I was at the 1990 motor show at the NEC when this era of Escort was launched and as you mentioned they werent received well at all. I recall that all the models on the stand had fancy alloy wheels put on them to try and jazz them up, also they showed a weird camping prototype version of the estate, which never saw the light of day again 😉
The underside is excellent for one of these cars. i know from experience badly these mk5's could rust so i'm pretty sure it's been waxoyled. Interesting to note that this has a optional drop skirt fitted to the rear bumper
The Mk5 XR3i definitely came across as a watered down version of its exciting predecessor. But it did make way for the relaunch of the Rs2000 and the escort was actually around until 2001 ,focus production didn’t really kick in until 1999 , I remember we had quite a long run out with that escort Mk6 there was quite allot of 1.8 special editions plus a sporty GTI 👍🏻
@@RetroRatchet yep I agree. Also the Mk5B was shocking. Body lines were all rounded off , maybe to make look more aerodynamic in keeping of other makes at that time . The Rs2000 even lost its bonnet bulge’s . I think the GTI was best looking of the mk6 with body kit Cossie inspired wheels. Horrid as the designs were , actually standing next to them it grows on you. I think it’s their smiley faces
Good video pal, having owned a lot of fast fords over the years the 130bhp were miles better than the 105bhp far far quicker imo, true ford fans always say the xr3i had to be the 130bhp
Oval grills came out on an L plate. Most K plates had a black insert on the boot lid. Not sure if cabriolet did though. The reason there is no boot release inside the car is for security.
I'm a English guy in sweden. These cars come up cheap in sweden. Around 1000 euro. Most people never drive them in winter. They have winter beaters..i just found one..rose pink. With 56 thousand klm.just gone through the test.. What you think about that. 1989 xr3i. 1.6. i looked on ebay uk. They all in the 4to 5 grand mark..its a left hooker..thanks. good video.. Keep up there good work..
I cammed one of the 130s with a k and n filter pcross exhaust the early zetecs were fragile bottom end...power is way to top endy mine blew up on the motorway catestrophically...😂
