Skip advert
Advertisement

Escort RS2000 MkV

Shocked to see the MkV Escort RS2000 finish so high up the order? Well, you shouldn’t be – this is a fast Ford through to its very core.

Shocked to see the MkV Escort RS2000 finish so high up the order? Well, you shouldn’t be – this is a fast Ford through to its very core.

When the final generation Escort was revealed in 1990, it was a huge disappointment. With lacklustre driving dynamics and no high-performance models, the newcomer had a tough time in the compact family class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But the RS2000 helped the Escort fight back. Key to its success was an all-new 150bhp 2.0-litre 16-valve motor and radically revised suspension settings. It matched the hot hatch competition in the visual stakes, too. A deeper front bumper, discreet power bulges in the bonnet and distinctive alloy wheels were all standard. Inside, the Escort’s drab cabin got the Recaro treatment and white dials.

A transformed driving experience was also part of the package. Direct steering, together with a balanced and composed chassis, helped the Escort take on the class leaders.

Unlike the original RS2000, this model excelled in motorsport. In 1994 and 1995 it won the front-wheel-drive class on the RAC Rally, before sewing up the British Rally Championship in 1996.

The MkV should be regarded as much more than a tarted-up family hatchback, and it certainly deserves its lofty placing here.

* Performance: 2/5
* Heritage: 3/5
* Style: 4/5
* Driver appeal: 3/5

Vote for your favourite fast Ford here, in our exclusive reader survey

Details

Model tested: Escort RS2000 MkV
Chart position: 13

Skip advert
Advertisement
In This Review

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,540Avg. savings £3,974 off RRP*Used from £15,633
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,405Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Used from £12,220
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £37,870Avg. savings £2,955 off RRP*
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,664 off RRP*Used from £14,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025