Escort RS1600i

Glance at this red Escort, and you could easily mistake it for a humble XR3i. But this is no ordinary version of the blue oval’s family favourite. The striped bonnet graphic, deep front spoiler, seven-spoke alloys and biplane rear wing all mark it out as the very special RS1600i.

Designed to go racing, it features bespoke suspension and a heavily modified engine that can be tuned to give 160bhp. It also gets a close-ratio five-speed gearbox – an XR3 driver of the time had to make do with only four cogs. And with just 8,659 examples of the RS having rolled off the production line, its rarity is assured. Apart from the Recaro seats, the interior is standard Escort MkIII. However, the tuned 1.6-litre fuel-injected engine is pure race car as it coughs and splutters into life.

On the road, the RS1600i is hard work, and only seems happy when being driven hard. Around town and at low revs, the stiff ride, heavy steering and highly-strung motor take their toll on both driver and passengers. But although the Escort lacks finesse, its focused driving dynamics give it the same raw-edged appeal as today’s Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup.

And for many diehard fans, this uncompromising nature is all part of the RS1600i’s appeal, although it also means the car misses out on a top 15 finish.

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

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Details

Model tested: Escort RS1600i
Chart position: 17