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Ford Escort. At Review Centre we have thousands of reviews of cars including other Ford makes and models, both new and used, like the Ford Cougar, Ford Fiesta and the Fiat Focus.
The Ford Escort became one of the best known Hot Hatches and family cars after it was launched in 1980. The hot-hatch version was offered from 1981. In 1982 a new five speed synchromesh gearbox was fitted to the XR3 and it was further remodified and upgraded in 1983 to become the XR3i. Famously the XR3i was built at the Saarlouis factory, Germany. The XR3i benefited from a slight lowering and new gearing and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system which created a new 120mph top speed. In 1986 the
Escort received a further revamp to Mk IV with new alloy wheels and anti-lock brakes whilst retaining its high performance 105bhp engine and five speed gearbox. The XR3i name lived until the mid-1990s when its reputation as a boy racer vehicle along with increased insurance costs helped its demise.