If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you remember the Ford Sierra XR4i—or at least, you’ve seen one in grainy VHS footage tearing up British B-roads. With its quirky bi-plane rear spoiler, beefy V6 engine, and rear-wheel-drive setup, the XR4i was the kind of car that made dads late for Sunday dinner. But over the years, it’s faded into the background, overshadowed by its younger, more famous sibling—the Sierra RS Cosworth.
But here’s the thing: the XR4i deserves way more recognition. It was a proper performance machine in its own right and a significant piece of Ford’s history. So, let’s take a trip back in time and give the XR4i the attention it truly deserves.
Where It All Began: The Birth of the XR4i
The Ford Sierra hit the market in 1982, replacing the much-loved Cortina. At the time, the radical, futuristic-looking Sierra design was met with mixed reactions—some loved its sleek aerodynamic shape, while others just wanted their boxy Cortinas back. But Ford had bigger plans for the Sierra than just being a family workhorse.
By 1983, they launched the XR4i, a car that injected some much-needed excitement into the range. This was Ford’s way of proving that the Sierra wasn’t just a quirky hatchback—it was a serious driver’s car.
Power Under the Bonnet: The Legendary Cologne V6
The XR4i wasn’t just about bold styling; it had the performance to back it up. Under the bonnet sat a 2.8-litre Cologne V6 engine, producing 150 horsepower—a pretty big number for the early ’80s. It was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels, which made it a properly fun car to drive.
In terms of numbers, the XR4i could hit 0-60 mph in around 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. For a car of its time, that was genuinely rapid, putting it in the same league as the BMW 323i E30 and the Audi Coupe GT.
But it wasn’t just about speed—the XR4i handled brilliantly. It came with independent rear suspension, which was a big deal in the early ’80s, helping to keep the car stable through corners. It wasn’t perfect—being rear-wheel drive, it was prone to snap oversteer, especially in the wet, but that only added to its charm.
That Bonkers Bi-Plane Rear Wing
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the double rear spoiler. The XR4i’s “bi-plane” wing setup was Marmite—you either loved it or thought it was an eyesore. But here’s the thing: it actually served a purpose.
Ford engineers claimed that the upper wing improved stability at high speeds, while the lower one helped reduce drag. Whether or not it made a massive difference in real-world driving is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure—it made the XR4i stand out from every other car on the road.
Why Did It Disappear So Quickly?
Despite being a fantastic driver’s car, the XR4i didn’t sell as well as Ford had hoped. A few key reasons for this:
- Price – It was too expensive for the average Sierra buyer. Many opted for the more practical (and cheaper) Sierra 2.3 Ghia instead.
- Fuel Economy – That 2.8 V6 wasn’t exactly efficient, and with fuel prices climbing, buyers were hesitant.
- The Cosworth Effect – In 1985, Ford dropped the Sierra RS Cosworth, and suddenly, nobody cared about the XR4i anymore. The Cossie had turbo power, insane performance, and motorsport pedigree, leaving the XR4i in the dust.
Production of the XR4i ended in 1985, meaning it had a short-lived two-year run. But that wasn’t the end of Ford’s performance Sierra journey—oh no.
What Came Next? The XR4x4 and RS Cosworth Take Over
After the XR4i was axed, Ford didn’t give up on the idea of a sporty Sierra. They introduced the Sierra XR4x4, which kept the 2.8-litre Cologne V6 but added four-wheel drive, making it a more balanced, all-weather performance car.
Then, in 1985, Ford introduced the Sierra RS Cosworth, and the rest, as they say, is history. The turbocharged monsterovershadowed everything else in the Sierra lineup, dominating touring car racing and becoming a true icon of the 1980s.
The XR4i Today: A Forgotten Classic?
So, where does that leave the XR4i today? Well, while Sierra Cosworth prices have gone through the roof, the XR4i remains a much more affordable way to own a piece of Ford’s ’80s performance history.
A well-maintained XR4i can still be found for around £10,000-£15,000, which is a steal compared to a Cosworth, which can fetch £60,000+. If you’re after a rare, quirky, and fun-to-drive Ford, the XR4i is one of the best-kept secrets out there.
But be warned—finding a good one is getting harder. Many have been scrapped, modified, or left to rot, so if you come across a clean, original XR4i, snap it up before they disappear forever.
Why You Should Care About the Ford Sierra XR4i
The XR4i might not have the same legendary status as the Cosworth, but it deserves far more respect than it gets. It was fast, fun, and ahead of its time, with a V6 soundtrack that still puts a smile on your face today.
If you love 1980s Fords, appreciate underrated classics, or just want a rear-wheel-drive machine that doesn’t break the bank, the XR4i is absolutely worth considering.
So, next time someone bangs on about the Sierra Cosworth, remind them that the XR4i paved the way for it—and that alone makes it an ’80s Ford worth remembering.
