Ford Fiesta Mk3 (1989–1996)

De Ford Fiesta Mk3 (1989-1996) was the biggest change to the Fiesta since 1976, featuring a new platform, semi-independent rear suspension, and for the first time, a five-door version. With approximately 2,5 million units built, the RS Turbo with 131 hp and 204 km/h, and the first fuel injection in a Fiesta, the Mk3 was both Britain's most popular car and one of the most stolen — the most telling combination in supermini history.

1989 Ford Fiesta Mk3

History and background

The Fiesta Mk3 — internally designated BE-13 — was unveiled at the end of 1988 and officially went on sale in February 1989, with British sales starting in April. It was named British Car of the Year 1989 by What Car? magazine.

The Mk3 represented the biggest change to the Fiesta since the original car was introduced in 1976. It addressed the main weakness of the preceding generations — the lack of a five-door version, which was already available at the time from competitors such as the Fiat Uno, Peugeot 205, and Opel Corsa. For the first time, the Fiesta was available as both a three-door and a five-door hatchback.

Within its first two years, the Mk3 had sold over one million units. The Fiesta was Britain's most popular new car in 1990 and 1991 — a direct result of the new platform, the five-door option, and the first fuel injection in a Fiesta.

The Mk4 was introduced in 1995, but the Mk3 remained on sale alongside its successor as the “Fiesta Classic” until early 1997.

Design and interior

The Mk3 featured completely new bodywork that was sleeker and more aerodynamic than its predecessors — a clear break from the angular lines of the Mk1 and Mk2. The new semi-independent torsion bar rear suspension replaced the rigid rear axle of the previous generations, resulting in a noticeable improvement in handling.

The interior was refurbished with better materials, improved seats, and new technology such as a heated wind deflector as an option. A tilt steering wheel was available on higher trim levels.
The Mk3 also spawned the Ford Courier — a “high-cube” van version that was introduced in 1991 — and later shared its platform with the Ford Ka of 1996.

Interior of a 1994 Ford Fiesta Mk3

Model variants

Fiesta Popular / L / LX / CL / CLX / Ghia (1989–1996) — the volume range:

Wide range of trim levels from Popular to Ghia, available as a three-door and five-door hatchback. The LX replaced the L midway through the production run; the CLX replaced the GL.

Fiesta S / 1.4S / 1.6S (1989–1991) — the sporty base model:

The 1.6S was the first sports model of the new Fiesta, introduced in the first half of 1989. It was available with a 1,4-liter fuel-injected CVH engine producing 71 hp or a 1,6-liter Weber carburetor version producing 90 hp without a catalytic converter. The 1,6S was discontinued in August 1991.

Fiesta XR2i (1989–1994) — the hot hatch icon:

The XR2i was launched in October 1989 with a 104 hp eight-valve CVH engine with a catalytic converter — the first Fiesta ever with fuel injection. In 1992, the CVH engine was replaced by a Zetec 16-valve. The XR2i was not as sharp to drive as its competitors, but was praised for its spacious cabin, comfortable finish, and large trunk space.

Fiesta RS Turbo (1990–1992) — the turbo swirl:

Introduced in April 1990 and based on the XR2i. The RS Turbo featured 14-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P600 tires, green stripes instead of blue, a color-coded rear spoiler, and RS hood vents. The interior offered Recaro seats and a three-spoke steering wheel. 131 hp, top speed 127 mph (204 km/h), 0-100 km/h in approximately 8,2 seconds.

Fiesta RS1800 (1992–1994) — the RS Turbo successor:

After the CVH engine was phased out, the RS1800 replaced the RS Turbo. The RS1800 shared its 1,8-liter Zetec fuel-injected engine with the 130 hp version of the Ford Escort XR3i of that era. Top speed 201 km/h (125 mph).

Fiesta Si (1994–1996) — the insurance-friendly XR2i successor:

The XR2i name disappeared in early 1994 and made way for the “Si” badge — a less sporty-looking model with a 1,4-liter PTE or 1,6-liter Zetec engine for the lower insurance class. Less glamour, the same performance for a younger target group that faced resistance from insurance companies.

Fiesta Classic (1995–1997) — the run-out version:

From 1995, the Mk3 was sold alongside the new Mk4 as the “Fiesta Classic”, with revised trim levels: Classic, Classic Quartz, Classic Cabaret, and the special edition Frascati.

1.3L engine Ford Fiesta Mk3 from 1994

Competitors

The Fiesta Mk3 competed in the European B-segment of superminis from the early 1990s. Direct competitors were:

• Peugeot 205 / 106 (technically superior in driving dynamics)
• Fiat Uno / Punto
• Volkswagen Polo Mk2 / Polo III
• Opel Corsa A / B
• Renault Clio Mk1

Successor model

De Party Mk4 — internally designated BE91 — was launched in October 1995 and became Britain's best-selling car from 1996 to 1998. The Mk4 was a major restyling of the Mk3 but shared largely the same chassis. New Zetec SE engines in 1,25- and 1,4-litre versions replaced the CVH series. The Mk3 platform also laid the foundation for the Ford Ka van 1996.