Escort Mk 4 - Ford Restorations Club

Ford Escort Mark IV (1986–1990)


The Escort Mark IV came in early 1986, with only a small number of changes. 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. Optional new features included a mechanical anti-lock braking system (standard on RS Turbo models), a fuel computer on fuel injected models, and a heated windshield. However, the check-light system for low fuel, low oil, low coolant, low screenwash, and worn out brake pads was no longer fitted to any model. Air conditioning was not available on cars sold in Europe although it was an option on cars sold in Argentina and Brazil. In 1987, an LX trim designation was introduced which was situated between the L and GL models.

Trim designations for the Escort Mark IV:

   Popular: 1.1 L, 1.3 L petrol, 1.6 L diesel, 1.8 L diesel
   Popular Plus: 1.3 L petrol, 1.8 L diesel
   Bonus: 1.1 L, 1.3 L petrol (4-speed gearbox only)
   L: 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L petrol, 1.6 L diesel, 1.8 L diesel
   LX: 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L petrol
   GL: 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L petrol, 1.6 L diesel, 1.8 L diesel
   Ghia: 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L petrol
   Sport: 1.6 L petrol (Limited run in 1990)
   Cabriolet: 1.6 L CVH carburettor (as seen in the Mark III Escort XR3) engine or fuel injected 1.6 L CVH engine (seen in the XR3i)
   XR3i: 1.6 L CVH engine equipped with the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system Producing 105 bhp (from 1989 equipped with Ford EEC-IV engine management Producing 108 bhp)
   RS Turbo: 1.6 L CVH fuel injected engine with Garrett T3 Turbo producing 132 bhp (98 kW; 134 PS)

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

   Hobby: 1.0 L CHT engine (petrol only) and 1.6 L CHT engine (petrol/alcohol)
   L: 1.6 L CHT engine and 1.8 L VW EA-827 series engine (petrol/alcohol)
   GL: 1.6 L CHT engine and 1.8 L VW EA-827 series engine (petrol/alcohol)
   Ghia: 1.6 L CHT engine and 1.8 L VW EA-827 series engine (petrol/alcohol)
   XR3 Conversivel (cabriolet): 1.6 L CHT Fórmula engine and 1.8 L VW EA-827 engine (petrol/alcohol)
   XR3: 1.6 L CHT Fórmula engine (alcohol only) and 1.8 L VW EA-827 engine (petrol/alcohol)

There were special series in Brazil:

   XR3 SuperSport(Benetton): 1.8 L VW engine (petrol/alcohol), white w/ green trims
   XR3 Formula: 1.8 L VW engine (petrol/alcohol), electronic suspension
   Guaruja (produced in Argentina): 1.8 L VW engine (petrol/alcohol), 5 doors

Note that in Brazil, the 1.8 L and 2.0 L engines were made by Volkswagen (VW) as part of the AutoLatina agreement, where Ford CHT engines were used in VW cars and vice-versa. The 1.0 L and 1.6 L were all ford CHT motors. All Escorts made after 1993 were fuel-injected, excepting the Hobby models. Also, the Mark IV model was made until 1992 on all versions, except Hobby, that was made until 1996.

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.

For the 1989-model year, the diesel engine was enlarged to 1.8 L, whilst the entry level 1.1 L and 1.3 L models were updated with the redesigned HCS version of the Kent/Valencia family introduced for the Mk III Fiesta. For the same year, a Ford developed electronic fuel injection system replaced the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system in the XR3i and Orion Ghia injection models, and a central point fuel injection system replaced the carburettor on models with the 1.4 L engine.

To sell the last few 1.1 L engines, a special variant called the "Finesse" was released by Polar Ford.[clarification needed] This car featured 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. A luxurious Orion 1600E with leather seats, fuel injection, alloy wheels, and a Ghia trim was produced during 1989 and 1990. Only 1,600 were made, and only 1,000 of these had leather trim.

Escorts for European markets continued to be assembled at the plants in Halewood and Saarlouis. 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 pick-up 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 L 50 hp (37 kW) engine derived from the European 1.1 L. This was done in order to be eligible for tax breaks.

The 1.0 L engine was unique to Brazil, whereas the 1.1 L engine was sold worldwide. This special 1.0 L engine was the same CHT 1.6 L used in the Escort but with smaller pistons, making it less powerful but very economic. A popular kit changed the pistons and crank rods to take the engine to 1.3 L capacity. This kit was made by COFAP in Brazil.

There were no trims with a high-power engine in Brazil — no turbos or Cosworth versions. The most powerful Escort was the Escort XR3 Formula 1991, which had 125 hp (93 kW). Also, the on-board computer wasn't available in Brazil.




Specifications/Models


Production    1986–1990
Assembly    Halewood Body & Assembly, England
Almussafes, Valencia, Spain[14]
Saarlouis, Germany[15]
General Pacheco, Argentina
Class    "C" Class
Body style    3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
3-door estate
5-door estate
2-door Cabriolet
3-door panel van
Platform    Ford 'Erika' platform
Engine    1117cc OHV "Valencia" Straight-4
1296cc OHV "Valencia" Straight-4
1118cc OHV "HCS" Straight-4
1297cc OHV "HCS" Straight-4
1392cc OHC "CVH" Straight-4
1596cc OHC "CVH" Straight-4
Transmission    Ford BC4 4-speed manual
Ford BC5 5-speed manual
Ford ATX 3-speed automatic
Ford CTX CVT automatic