This sporty version of the Ford Fiesta appeared at the IAA in Frankfurt 1981. Famous were the alloy wheels, but there was also the famous accessories such as wide-base tyres including broadening of the mudguards, front and rear spoilers and a lot of black instead of chrome, especially on the side faces and around the windows. To the now round headlights were added additional that look like as from the accessories trade. Inside was the difference to the normal version with sports steering wheel, red rimmed instruments including r.p.m. counter and sports seats a bit more discreet.

You'd think, Ford would have planned very economically this XR2. The engine, well known for all times as 'Kent Motor', originated from the Escort shelf at this time and was part of a family car there. It was famous for its durability and long production life. Special flair concerning 'jubilant' speed behaviour, it can not offer.

OHV is the restriction, but at least it has a cross-flow head, a Weber carburettor and an ignition without contact breaker point.

Considering the price and the low weight of the vehicle, you had to be really content with the driving performance. One still argues between Britain and Germany, whether the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was possible in less or more than 10 seconds. Probably meant the British 96 km/h. So this not directly for sporty driving designed engine made, after all grumpy but still quite good, even higher rotational speeds.

There was missing also initially the fifth gear, wether it was for acceleration or for saving fuel, but that was like that with many little runabouts at that time. In the harder suspension, 25 millimeter lowered, even were still reserves and the brakes have been also adjusted by front internal ventilation. Oh yes, we have forgotten yet the digital clock in the vehicle roof. Therewith talented drivers were able to test for themselves whether the British were perhaps right. 05/15