The Ford Escort was a popular compact car in New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s. It was available in both sedan and hatchback models and had a fuel capacity of up to 55 litres.
The Ford Escort was known for its reliability and affordability, making it a popular choice for families and first-time car buyers. It had a range of engine sizes, including a 1.3L and 1.6L, and could achieve up to 7.5L/100km fuel efficiency on the highway. Overall, the Ford Escort was a practical and dependable vehicle for Kiwi drivers.

Browse our Ford Escort vehicles
We include in these search results any new and used vehicles for sale across New Zealand including the major centres such as Auckland (Auckland Region), Wellington (Wellington Region), Christchurch (Canterbury Region), Hamilton (Waikato Region), Tauranga (Bay of Plenty Region), Napier-Hastings (Hawke's Bay Region), Dunedin (Otago Region), Palmerston North (Manawatū Region), Nelson (Nelson Region), Queenstown (Otago Region), Rotorua (Bay of Plenty Region) and Whangārei (Northland Region).
Technical Specifications
- Engine: 1.6L or 1.8L petrol engine
- Horsepower: 90-115 hp
- Torque: 128-135 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: 8.0-9.5 L/100km
- Top Speed: 180-190 km/h
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 10-12 seconds
- Brakes: Front disc and rear drum brakes
- Suspension: MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension
- Dimensions: 4.2-4.3 metres in length, 1.6-1.7 metres in width, and 1.4-1.5 metres in height
This is a guide – technical specifications may vary vehicle to vehicle.
Ford Escort variants
Variant | Overview | Tech Specs |
---|---|---|
Ford Escort XR3i | Sporty hatchback with 1.6L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. | Engine: 1.6L petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual Horsepower: 105 hp Torque: 100 lb-ft |
Ford Escort RS Turbo | High-performance hatchback with turbocharged 1.6L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. | Engine: 1.6L turbocharged petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual Horsepower: 132 hp Torque: 133 lb-ft |
Ford Escort LX | Entry-level sedan with 1.3L engine and 4-speed manual transmission. | Engine: 1.3L petrol Transmission: 4-speed manual Horsepower: 60 hp Torque: 71 lb-ft |
Ford Escort Ghia | Luxury sedan with 1.6L engine and 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. | Engine: 1.6L petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic Horsepower: 85 hp Torque: 91 lb-ft |
Ford Escort GT | Sporty hatchback with 1.6L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. | Engine: 1.6L petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual Horsepower: 85 hp Torque: 91 lb-ft |
Ford Escort GL | Mid-range sedan with 1.6L engine and 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. | Engine: 1.6L petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic Horsepower: 85 hp Torque: 91 lb-ft |
Consult official manufacturer websites for the latest data.