Ford Escort VII Cabrio 1.8 i 16V XR3i (115 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.4 / 10
Safety 2.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Ford Escort:

The Ford Escort is a small family car that was manufactured by Ford of Europe from 1968 until 2004. In total, the six generations were spread across three basic platforms: the original, rear-wheel-drive Mk. 1/Mk. 2 , the "Erika" front-wheel-drive Mk. 3/Mk. 4 , and the final CE-14 Mk. 5/Mk. 6 version. Its successor, the Ford Focus, was released in 1998, but the final generation of Escort was phased out gradually, with the panel van version ending production in 2002 in favour of the Ford Transit Connect....(Read more on Wikipedia)

VII Cabrio Overview:

Ford Escort (VII Cabrio). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1190 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 193 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 i 16V XR3i (115 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The most spirited option, offering a respectable 10.7 seconds to 100 km/h. The XR3i badge suggests a sportier feel, making it the choice for enthusiasts.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100 km is reasonable for its performance, slightly better than the 1.6L despite higher power, making it a good balance.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast Driving / Mixed Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable open-top motoring experience
  • • Range of engines including economical diesel and sprightly petrol
  • • Practical 5-seater layout for a convertible
  • • Simple, robust mechanicals for easier maintenance
  • • Classic Ford styling with a convertible twist

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design and materials
  • • Modest performance from most engines
  • • Limited structural rigidity compared to modern convertibles
  • • Rust can be a common issue on older models
  • • Euro NCAP safety rating was basic for its time

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VI (GAL): 1994 - 1995).

General:
Brand:Ford
Model:Escort
Generation:VII Cabrio
Modification (Engine):1.8 i 16V XR3i (115 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1998
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:115 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:64 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:160 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:RKC More details about the engine RKC
Engine displacement:1796
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.25 l
Coolant:7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80.6 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.7 sec
Maximum speed:193 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 96.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.4 kg/Nm, 134.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1190
Max. weight:1700
Max load:510
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:322 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4136 mm mm
Width:1700 mm mm
Height:1381 mm mm
Wheelbase:2525 mm mm
Front track:1440 mm
Rear (Back) track:1454 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/50 R15 V
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Ford Escort. How does it handle on the road?