Ford Escort VII Cabrio 1.8 TD (90 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 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1250 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 170 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 TD (90 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate low-end torque for relaxed cruising, though 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds is modest. Suitable for daily driving.

Fuel Economy

With 6.4 l/100 km combined, this diesel engine provides the best fuel economy in the lineup, making it a cost-effective choice for longer journeys.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Highway

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 TD (90 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:90 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:51.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
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 mm
Piston Stroke:82 mm mm
Compression ratio:21.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.5 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.9 kg/Hp, 72 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 144 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1250
Max. weight:1685
Max load:435
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:1462 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 brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14 H
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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