The Fiesta RS Turbo was based on the Ford Mark III Fiesta two door hatchback shell used on the Ford Fiesta XR2i. The engine was based on the already successful and proven Escort RS Turbo Series 2 CVH configuration.

• Note: All Ford CVH engines manufactured after 1986 are able to run on unleaded petrol without damage.

Note this was the first production turbocharged Fiesta produced by Ford and also the first Fiesta to sport the coverted RS badge. Ford were now producing three RS vehicles:

• Escort RS Turbo Series 2
• Fiesta RS Turbo
• Sierra Sapphire 4WD Cosworth

The Fiesta 1600cc CVH engine and gearbox had the following differences over the Escort RS Turbo Series 2 unit:

• The engine utilised the smaller Garrett AirResearch TO2 turbo.
• Different engine management settings with full EFI and EDIS unlike the Escort RS Turbo KE-Jetronic system.
• Different ignition settings and spark plugs.
• Lower overall gearing.
• The Limited Slip Differential (LSD) system was not retained.

With these various engine differences, the engine produced 132 bhp at 5750 rpm.

The tuning methods listed for the Escort RS Turbo Series 2 still applied to this Fiesta RS Turbo, but in comparison the potential for tuning was more limited. Alot of tuning specialists claimed lower power outputs for this CVH Turbo configuration.

One of the complaints of this RS was that the engine bay was very cramped, making the engine hard to work on. This also contributed to the fact that when driven hard the car could easily overheat.

The suspension, brakes and chassis components were based on the Ford Fiesta XR2i, with the following changes:

Suspension settings were:

• Front and rear springs, 135 lbs at the front and 291 lbs at the rear.
• 24mm front and 16mm rear anti-roll bar.
• The suspension was 1" lower all round than the XR2i with stiffer springs, shortened rear dampers and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar.

The front brakes were 260mm x 24mm discs, the rear brakes were drum brakes sized 229mm x 44mm. The front braking system also included a mechanical Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

The cast alloy wheels were of a striking new threee spoke design (unique to this Fiesta) shod with 185/55 x 14 VR low profile tyres on 6J x 14 inch wheels. The standard equipment tyres were Pirelli P600's.

The car also sported a colour matched rear spoiler and wheelarch trims. The vehicle was only available in non-metallic colours:

• White
• Red
• Black
• Grey

Both a cosmetic addition and practical one were the twin bonnet vents. From the images these can be seen to be of a slimmer design to the Escort RS Turbo Series 2 ones. These helped improve the air flow into the engine compartment and were also a nice styling feature.

Standard equipment for this Ford Fiesta RS Turbo also included:

Colour coded aerodynamic front spoiler, and side skirts improving the airflow over the vehicle.

Unlike previous RS Models, the RS1600i being one example, decals were kept to a minimum on the Fiesta RS Turbo. The back tail gate sported a discrete RS Turbo label.

Long range driving and fog lights mounted within the front spoiler.

Front Recaro bucket seats, with adjustable head restraints.

Manual Tilt FFSR (Factory Fitted Sun Roof), Electric windows, and Central Locking.

Optional extras included:

• Front wheel ABS
• Rear colour coded spoiler

The Fiesta RS Turbo never seemed to gain the popularity the Escort RS Turbo Series 2 had gained in the UK. This may have been one of the reasons that the Ford Fiesta RS was only produced until 1992. To date, this was the first and sadly the last production turbocharged Fiesta that Ford produced. Althought the Fiesta again entered the RS stable as the Ford Fiesta RS 1800.

FORD Fiesta RS Turbo UK price guide (Sterling)

Condition       Excellent   Good    Average

Sterling          6000      5000     4000

Note: The Fiesta RS Turbos where produced on H to K-registration plates in the UK.

For further details see Vehicle Registration Plate Guide.

NOTE: For turbo longevity it is recommended that the Fiesta RS Turbo along with all other turbocharged RS models run with fully synthetic oil. These types of oil give the necessary engine protection for the high temperatures attained in turbocharged vehicles. The following viscosity synthetic oils are recommended: 5w50, 10w40, 15w50, 10w60.

The Fiesta RS Turbo was based on the Mark III XR2i of the time, with the engine based on the Escort RS Turbo Series 2 unit. Further details for the XR2i can be found in the Ford Fiesta Workshop manual.

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