Ford Granada Scorpio (1985 – 1998) Review

Ford Granada Scorpio (1985 – 1998) At A Glance

+Vast inside with styling that gets better with each passing year

-Still worthless, so few cars are making it to cherished classic

Even though the Sierra had proved slow-selling, Ford pressed-on with its aerodynamic styling, launching the similarly styled Granada Mk3 just three years later. Like the Sierra it was advanced on the outside, and relatively conventional under the skin, but it still bristled with the latest technology. In fact, the Granada Mk3's main claim to fame was that it was the first European car to offer ABS across the range as standard. In Europe, the all-new car received an all-new name – Scorpio – but in the UK Ford didn't want to risk further alienating existing customers with its new hatchback, and used the moniker to denote the top models in the range - above the Ghia.

Four-pot versions were underpowered until the arrival of the later twin-cams, but V6s were more than capable capable. Later Cosworth models are genuine future classics, while the 1990s saloon and estate are yet to find their place, although they do have cult appeal. Facelifted 'bug-eye' Scorpios from 1994 shocked when launched, but are looking better as time moves on - a real indicator that Ford was ahead of the curve with these cars.

 

Ask Honest John

Which modern car is a suitable replacement for my 1990 Ford Scorpio hatchback?

"I run a December 1990 Ford Scorpio 2.0 litre automatic hatchback which, to say the least, is past its best and needs replacing. I do a lot of 'gig' work which means I have to be able to transport amplifiers, drum kits, accordions, etc, which the hatchback permits beautifully, whilst the vehicle also gives me normal 5-seater day-to-day use. I do not want to become involved with 'commercial' type vehicles, to the extent that, if the Scorpio was still being made, I would buy another one as it suits all my transport needs completely. Could you point me in the direction of a suitable 'copycat' Scorpio, preferably 'used'."
The current model Mondeo, from 2007, is virtually a direct replacement. Currently from around £5,000 at auction, and £6,000 buys a 65,000-mile diesel automatic.
Answered by Honest John
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