Autovisie number 31 from 1983. (Image: Autovisie)
Anyone who has been following Ford for some time may see a recurring pattern in the design language. Periods full of uninspired models alternate with periods with polarizing design statements.
In the early 1980s, Ford experienced such a design peak, resulting in the Escort MkIII, the Sierra and the Scorpio. Good news for enthusiasts, but not for the conservative, Escort MkII, Taunus and Granada-driving part of the following. Just before this group of buyers threatens to turn their backs on the brand, Ford comes up with an emergency solution: the Orion.
De Ford Orion
Nothing more or less than an Escort with a backpack, where the designers have clearly done their best to create the least controversial design, the opposite of the Sierra. So far mission accomplished. Up to and including the rear doors, the Ford Orion is identical to the Escort MkIII presented at the end of 1980. Behind it there is a lot of trunk, with an integrated spoiler and a somewhat panoramic rear window.
Autovisie number 31 from 1983.
The third side window has been omitted, a different grille provides distinction at the front. The whole thing looks neat, but leans a bit heavily on the rear wheels.
Especially Escort
Underneath, too, it is mainly Escort that counts, only the most basic engine and equipment variants are not available. The Ford Orion 1.6i is nice with the same drivetrain as the sporty Escort XR3i, but without the appearance. It should therefore come as no surprise that the Orion also drives almost the same, although our test editors seem to notice something about the heavier buttocks.
There is plenty of luggage space, with a folding rear seat backrest. Remarkably, there’s more space in the back seat than in the larger Sierra. Loyal Ford customers appreciate the effort and the Ford Orion is selling well. So good that sedan versions of the Sierra and Scorpio are also being pushed back. With a facelift in 1986, engines and equipment levels were brought into line with the Escort.
After that, unfortunately, the success formula goes downhill. Not only is the popularity of sedans in general crumbling, but the second generation Ford Orion from 1990 (just like the Escort) is also heavily criticized for its boring appearance and driving characteristics. Three facelifts and a name change to ‘Escort sedan’ do not help. Bigger guns are needed, and that comes in the form of the revolutionary Focus, which marks the start of Ford’s next design peak.
Offer and prices Ford Orion
If you really want an Orion, you will have to put in the effort. In the Netherlands they have virtually disappeared from the streets and search engines (just like the regular versions of the Escort MkIII). We only find one. There is a better chance through foreign search engines.
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They are not expensive; For a good one you pay at most a few thousand euros. In Germany we find a facelift model delivered in the GDR for no less than 8,900 euros. Some, mostly stainless, items can also be found in Southern Europe. In the UK too, but a right-hand drive Orion is not interesting for us. The 1.6i is virtually impossible to find.
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