FORD FIESTA Mk2 (1983-1989)
The first-generation Fiesta of 1976 was a hit, but by the early 1980s sales had begun to slide in the face of stiff competition from formidable supermini rivals, including the mighty Metro. The Fiesta had been the UK’s bestselling supermini in 1978, but it subsequently dropped to fifth in the national sales charts. A comprehensive facelift would eventually be needed.
The Mk2 version arrived in 1983, and on first inspection the revisions appeared to be mild – a more rounded take on what had gone before. Under the skin the Mk2 was also similar to its forebear, on which Ford had spent big; put simply, the company was keen to eke out as much mileage as possible from its initial design. That said, the Mk2’s look would preview the styling of the forthcoming Mk4 Escort, set to arrive in 1986.
Despite the Mk2 Fiesta’s underpinnings and
