Description

The third generation Fiesta, codenamed BE-13 was unveiled in 1989, based on a new platform and ditching the old car’s rear beam axle for a semi-independent torsion beam arrangement. The car also looked radically different, addressing the principal weakness of the previous generation – the lack of a 5-door derivative.

The Fiesta MK3 RS Turbo was a performance model of the Fiesta Mk3 launched in April 1990. The car was based on the XR2i, introduced a year earlier and featured a visually similar bodykit. The main differences were 14″ alloy wheels with 185/55 VR14 Pirelli P600 tyres, green rather than blue stripe mouldings, colour-coded rear spoiler and door pillars, opening rear quarter windows, green tinted glass and RS bonnet louvres. Anti-lock brakes and a “Quickclear” heated front windscreen were options at extra cost.

Inside the car the differences included Recaro seats trimmed in “Ascot In Raven” material and a grey leather trimmed gear knob and a three-spoke steering wheel (as opposed to the two-spoke used in the XR2i), which also had the RS Turbo logo embossed on the centre cap.

The RS Turbo’s CVH engine retained the same 1597cc capacity as the XR2i, but had a lower compression ratio of 8:1. The Garrett T2 turbocharger supplied 8 psi (55 kPa) of boost and was chosen as space between the engine and radiator prevented the use of the larger T3 from the Escort RS Turbo. As with the Escort, an air-to-air intercooler was fitted, although this was slightly larger on the Fiesta. The quoted power output was 133hp at 5500rpm, with 183 nm of torque at 2400rpm which gave the car a top speed of 133 mph and a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds.

The Fiesta RS1800 was introduced as the replacement for the RS Turbo in 1992. It featured a 1.8 liter version of the Zetec engine, and had a similar claimed maximum power output of 130 hp (96 kW).

Source: Wikipedia

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