Skip advert
Advertisement

Escort RS Turbo

The famous RS badge is fitted only to the quickest, most driver-focused Fords – and the Escort RS Turbo is no exception.

Escort RS Turbo

Ask any fast Ford fan what their favourite two letters are, and they’re certain to be RS. The famous badge is only fitted to the quickest, most driver focused models in the firm’s line-up – and the Escort RS Turbo is no exception.

One of the fastest hot hatches of its day, the RS was developed with motorsport in mind. It was the first ever front-wheel-drive car to get a limited-slip differential, while its 1.6-litre engine was turbocharged to give 132bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This special Escort was marked out by its distinctive all-white paintwork, large rear spoiler and supportive seven-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there’s a pair of Recaro seats with distinctive blue piping. On the road, the RS is as eye-opening to drive as it is to look at. There’s blistering overtaking pace and bags of grip in the corners.

Better still, the raspy exhaust note is joined by a characterful whistle from the turbo under hard acceleration. However, the unassisted steering is heavy and the special front diff causes violent torque steer, even on smooth surfaces.

Fast but flawed, the RS Turbo is a true old-school hot hatch, and giving it entry into our top 20.

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

Vote for your favourite fast Ford here, in our exclusive reader survey

Details

Model tested: Escort RS Turbo
Chart position: 20

Skip advert
Advertisement
In This Review

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,743 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,155Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Used from £9,574
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £16,993
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £37,870Avg. savings £2,955 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Toyota MR2 is all but confirmed
Toyota MR2 design render (watermarked)

New Toyota MR2 is all but confirmed

Work is under way on a new petrol two-seater that will use the mid-engined powertrain from Toyota's Tokyo Auto Salon concept
News
22 Jan 2025
Motorists are rejecting electric cars, it's clear hybrids are the answer
Mike Rutherford - Motorists are rejecting electric cars, it's clear hybrids are the answer - header

Motorists are rejecting electric cars, it's clear hybrids are the answer

Mike Rutherford believes motorists will snub electric cars in favour of hybrids for years to come
Opinion
19 Jan 2025
Toyota Land Cruiser review
Toyota Land Cruiser - main image

Toyota Land Cruiser review

The latest Toyota Land Cruiser is more sophisticated, stylish, and tech-laden, but gives up none of its predecessor’s capability
In-depth reviews
20 Jan 2025