ESCORT XR3i MK4
The strong following of the original XR3i, coupled with car buyers’ increasing penchant for hot hatchbacks ensured that the sporty version once again topped the Escort line-up when Ford revealed its revised Mk4 range in 1986.
Like its cooking counterparts, the new XR3i received reworked bodywork, a Granada-style dashboard, improved security and tweaks to the suspension location, which were designed to counteract lift under acceleration and dive under braking.
While Ford’s specialised SVE division developed the original XR3i, the Mk4 version was stitched together by the manufacturer’s mainstream engineering departments, the emphasis being on optimising sales rather than performance.
Resultingly, the Mk4 XR3i was softer not just in its styling, but also notably in its handling, with a ride height that was 10 mm higher than its predecessor.
The new XR wasn’t quite as sharp when
