The RS2000 was based on the two door, front wheel drive MK5 (Mark V) 2WD RS2000.

The engine was a twin overhead camshaft 2 litre using the 4 cylinder European I4 design. The I4 was one of the last variants of engine to be used in a RS and had a number of weight saving features. The I4 used a cast iron block with a lightweight aluminium cylinder head, the tappets were hydraulic as per the older CVH engine. The twin overhead camshafts were driven via chain from the crankshaft. The engine was mounted transversely in the body as opposed to the MK5 Escort RS Cosworth which was mounted longitudinally.

The engine ran on Unleaded Fuel and used a catalytic converter on the exhaust system.

A five speed manual gearbox was fitted.

Power was delivered permanently to all four wheels.

Steering was power-assisted and used a rack and pinion.

Braking was via front mounted vented disks and rear disks.

The wheels were a distinctive spoke alloy design, fitted with Michelin tyres.

The shell was based on the earlier 2WD model, the MK5 RS2000 with some modifications to the transmission tunnel and rear axle area.

Driving lamps mounted within the front spoiler came as standard and the car featured colour coded front and rear spoiler, side skirts, and mirrors.

It is widely accepted that the last iteration of the Escort (1995 onwards - N and P reg) was the MK6 Escort, which had a completely revised interior (different seats, oval-style dashboard) and revised front end (curved headlights, oval radiator grilles) - this is often called the "smiley face".

The power output of the MK6 Escorts was always quoted as 150bhp.

The 2wd version of the RS2000 was available right up until June 1996. The 2wd car was not only quicker from 0 to 60mph, it was also most economical on fuel. The last RS2000 4x4 was produced in May 1996, a couple of months after production of the Escort Cosworth ceased.

Production of the Escort RS2000 and Escort Cosworth ceased, not only because of poor sales, although this did not help, but because of a changed in the EU noise emission levels. Ford felt that the cost of developing the cars to meet these regulations was not economical, and so discontinued the models.

The last 2wd model was built on the 26th August 1996. This car, chassis number GCABTD05434, was built in Radiant Red, with air conditioning, heated front screen, but no passenger airbag, was the last RS model to be built in the twentieth Century by Ford Motor Company. It was purchased from Brooklyn Ford in Redditch, and has the registration number "P721 LUY".

It is now regularly displayed at Ford RS Owners Club regional days, and has won a number of concours trophies.

As with the 2WD RS2000 the car failed to make the sales Ford had predicted and was not replaced by any further RS marque. It has been stated by Ford that the Escort line of cars will be dropped in the year 2001 to be replaced completely by the newer Ford Focus model. Many RS and rally fans believe this to be a sad loss to motorsport and the motor industry in general. The Escort model has been entered and has won the most rallys than any other car produced.

FORD Escort MK5 (Mark V) RS2000 4WD UK price guide (Sterling)

Condition       Excellent   Good    Average

Sterling          9000      7750     6000

Note: The Escort MKV RS2000 4WD was produced on L to P-registration plates in the UK, although some late registered R plate ones may be seen.

For further details see Vehicle Registration Plate Guide.

The MK5 4WD RS2000 was based on the XR3i and standard Escort Mark V of the time. Further details of which can be found in the Ford Escort 1991 Workshop manual.

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