Sierra XR4x4

If you wanted your performance car to have street cred in the Eighties, then it needed to have four-wheel drive. It was Audi that kick-started the total traction trend, its rally-winning Quattro successfully mixing supercar pace with stunning all-weather grip.

However, the hi-tech German’s asking price was somewhat beyond the financial means of the average man on the street. Once again, it was Ford that came up with a solution for the buyer on a budget: the Sierra XR4x4. Intended to replace the distinctive XR4i, the all-wheel-drive version was designed to be a practical sports car for all seasons.

Unfortunately, it lacked the dashing three-door bodywork and eyecatching biplane rear spoiler of its predecessor. However, the XR4x4 made up for this once you settled into the driver’s seat.

Beneath the Sierra’s famous ‘jellymould’ styling was Ford’s trusty 150bhp 2.8-litre V6, which was mated to a rugged Ferguson four-wheel-drive transmission. You’d certainly struggle to call the end result sophisticated, but what it lacked in refinement, the XR4x4 made up for in fun.

Compared to traditional rivals, the Sierra had staggering grip, a balanced chassis and an impressive turn of speed. And like the Audi, it even took to the rally stage – although with considerably less success.

But on the road, the Ford served up a near unbeatable combination of pace, practicality and price.

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

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Details

Model tested: Sierra XR4x4
Chart position: 23