Ford Escort Hatchback (90-01) - Review

Encore models have grey bumpers and mouldings, side impact beams, high-security locks, immobiliser (petrol models), alarm (diesel models), 60/40 split rear seat, driver’s airbag (optional passenger airbag), radio/cassette player; L models also have 13" wheels with full wheel covers, manual sunroof; LX models have tinted glass, body-colour bumpers, 14" wheels, electric front windows, central locking, alarm, rev counter, velour trim, RDS radio; Ghia models have alloy wheels, body-colour mouldings and exterior trim, chromed grille, heated electric mirrors, adjustable lumbar support on driver’s seat, leather trimmed steering wheel, adjustable front and rear head restraints, map reading lamps; Si models have body colour front bumper/spoiler with integral fog lamps, honeycomb grille, sports seats, uprated suspension. 1.8D and 1.8 TD models gained immobilisers from April 95. ‘Business’ packs available on 1.4 L and 1.8D L models from June 95. Optional CTX automatic transmission available on 1.6i 16v LX and Ghia from August 95. 1.6i 16v Encore Auto 3-door and 5-door Hatchbacks launched in October 95. 1.8i Ghia X Saloon and Hatchback launched in March 96 with air conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lights, electric height adjustment on driver’s seat, CD autochanger. Revisions: Ghia gained quickclear windscreen; Si got 5-spoke alloy wheels; all L models now had PAS; L Estates gained roof rails and load compartment covers; and Encore 1.4, 1.6, 1.8D and 1.8 TD got PAS. 1.6i Ghia Cabriolet Auto and 1.8i Ghia Cabriolet (115 bhp) launched in April 96, and 1.6i Calypso Cabriolet joined range. 1.6i Ghia X CTX Auto Saloon and Hatchback launched Aug 96. 1.8 TDi Ghia X (90 bhp) 4- and 5-door launched Jan 97. 1.4 CL, 1.6 CL and 1.8 CL TD (70 bhp) models launched April 97 with PAS, sunroof and RDS radio/cassette; also 1.8 GTi 3-/5-door Hatchback and Ghia X Estate. Revisions in Aug 97: tinted glass and high-level rear brake light on all models.