1989 Ford Fiesta XR2 review: Retro Road Test

The Fiesta XR2 was Ford’s answer to the Peugeot 205 GTI. Surely that alone is enough to catapult it towards high prices today – particularly as the end of Fiesta production looms next year?

Maybe not. The XR2 never enjoyed the same critical acclaim as the Peugeot, or indeed the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Instead, it was seen as a bit uncouth; a car for people in Reebok Classic trainers and baseball caps.

That said, nostalgia is a powerful thing, and prices have been creeping up steadily. Is now the time to buy one?

How does it drive?

For the Mk2 Fiesta XR2 (the one we’re driving here), Ford slotted in the 1.6-litre CVH engine from the larger Escort XR3.

With a lowly 97hp, today’s Fiesta ST drivers have little to fear. But combine that output with a kerb weight of 893kg and you’ve got plenty of potential for fun. Not rocketship speed, admittedly – 0-62mph takes 10.2 seconds and a top speed is 112mph – but still fun.

Sitting in the Fiesta XR2 on a rainy day, it feels tiny. There’s an upright, very 1980s and rather low-rent dashboard in front of me, then a short, near-horizontal bonnet. I feel that, if the windscreen wasn’t there, I could almost lean forward and touch the car in front of me.

That feeling of vulnerability doesn’t fade when I start driving. Other cars seem huge, and the XR2’s brakes take more than a few minutes to get used to.

Threading it around narrow Sussex lanes, I’m very conscious of how quickly things could go wrong if an oversized modern SUV comes hurtling around the corner.

But vulnerability adds to the feeling of fun, right? It’s the same reason people braver than me enjoy rollercoasters. And once I get into the spirit of the XR2, I begin to thoroughly enjoy it.

Its rorty exhaust note adds to the feeling that the carburettor-fed engine is working hard, and it feels quick at legal speeds. This is a car that’ll take you back to being a 17-year-old.

The brakes (discs at the front, drums at the rear) really are woeful by today’s standards and the Fiesta rolls around in corners. In truth, I can see why the 205 GTI and Renault 5 GT Turbo enjoyed a much better reputation in their day.

The XR2 isn’t a polished hot hatch, then, but it’s brimful of enthusiasm – and offers a very different experience to a modern car.

Tell me about buying one

Not so long ago, a couple of grand would have got you a useable Fiesta XR2. You’ve missed the boat if that’s your budget today, sadly. Even ropey examples can fetch close to £10,000 at auction, and we’d want £15,000 for a good one.

Still, when you compare that to other fast Ford prices – or indeed 205 GTI prices – it seems more acceptable.

Corrosion is the biggest issue for Fords of this era, so have a good poke around before handing over any cash. Check the sills and wheelarches, as dirt and moisture can get trapped behind the plastic bodykit. The bulkhead (below the windscreen) is another rust-trap, as are the front suspension turrets.

As usual, we’d suggest checking the fluid levels under the bonnet and watching out for blue smoke from the exhaust on start-up. A weighty history folder is desirable, too. Most will have been restored at least once by now, so check any work has been done to a high standard.

Other than that, look out for general cosmetic wear and tear. These cars were built to a price, and parts can be hard to find today.

Ford Fiesta XR2: Verdict

French hot hatchback fans will turn up their noses up at the little Fiesta, and with some justification. On a purely objective basis, it falls short. But it’s the 1980s hot hatch I’d spend my money on.

Those pepperpot alloys, the front spotlights, that noisy exhaust note… it all adds up to a slice of nostalgia that seems ever more appealing.

If you’re seriously thinking about buying an XR2, just take your time and choose carefully. A rotten one could lead to heartache.

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