All change for Escort
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by John Kendall • In advance of testing the new Ford Escort vans, CM has driven the latest car and Estate versions which share the same frontal and interior changes.
The new dashboard is a welcome improvement: barrel-type air vents and an oval analogue clock, in place of the digital type, flank the instruments; redesigned minor switches are incorporated in the same housing.
Large oval push/push switches replace the rectangular type. Rotary heater controls are retained but have also been redesigned with simpler markings. The new fourspoke steering wheel incorporates an airbag as standard. Oval door pulls are incorporated in the sculpted arm rests in the door panels—the oval theme is continued in the door catch surrounds.
On the road, Ford's claims for reduced noise, better steering response and slicker gearchange seem to be borne out. We only drove models with power-assisted steering (this is optional on the vans), but it showed a more fluid response than before. Noise levels are also lower, although the turbo-diesel engine is still noisy compared with some of its rivals.
Vans use the 59hp naturally aspirated 1.8-litre diesel, but a turbo is likely to be fitted to meet future emissions requirements. This will probably be a light pressure turbo installation, designed to reduce emissions with a minimal increase in power. Driving a turbo-diesel estate on a twisty Alpine road showed that the turbo has a narrow power band; a wider spread of torque would be needed for van use.
C Ford has not cancelled its plans for a heavyweight version of the Courier.
A heavy model would be relatively cheap to engineer and would give Ford a product to compete with heavier high-cube vans like the Vauxhall Combo 775, Renault Extra 775 and Citro&i. C15 Champ 765.
The Fiesta, on which the Courier is based, is due for replacement later this year but a heavier Courier could make an appearance before the new model.