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Ford Escort VII Hatch (GAL,AFL) 1.8 TD (90 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 Hatch (GAL,AFL) Overview:
Ford Escort (VII Hatch (GAL,AFL)). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1130 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.5 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 TD (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong performer for its class, delivering decent acceleration at 11.5 seconds to 100 km/h, making it suitable for mixed driving.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel efficiency at 6.3 l/100 km, offering a good balance of power and low running costs for longer journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable and practical family car
- • Wide range of economical engine options
- • Spacious interior for its class
- • Easy to maintain with readily available parts
Cons:
- • Dated interior design and materials
- • Average safety ratings by modern standards
- • Prone to rust, especially on older models
- • Uninspiring driving dynamics on base models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VII Hatch (GAL,AFL): 1995 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Escort |
| Generation: | VII Hatch (GAL,AFL) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 TD (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 180 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | RFD, RFK, RFS More details about the engine RFD, RFK, RFS |
| Engine displacement: | 1753 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.1 l |
| Coolant: | 9.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 1 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1130 |
| Max. weight: | 1675 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 735 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 380 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4104 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1691 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1398 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2525 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1462 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 T |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Ford Escort!