New and Old Ford Models: 2006

Friday, December 29, 2006

Ford Fraction SUV concept

THE FORD FACTION MINI SUV

Ford appears to be leaving no stone unturned in its attempt to cover all the SUV bases, this time its the Spectrum with the Faction mini SUV. It plays upon design chief J Mays' continuing fascination with style influences from outside the automotive arena, in this case cutting-edge European furniture. The Faction is an all wheel drive SUV, smaller than Ford's Escape that is aimed more at urban warriors rather than traditional off roaders. To facilitate the parking process in the urban jungle, the Faction features City Eye, a fully integrated rear view camera system. Some of the innovative design of the Faction can be expected to make their way to upcoming Ford SUV's both domestically and abroad Ford Faction concept made its debut at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show.
As the first automotive design from Ford's new Ingeni studio in London, the Faction concept shows what happens when people living in the heart of a crowded, urban landscape set out to create a car to suit their lifestyle. The result is a tough, yet fashionable three door SUV with all wheel drive, and multimedia features, plus a refined interior for American urbanites that know and appreciate European influenced materials. This is a concept vehicle with the honest, genuine appearance of a Ford, specifically created for people who live in the middle of the action hence the name ''Faction''. It's for city drivers who haul friends and gear, and who need to maneuver quickly through crowded streets like inner citys. When parking becomes a precision sport, the Faction concept can be squeezed into the tightest spots with the help of the City Eye, a camera system that provides a view of the area directly behind the vehicle. So hopefully this ''should'' reduce those car park dents?
J Mays, Ford vice president, Design, commissioned the Ingeni project. The Faction concept is targeted at a new world audience that is very design savvy, It's a refined product in much the same way as a nice watch or a piece of designer furniture. And that's why it was showed in L.A. This is the only trend setting city in America with a lifestyle built around people and their cars. (City Living Made Easier.) The design of the Faction concept is unique. It hinges on the concept of making life with a car in the city easier. A city friendly door system uses double link hinges that make getting in and out of the car much easier when your parking ramp spot has been infringed by an inconsiderate neighbor. After pressing a button on the key fob, the circular door handle presents itself to the driver to indicate the doors have been unlocked even from a distance.
Faction's unique tailgate has a low opening line with fully retractable glass that also is activated by the key fob. This feature allows smaller items to be loaded into the back of the vehicle without the need for opening the tailgate. The interior of the new Faction concept was inspired by contemporary furniture. Ingeni designers were strongly influenced by trends at Europe's annual Milan Furniture Fair. Faction concept features clean, simple shares, and muted colors, with carefully selected materials, including leather. Two unique items reinforce the influence casual furniture had on the Faction concept. A specially designed clock that displays two time zones (Los Angeles and London) has replaced the rear view mirror. Just behind the clock is a visible ceiling fan for ventilation and cooling.
The interior layout follows the philosophy of uncluttered, functional simplicity. The whole rear section of the roof is a glass panel, which gives a feeling of openness to the inside. When more cargo room is needed, the rear bench seat can be lowered with a single switch retraction system. Additional functionality comes from a unique storage tray that slides in and out of the cargo area and can be used right side up or up side down, depending on package and luggage needs. Many of the items drivers use, such as the CD holder, cup holder, waste bin and an innovative retracting gearshift lever, have been relocated into the center armrest. This allowed the designers to simplify and lighten the instrument panel to a few necessary items including the speedometer, fuel level and a central multi switch. In addition to controlling the heating and cooling system, the multi switch also is where drivers access the City Eye, a media system that provides security, entertainment, and driving information to both the driver and passengers.
Multiple cameras take images from strategically placed interior and exterior locations and make urban parking a whole new, easier experience. The images are displayed on three screens at the base of the windshield. The driver has a choice of a panoramic rear view, a close up view directly behind the vehicle, a security scope, or the entertaining antics of other passengers. The security mode keeps a close "eye" on the vehicle, informing the driver and local authorities of a possible break in or theft. The City Eye also is where the driver can view videos as well as service information obtained via a custom designed personal digital assistant. Although Faction concept drivers rarely venture off the paved streets of their urban environment, they have the capability to visit more rugged terrain should they desire. With traction and braking control and disc brakes on all four wheels, providing enhanced capability for wet or snowy road conditions. Faction concept has been engineered for a responsive driving experience. It borrows its Duratec ST engine from the European Focus ST170, an uprated version of the standard 2.0 liter Focus powerplant that delivers 167 horsepower.
It features a high flow aluminum cylinder head with larger inlet valves and higher lift intake and exhaust camshafts for higher peak rpm levels, plus continuously variable intake valve timing. Duratec ST's dual stage intake (DSI) manifold uses long runners for low end torque and shorter runners for higher peak power outputs, giving Faction its highly honed urban drivability. It also features the refinement of a dual mass flywheel, which enhances the smoothness of the semi automatic transmission. From Ingeni in Europe to North America, The Faction concept is the first automotive design from Ingeni, Ford's new design and creativity center in London.

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Thursday, December 21, 2006

Ford Galaxy 1995 to continuing

The Price Range is at £19,495 to £23,995

The first Galaxy was designed and built by a joint venture between Ford & VW, and also sold by VW as the Sharan and SEAT as the Alhambra.
Galaxy uses predominantly Volkswagen mechanicals, most notably the 2.8L VR6 V6 engine from the top versions of the Golf, as well as VW's 1.9 litre turbodiesel unit. Only the 2.0 litre straight 4 petrol version uses a Ford powerplant, this is derived from the familiar pinto-direct over head cam family. In later years this unit was supplemented by a 2.3 litre 16 valve version first seen in the facelifted Scorpio. This engine was unique to the Ford Galaxy; similarly, this was the case with the 1.8 litre 20 valve turbo engine offered in the VW's Sharon and SEAT;s Alhambra. The original interior was a mix of both Ford and VW componentry, using a Golf derived instrument pack, and most of the switchgear, with the curved facia moulding itself was of Ford design, heavily reminiscent of that used in the Mondeo.
A major redesign in 2001 saw the Galaxy adopt the new Ford corporate front end, grille and headlamps. The interior, in particular the dashboard, was changed to VW designed items, which partly resembled those used in the Golf IV and Passat. Also, new motors and gearboxes were introduced. The second generation Galaxy was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It goes on sale alongside the shorter and lower S max in June.
The new Galaxy is larger than its predecessor, and is an entirely Ford design, with no VW content. With the smaller S MAX taking up the three seating rows compact MPV side of the market, Ford was able to expand the Galaxy in every dimension without losing sales in size conscious Europe. The 2007 Ford Galaxy is also entirely different from its predecessor, and is intended to be more mainstream than the sportier S MAX. One major selling point of the Galaxy and S MAX is the (Fold Flat System). This design allows the second and third row seats to fold flat into the floor. But on early Galaxys, there were water leaks through the ventilation, that could affect & in some case's did the electrics, but this was cured on later Galaxys. Even so, it's worth checking that all the windows open and close properly, the alarm is fault free and that the central locking operates reliably. Also check all the wipers. A separate problem can make them reluctant to switch off. And some 2.0 litre Galaxys have had problems with the engine's brain (Electronic Control Unit).

Behind the wheel got *****. The driving position isn’t as bus like as some MPV's, but you still sit pretty high. Even so, the seats and steering wheel feature plenty of adjustment, so most drivers will be able to make themselves comfortable. The dashboard is conventionally styled and clear. But visibility is compromised slightly by the four front pillars.

Space & practicality got *****. There's no need to remove any of the Galaxy’s seats to maximise luggage space, because the rear five seats all fold flat. There’s tons of headroom all round and enough legroom for seven adults. In five seat mode there’s a massive, well shaped boot, but when the 6 & 7th seats are raised, there’s only space for a couple of small bags. This is disapointing'ly, because as an MPV you are more like'ly to have all 7 seats up at most of the time.

Equipment got *****. There are three trim levels. LX cars have air con, a CD player, electric front windows and a heated front screen, but you need to step up to Zetec trim to add electric rear windows, alloys, climate control and electric driver’s seat adjustment. Ghia models get a CD changer, automatic lights and windscreen wipers and front and rear parking sensors.

Refinement got *****. The large glass area creates some wind noise at speed, but at least road and suspension noise are well shut out. Allthough the 2.0-litre diesel so far, can’t match the refinement of the Renault Espace’s diesel engines, it’s generally smooth and quiet.

Ride & handling got *****. The Galaxy isn’t as sharp as to drive as the S Max, because of its slightly softer suspension and extra height, but it still handles and steers well for a big MPV. The ride is generally compliant and comfortable, even large bumps fail to unsettle the Galaxy’s fine composure.

Performance got *****. There are four engines, but the 143bhp 2.0 is the only petrol option. The diesels are likely to be more popular, the 138bhp 2.0 turbodiesel, is flexible and strong enough for most needs.

Safety & security got *****. There are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags run the length of the cabin and there’s also a driver’s knee airbag. ABS is standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. And an alarm and deadlocks to deter thieves.

Quality & reliability got *****. The interior is stylish, solidly constructed and there are plenty of appealing, soft touch materials on the top of the dashboard and the doors. Lower down and further back, the plastics aren’t as attractive, however. It’s too early too comment on long term reliability, but the previous Galaxy proved to be generally sturdy.

Buying & owning got *****. The Galaxy is comparable on price to rivals such as the Citroen C8, but it’s not clear yet if you’ll get such spectacular discounts on the list price. Carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy aren’t brilliant, but the diesels return at least 43mpg. It’s too early yet to predict residual values.

And our next blog will be called (Ford Fraction SUV concept)

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Monday, December 18, 2006

Ford's Granada verses Scorpio

The Scorpio was made from (1985 to 1998)
Scorpio was heavily based on the Ford Sierra, sitting on a stretched version of its floorpan, and using a similar styling philosophy set by both the Sierra and the third generation Ford Escort. The engines were well proven, starting with the venerable pinto engine unit in 1.8 L and 2.0 L, and the V6 Cologne engine in 2.4 L, 2.8 L and later 2.9 L displacements. In 1989, both the Pinto engines had been dropped, with an 8 valve DOHC engine replacing the 2.0 L model. The Scorpio was intended as a far more luxurious car than the Granada, so features such as leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats, heated windscreen (front) and A/W/D, all made their first appearance on a European Ford. The car was very comfortable and had excellent rear legroom but surprisingly little lateral headroom. The biggest advance of the Scorpio was that it was the first mass market European car to have ABS as standard across the whole of it's range.Unlike the Granada, it was initially only available as a hatchback, and not as a saloon or an estate. This proved to be a mistake for Ford, which later introduced a saloon version in 1990, and the estate appeared two years later. There were few engineering changes over the years aswell, notably the introduction of the DOHC engines in 1989, and the Scorpio Cosworth with a 2.9 L 24 valve Cosworth V6 the following year.
The second generation Scorpio (available as a saloon or an estate only) had largely the same floorplan as its predecessor as well as all of the same engines that were in use at the end of the first generation's run. Many supension and handling improvements were made between the first and second generations (including self levelling rear suspension on the estates). It was also radically re styled both inside and outside, making it look more like a frog at the front. Inside the car were new arm chair style seats and improved interior quality, but outside the new look was controversial. Unusually, Ford never released the name of the designer and maintain to this day that the car outsold its expected figures (although they never released what those figures actually were). But the public and press reaction was largely negative. In April 1985 the third generation car arrived, which was essentially a rebadged Ford Scorpio, the Granada name being used in the UK and Ireland only, with the Scorpio badge being reserved for the top of the range versions only.
The final incarnation of the Granada proved itself to be a reliable and solid car. In August 2006, 12 years after the last model was made, a survey by Auto Express magazine revealed that more than 40,000 of the 265,640 MK3 Granadas registered in the UK were still on the road. And that the entire range was called Scorpio from 1994. Granadas were made from (1972-94). Because they had the MK 1,2,3 & 4. Weres Scorpio only had the MK 1 & 2.

(The actuall features you would get from say the Ford Scorpio would be:)

Heated front & rear windows, door mirrors & front seats,
Central locking,
ABS,
Leather interior,
Electric windows all round, door mirrors, sun roof & front & rear seats,
On board computer,
Air con,
Alarm,
Alloy wheels and Metalic paint.

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Monday, December 11, 2006

Ford GT40 v RS200

THE FORD GT40

After a failed attempt by Henry Ford II to work with Enzo Ferrari on a bid for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in the year 1963, the once potential partnership turned into a personal grudge match. So, with assistance from British racecar builder Lola, Ford constructed its own GT car. Named for its 40 inch height, the Ford GT40 ultimately bested the Italians in1966 with a phenomenal 1.2.3 finish at Le Mans, forever securing the GT40's place in infamy. Ford continued to dominate the world endurance racing circuit through 1969, when Ferrari withdrew from the series.
Decades later, the true car guys at Ford's Living Legends Studio have lovingly crafted the modern GT40 concept first shown at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The same group that created the award winning Ford Mustang Bullitt , and Forty Nine concept, sculpted and honed clay models into a shape that is unmistakably GT40. A significant departure from the angular 1995 interpretation dubbed GT90 that helped usher in the "new edge" design aesthetic, the GT40 concept is a faithful rendition of the original in production capable form.
The GT40 concept should do three things: go fast, handle exceptionally well, and look great, To be true to its Ford heritage, they had to create a supercar that would be uniquely a Ford. Anyone can do technology showpieces, high displacement engines, and modernistic designs, but there's much more to a Ford GT40. There's heritage and heart. We think this car remains true to the spirit of its predecessors. And not forgetting that they also raised the roof on a model, this was seen at Top Gear for when Jeremy Clarkson drove it. The aim was so that tall people could enjoy the GT40 aswell.

THE FORD RS200

The Ford RS200 was designed to comply with FIA homologation regulations and based on Ford's Group B Rally car. Homologation rules stated that 200 examples of road going version must be created in order to compete in rally racing. The vehicle was so perfect that it held the Guinness Book of Records for being the world's fastest accelerating car.
The RS200 was created by Ford of Britain. It was based heavily on the European version of the Escort though its chassis was designed by a former Formula 1 designer named Tony Southgate. John Wheeler used his F1 engineering background to aid in the development. The vehicle was given all wheel drive and a mid mounted engine. Weight distribution was further improved by placing the transmission at the front of the car. Production lasted from 1984 through 1986. The body was constructed of a plastic and fiberglass composite and designed by the legendary firm, Ghia. The suspension was made up of a double wishbone setup with twin dampers on all wheels. The engine was a l.8 liter Ford four cylinder unit with Cosworth modifications. A turbocharger helped produce 250 horsepower for the road going versions and around 350 for the racing versions. Though some of the racing engines were highly tuned and produced horsepower in the 400 through 450 range.
Ford created the 200 road-going versions of the RS200 in compliance with FIA rules. They created additional spare parts which could have created in excess of twenty extra vehicles. These parts were ear marked for the racing efforts.
With a potent engine, lightweight construction, excellent weight distribution and all wheel drive the Ford RS200 was theoretically the ultimate machine. In reality, it lagged in the power to weight ratio in comparison to other vehicles. Also, the engine produced low RPM lag which made it difficult to be competitive.
The Ford RS200 best finish in Group B rallying competition came in 1986 at the WRC Rally of Sweden where it placed third. It did achieve mild success in other classes outside of Group B competition and it may have seen more in the Group B class but after one year of racing, the FIA disbanded the Group B and the RS200 became obsolete. The decision to disband came after Herni Toivonen and co driver Sergio Crestos died in an accident at the 1986 Tour de Course. Officials made the decision that the cars were too fast and posed to many safety risks. This was unfortunate on many fronts. The Group B racing was very competitive and just as exciting. To combat their shortcomings, Ford had planed on resolving the vehicles problems with the introduction of an (Evolution) version. The upgraded engine was estimated to produce between 525 and 800 BHP. The rest of the vehicles components were to receive attention such as the suspension, brakes, chassis, and more. 0 to sixty was estimated to take around 2 seconds. Its a shame they cant remake it.

And our next Blog will be called (Ford's Granada verses Scorpio)

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Sunday, December 3, 2006

Ford Mondeo 1993 to continuing

The Mondeo Si and ST may be the performance models, but even the 1.8 and 2.0 perform well enough for most. They rev nicely and pull well through the rev range, and work well with the slick standard five speed box. Except the V6's will better 30mpg and while the diesels return over 40mpg, they lack refinement.
Mondeo’s road performance has always been its forte. Even against more modern cars, its ride and handling impress and nothing of its age in this class offers a sharper, better drive. The price you pay is a slightly firm ride and, "even then, it’s only a problem on very poor roads", but it’s worth it for the superb handling.
For the most part, the Mondeo is thoroughly impressive. The cabin is hushed and calm at motorway speeds and the four cylinder petrol engines again rev nicely and smoothly. The let downs are the V6, which is not as smooth as you’d expect, and as for the diesel it's far too noisy.
Hatch and estate models are more practical and popular than the saloons. All body styles came with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines throughout the car’s life, including the high performance ST models. All featured five speed manual gearboxes, but auto was optional on all petrols except the 1.6. Trims run from basic Aspen to luxury Ghia X.
The basic Aspen is decent enough, but it’s better to head up the range for a little more kit. In Feb ’98 air con became standard on most models. Mid range LX and GLX have plenty of toys, but if you want more luxury, go for Ghia or Ghia X, which bring CD changers, wood trim, leather and cruise control.
The 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine packs quite a punch, developing a super 217bhp and enabling the ST to hit 60mph in just 7.5sec. And it sounds great, too.
Six airbags, anti whiplash head restraints full curtain bags and anti lock brakes are standard, while the pedal box collapses in a crash.
Ford revised the Mondeo's dash in summer 2003 to give it a classier, more harmonious look and feel. The biggest change is the new look stereo in the centre console. As before, there's masses of space and adjustment of the steering column and seats, plenty of storage areas and a fine, logical layout.
The Mondeo is a vast car, easily housing five. If it has a fault it's that the rear headlining brushes the hair of six- footers if they lean back. Rear storage areas are noticeably absent, too. A sizeable boot can be extended into the cabin, though the familiar Ford failing of a split backrest but one piece rear cushion mars versatility.
The new Mondeo will preview as a stylish estate, an ideal bodystyle to preview the sporty, expressive appearance of the upcoming range. A few of the finer technical details may be secret for a little longer, but the Paris showcar's dynamic exterior design and spacious new interior will show the world just how different the new Mondeo range will look and feel.A wide range of dependable Ford powertrains will be available, from the highly efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, to the powerful Duratorq 2.0 litre TDCi diesel. There’s also a high performance 2.5 litre turbocharged Duratec petrol unit derived from the engine in Ford’s performance ST range.

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Saturday, November 25, 2006

Ford Focus 1998 to continuing

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus TDCi diesels are the pick of the range, however there are not many about on the used market, so if you can try for the 1.6cc, which is superb apart from its gearing, which can require downshifts on steeper motorway hills. The rest of the engines are refined and work very well, as does the five speed manual gearbox. The auto though is less impressive.The 1.4 is good, 1.6's are the best all rounders, and the 1.8 and 2.0 have more oomph, and the ST170 is a good hot hatch, while the Focus RS is a super hatch. The 1.8 turbodiesel is excellent. Most models are three and five door hatches, but there’s also a saloon and estate. A mild face lift in late 2001 only modified ventilation controls.

The Focus is entertaining to drive along all roads but is best driven on small country lanes, and is vry nice on motorways too. All models serve up this blend of competence, and all have superb steering feel, the ride can be on the firm side around town, but it is never crashy.
The Focus is built around the driver more, with it's stylish dash being an ergonomic delight, putting everything readily to hand. All of the controls are simple to find and operate. The steering wheel moves for height and reach, while the driver’s seat adjusts for height to give an excellent driving position.

The Focus may miss out on the last few millimetres of some rivals’ space, but it has loads of headroom, and only taller rear passengers will notice kneeroom at a premium. The boot of the hatch and saloon models is a pretty good size and well shaped, while the estate can cope with surprisingly large amounts. Focus to have a very nice blend of colours both interior and exterior.
The ST has a flexible 2.5 litre turbocharged engine and a six speed gearbox from Volvo that make it much more of a hot hatch than its lame predecessor. Initially, it doesn't feel so because its pulling power is spread over such a wide rev band, so there's no real perfomance explosion, but it's certainly quick as well as very driveable. And the looks say it all.

The ST is fitted out with body enveloping Recaro seats *leather on the top model* and extra instruments, and has a more sporty looking dash finish. Those seats make reaching the belt difficult in three door cars, but otherwise it's as easy and logical to use as any other Ford Focus.
All three versions of the ST have Recaro seats, extra instruments, a body kit and sporty interior trim. The best bet is the mid range ST 2, which adds a Sony MP3 player, xenon head lamps, a heated front screen and stability control. The range topping ST 3 adds leather Recaro seats and a CD changer.

Please fill free to drop us an email if theres anything we can help you with, and go ahead and tell friends about us and check out our links and let us no what you think. Because your appinions matter and we're allways changing to make things better. If you want a persiffic vehicle and its not here then let us know what it is at animalmuppit@hotmail.co.uk.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Ford Escort is Replaced by Ford Focus

Ford Escort Mk 1
The Mk 1 Escorts became a very successful car, and they eventually went on to become the most successful rally car of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late '60s/early '70s, and arguably the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 World cup rally. This gave rise to the famous Escort Mexico 1.6 'Kent' engined special edition road versions in honour of the rally car.
In addition to the Mexico, the RS1600 was developed which used a 'Kent' engine block with a 16 valve Cosworth cylinder head. Both the Mexico and RS1600 were built at Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations facility. .Even today the Mk 1's are still popular in the amateur rally scene. The
Ford also produced a RS2000 model as a more 'civilised' alternative to the somewhat temperamental RS1600 featuring a 2L Pinto engine. This also clocked up some rally and racing victories, and pre empted the hot hatch market as a desirable but affordable performance road car.

The square edged Mk 2 was the second generation, it used the same mechanicals as the Mk 1, although the unpopular 950 cc engine was dropped. The station wagon and van versions used the same panelwork as the Mk 1, but with the Mk 2 front end and interior giving the car a slight identity crisis. The Sport, Mexico, and RS2000 in the performance market, the Ghia (2-door, 4-door) for an untapped small car luxury market, and Base/Popular models for the bottom end. Panel van versions were catered to the commercial sector.

The Mk 3 was intended to be a hi tech, high efficiency design which would compete with the VW Golf and indeed the car was launched with the advertising tagline "Simple is Efficient". The Mk 3 was a radical departure from the two previous models, the biggest changes being the adoption of front wheel drive, and the new hatchback body, which introduced trademark styling cues which would be later seen in the forth coming sierra and GranadaScorpio, most notably the 'Aeroback' rear end the 'sawn off' bootlid stump which was proved to reduce the car's drag.

Mk 4 received another facelift. (although it was not officially the fourth generation), it was instantly recognisable as an updated version of the previous model, with a smooth scorpio 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.

Mk 5 generation Escort platform (and Mk 2 Orion saloon) arrived in September 1990 with an all new shell and (instead of the Mk 3's fully independent layout). Initially the 1.3 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol and 1.8 L diesel units were carried over from the old model, and were starting to show their age in terms of refinement especially compared to Rover's state of the art K-Series engine launched in 1989.
Matters improved in 1991 when the all new Zetec 16 valve engines were launched bringing improved driveability, while also marking the return of the XR3i which was available with 2 versions of the 1.8 litre Zetec engine. The 150 bhp RS2000 also appeared in 1991 & 1992saw the launch of the Escort RS Cosworth, and a 5th generation Escort that was genuinely considered excellent. Intended to replace the Sapphire RS Cosworth as Ford's stalwart rally challenger, it used a turbocharged version of the 2.0 L Cosworth 16 valve engine, generated some 227 PS and was capable of 140 mph, as well as having four wheel. drive Its most memorable feature was its outrageous 'whale tail tailgate spoiler. The Cosworth ceased production in 1996.

Mk 6 Production issues dictated that Fords Escort had to continue in the showrooms for almost a year after the more modern Focus family hatchback was launched at the end of 1999. By then, interest in the car was already waning, so to shore up sales, Ford had earlier in the year introduced highly specified Flight and Finesse versions of the most popular 1.6 litre petrol and 1.8 litre turbo diesel derivatives. Its no exaggeration to say that these were by far the best mainstream Escorts ever built. In fact, they actually make quite a lot of sense secondhand, given the very affordable prices being asked.

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Everyone's Favorite Ford Supermini

Well were does one start. Ford have surtenly made some cars over the years, and what we aim to do is write about ford and ALL the cars they've made.so here is the fiesta...
fiesta made a mark 1 to a mark 7 with a talk about a mark8 comming sometime in 2008. Now there known for there good value,plenty of them about so parts are easy to find,very low running costs, low insurance quotes, great on fuel/diesel, and are overall comfotable. although there a bit on the small size,got a dated look to them but still to this day they make a great run about. there vans are wicked, many people have started out in an fiesta van. their engines are tough but sadly even modern fiestas when they have a coolent leak it comes into the foot well. also the main reason for fiesta surviving to this day is because its been voted best supermini on sverall occasions and is still loved by everyone to this day, and with the new look they have sertenly come a long way from the mark 1. This re-engineered version, launched in 2002, is thoroughly contemporary with a cabin vastly roomier than the previous version's, up to date engines, competitive safety equipment and a modern interior. And like the previous Fiesta, it provides very good handling. There are three and five door body styles, plus a taller version known as the Fiesta Fusion, Engines include a 67bhp 1.3, 74bhp 1.25, 79bhp 1.4 and 98 bhp 1.6 petrol units, as well as a 67bhp 1.4 turbodiesel. A sporty version, to be called ST150, is on the way.
the mark 1 was 1976-1983 the mark 2 1983-1989 the mark 3 1989-1997 the mark 4 1995-1999 -with a major restyle. the mark 5 1999-2002-with a little facelift. the mark 6 2002-2005 and the mark 7 2005-current again with a nother facelift. In November 2005, a facelifted version of the popular Mark VI Fiesta went on sale. Although not mechanically different, there are a number of subtle cosmetic changes which have helped improve the car's look. The front and rear headlamps have been reshaped. The front and rear bumpers and side moulds has been altered. Inside, the dashboard has been updated with new "soft touch" plastics, following criticisms of the hard, cheaply textured original, and the digital fuel readout has been ditched in favour of a new analogue instrument display in a style similar to the Mk.2 Focus.New "optional-extras" now available include powerfold mirrors, Bluetooth voice control, Trip computer and mp3 player connectivity. Another inclusion by Ford are the new range of exterior metallic paint colours.

Please fill free to drop us an email if theres anyway we can help with your queries, and go ahead and tell friends about us and check out our links and let us no what you think. Cause were doing a survay soon on customer based information.Thank-You from Dave n Ros from http://www.icedata.blogspot.com/.Our next blog will be called (Ford Escort is Replaced by Ford Focus).And remember if theres anything we can help you with / find feel free to email us at animalmuppit@hotmail.co.uk

New and Old Ford Models