Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 – 1996) Review

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth proved that it was possible to follow its legendary 1980s Sierra namesake. Just like the Lancia Integrale and Subaru Impreza, this was a Group A rally car for the road - pure and simple. It was actually underpinned by a shortened version of the Sierra Cosworth RS Cosworth's platform and powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged longitudinally-mounted Cosworth-developed engine driving all four wheels. The car was designed and engineered in Boreham, was styled by noted designer Stephen Harper, and ended up being assembled by Karmann in Germany.

At launch in 1994, two models were available, the club-spec standard car at £21,380 and the Lux version, which included electric windows, heated screen, sunroof, and Recaro seats. Power was up slightly from the Sierra RS Cosworth, at 227bhp, and performance consequently improved. The first 2500 cars up to May 1994 suffered from turbo lag, but the the next 4500 were improved thanks to their smaller Garrett T25 Turbo. In 1995, the RS Cosworth was treated to a mild facelift where it received a new honeycomb grille, restyled bumpers, a more attractive fascia and revised alloy wheels. The car continued until early 1996, when emissions regulations forced it out of production. Like pretty much every RS Ford, it was a classic from the moment it was built...