Ford Fiesta Mk2 (1983–1989)

De Ford Fiesta Mk2 (1983-1989) was Britain's most popular supermini of the 1980s, with approximately 1,8 million units built. With wraparound headlights, the first Fiesta diesel, a five-speed gearbox as a first, and the XR2 with a 96 hp CVH engine, the Mk2 introduced technological innovations on a proven platform — and proved that a good basic design with targeted updates can remain commercially successful for more than a decade.

1984 Ford Fiesta Mk2

History and background

The Ford Fiesta Mk2 appeared in August 1983 as a major facelift of the original Fiesta — not an entirely new model, but a calculated investment in a platform that had cost Ford its most expensive development to date. The basic platform and bodywork were largely retained, but virtually everything a buyer immediately saw and touched was new.

The Mk2 was Britain's most popular supermini of its era. In its best year, 1987, over 150.000 Fiestas were sold in the United Kingdom — second in the sales rankings behind the Ford Escort itself, despite the fact that the car was already eleven years old in its basic design at that time.

In West Germany, at the time Europe's largest national car market, the Fiesta managed to outperform the Volkswagen Polo in 1984, 1985, and again in 1989. An achievement that demonstrates how strong the Fiesta formula was, even in the home market of its direct competitor.

At the launch of the new generation Fiesta in April 1989, the first two generations had produced and sold more than 4,5 million units combined.

Design and interior

The wraparound headlights were the major design change — they gave the car a more modern look and significantly improved aerodynamics. The hood was widened to accommodate a new five-speed gearbox.

The interior felt more modern than that of its predecessor thanks to the softer design and higher-quality finish. However, the Mk2 had a striking peculiarity in the cabin: two completely different dashboard designs — one for entry-level models and another for more expensive versions such as the Ghia and XR2.

The new front end previewed the 1986 Escort facelift and gave the car a more mature, contemporary look. The aerodynamic improvement of the wraparound headlights was not a cosmetic decision but a direct response to the increasingly fierce competition from the Peugeot 205 and Fiat Uno.

Interior of a 1985 Ford Fiesta Mk2

Model variants

Fiesta Popular / Popular Plus (1983–1989) — the entry-level models:

The Popular was the entry-level model, available throughout the entire production period. This model was offered with only one choice: a 950cc engine and a four-speed gearbox. Standard features omitted a passenger-side mirror, a rear wiper, and a radio — all optional extras.

Fiesta L / GL / Ghia (1983–1989) – the volume range:

The heart of Fiesta sales. The L had carpet and basic equipment; the GL was better equipped with more chrome details; the Ghia offered the highest finish with wood veneer and velvet. Available with all engines from 957cc to 1.398cc.

Fiesta 1.4S (1986–1989) — sportier entry-level model:

Introduced in 1986 as an intermediate model for buyers who wanted a sporty character without the XR2 price. 1,4-liter CVH engine with 74 hp. Lower suspension than the standard L but without the pronounced body kit of the XR2.

Fiesta XR2 Mk2 (1984–1989) — the sporty top model:

The second-generation XR2 appeared in 1984 with a 1,6-liter CVH engine — the same as in the Ford Escort XR3 — producing 96 hp and a five-speed gearbox. It also had a larger body kit than its predecessor. Top speed 109 mph (175 km/h), 0-100 km/h in approximately 10,3 seconds.

Fiesta Diesel 1.6 (1984–1989) — the economical variant:

For the first time, a diesel was available in the Fiesta — a 1,6-liter engine adapted from the Escort. Commentators stated that the impressive fuel economy of the diesel version came at the expense of an engine that was noisy and rough. Even in West Germany, a market traditionally open to diesel engines, the petrol version still outperformed the diesel by more than four to one in 1988.

Fiesta with CTX variator (1987–1989) — the automatic version:

The new CTX continuously variable transmission, also used in the Fiat Uno, appeared on 1,1-liter models in early 1987. A technological innovation that proved less reliable in practice than Ford had hoped.

rear view of a 1985 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk2

The Ford Fiesta Mk2 was introduced in August 1983 and production ended in 1989 — six years, approximately 1,8–2 million units, and Britain's most popular supermini of the 1980s. From the spartan Popular without a passenger-side mirror to the 96 hp XR2 with a five-speed gearbox, the Fiesta Mk2 proved that an old platform with the right updates can remain competitive for years. The fact that the Fiesta was still selling 150.000 units in a single country in 1987, while the design was already eleven years old, is the most impressive sales feat in Ford supermini history.

Competitors

The Fiesta Mk2 competed in the European B-segment of superminis in the mid-1980s. Direct competitors were:

• Peugeot 205 (technically superior, sportier GTi)
• Fiat Uno (more modern design, CTX variator)
• Vauxhall Nova / Opel Corsa A
• Austin Metro (British competitor)
• Volkswagen Polo Mk2

Successor model

De Party Mk3 — internally designated BE-13 — was unveiled at the end of 1988 and officially went on sale in February 1989. It was based on an entirely new platform featuring semi-independent torsion bar rear suspension instead of the rigid rear axle, and offered a five-door version for the first time — a first that previous generations had been without, while competitors like the Peugeot 205 had been offering five doors for years.