1997 Ford Escort LX review from UK and Ireland

So far nothing.

I like this car as opposed to the 1990 Escort 1.3 Eclipse that I previously owned.

This LX was the last facelift version. I purchased it from my brother, who had decided to get a Fiat Punto 1.6.

It isn't the fastest car I've owned (previously Rover 1.8 diesel turbo intercooled), but it moves quite sharpish. The 1.4i engine gives 74bhp, which is adequate.

As soon as I got it, I did a 89 mile ' Personal Road Test'.

In town, it is a dream. 30mph in 4th gear. On normal B roads it handles well at 60 mph, and on dual carriageways at 70mph, you can hear slight engine noise, but with the smooth ride, you hardly notice.

89 miles of that type of driving, & the fuel gauge read from 1/4 to the top of red. So is quite economical.

Exterior is good. Colour coded bumpers etc. Interior is comfortable & modern.

Overall, if you want a economical shed, go for the standard 1.3 option. Or for the much quicker version, 1.6i - 1.8i. But the 1.4i LX version isn't mega quick, but still has a bit of oomph under the bonnet.