Ford Escort Mark IV(1986-1990)

[Admin]

The Escort Mark III received a facelift in early 1986. Codenamed within Ford as "Erika–86", it was instantly recognisable as an updated version of the previous model, with a smooth style nose and the "straked" rear lamp clusters smoothed over. New features included an optional mechanical anti‐lock braking system (standard on RS Turbo models) and the option of a heated windshield — features which were at the time unheard-of on a car of this size and price. The trim designations were carried over from the pre-facelift car.

Trim designations for the Escort Mark IV

* Popular: 1.1, 1.3 petrol, 1.6 diesel
* Bonus: 1.1, 1.3 petrol (4spd gearbox only)
* L: 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 petrol, 1.6 diesel, 1.8 diesel
* LX: 1.4, 1.6 petrol
* GL: 1.4, 1.6 petrol, 1.6 diesel
* Ghia: 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 petrol
* Cabriolet: 1.6 CVH carburettor ( as seen in the mk3 Escort XR3) engine or fuel injected 1.6 CVH engine (seen in the XR3i)
* XR3i: 1.6 CVH engine equipped with the Bosch KE Jetronic fuel injection system Producing 105BHP
* RS Turbo: 1.6 CVH fuel injected engine with Garrett T3 Turbo producing 132BHP

In Brazil, the trim designations were a bit different for the Mark IV:

* Hobby - 1.0 CHT motor
* L: 1.4, 1.6 petrol/alcohol
* GL: 1.4, 1.6 petrol/alcohol
* Ghia: 1.6, 1.8. 2.0 Petrol/alcohol
* Conversivel (cabriolet): 1.6, 1.8. 2.0 Petrol/alcohol
* XR3: 1.6, 1.8. 2.0 Petrol/alcohol

There were special series in Brazil:

* XR3 Formula: 1.8 VW motor Petrol/alcohol, electronic suspension
* Guaruja: 1.8 VW motor petrol/alcohol, 5 doors

Note that in Brazil, the 1.8 and 2.0 motors were made by VolksWagen as part of the AutoLatina agreement, where Ford motors were used in VW cars and vice-versa. The 1.0 and 1.6 were all ford CHT motors. All Escorts made after 1993 were fuel injected. Also, the Mark IV model was made until 1992.

As well as an all-new interior, a new 1.4 L derivative of the CVH engine was introduced, as well as numerous suspension tweaks to address the long standing criticisms of the Escort's handling and ride quality, although these had limited success. A new LX version was introduced in 1987 in order to bridge the gap between the L and GL models. In 1989, the diesel engine was enlarged to 1.8 L, and the poorly‐performing 1.1 L version was finally dropped from the range. To sell the last few 1.1l engines a special variant call the 'Finesse' was released by Polar Ford. This car featured XR3i colour-coded bumpers, vinyl decorations on the bodywork and a Capri style vinyl spoiler. Underneath the cars were identical to the standard Popular trim level.

The Orion was also proving popular with the motoring public, and Ford also gave the Escort‐based saloon a similar makeover. Carried over from the previous range was the 3–speed automatic which was ultimately replaced late in the production run with a variant of the CTX stepless gearbox as first used in the Fiesta a couple of years earlier.

Escorts for European markets continued to be assembled at the plants in Halewood and Saarlouis. However, sales were strong through the decade, and during the later 1980s Escort production also commenced at the Ford plant originally established for Fiesta production in Valencia.

At this time, the Escort was dropped in South Africa and replaced by the Laser and Meteor, although the Escort‐based Bantam pickup remained in production, facelifted, and also sold as a Mazda Rustler.

This Escort continued production until 1995 in some foreign markets, especially Latin America. In 1993, the Escort Hobby trim was introduced in Brazil, using a 1.0-litre 50hp engine derived from the European 1.1-litre. This was done in order to be eligible for tax breaks.

The 1.0-litre engine was unique to Brazil, whereas the 1.1-litre engine was sold worldwide. This special 1.0 motor was the same CHT 1.6 used in the Escort but with smaller pistons/chambers making it less powerful but very economic. A very popular kit changed the pistons/crank rods to make the motor a 1.3L one. This kit was made by COFAP in Brazil.

Interesting to note that there were NO trims with a more powerful motorization in Brazil. No turbos or cosworth versions. The most powerful Escort was the Escort XR3 Formula 1991, which had 125CV. Also, the onboard computer wasn't available in any trims/years in Brazil.