8.4sec 0-100mph 25.0sec Standing quarter mile 16.6sec, 84mph Top speed 125mph Economy 20.4mpg

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT…

The V6 grew to 2.9 litres in 1988, seeing the XR4X4 through to the Sierra’s replacement in 1993 by the Mondeo. A 125bhp 2.0-litre XR4X4 was also produced latterly. The Sierra estate offered four-wheel-drive variants, too, while the four-door Sapphire 4x4 was available in 2.0-litre form only, including the Wrc-homologating 220bhp RS Cosworth 4x4.