The Ford Sierra Sedan II 2.0i, produced between 1987 and 1993, represents a significant evolution in Ford of Europe’s mid-size offering. Replacing the aging Cortina, the Sierra was a thoroughly modern design for its time, embracing aerodynamic styling and a more spacious interior. The Sedan II, specifically the 2.0i variant with 115 horsepower, aimed to provide a balance of performance and fuel efficiency for the European family car market. While never officially sold in the United States, the Sierra was a crucial model for Ford in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra and Peugeot 405. It marked a departure from the boxy designs of the past, and its influence can be seen in subsequent Ford models.
The Ford Sierra Sedan II 2.0i: A European Family Sedan
The Sierra was a pivotal model for Ford, representing a clean-sheet design intended to modernize the company’s image and appeal to a broader customer base. The Sedan II iteration, launched in 1987, brought refinements to the original Sierra, including updated interior trim and minor mechanical improvements. The 2.0i model occupied a sweet spot in the range, offering a noticeable performance upgrade over the smaller-engined versions without the higher cost of the more powerful options. It was designed to be a practical, reliable, and reasonably engaging vehicle for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Sierra Sedan II 2.0i is its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated as either N4A or N4I depending on specific production variations. This engine produced 115 horsepower, providing adequate performance for comfortable cruising and overtaking. While not a sports car by any means, the 2.0i offered a respectable 0-60 mph time for the era, typically around 9-10 seconds. The engine’s power delivery was smooth and linear, making it easy to drive in a variety of conditions.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, a common configuration for European cars of this period. The rear-wheel-drive layout contributed to the Sierra’s balanced handling characteristics, although it also meant that traction could be a concern in slippery conditions. The engine’s relatively modest output meant that it wasn’t overly stressed, contributing to its reputation for reliability. Fuel economy was a consideration, with the 2.0i achieving around 28-32 mpg on the combined cycle, depending on driving style.
Design & Features
The Sierra Sedan II’s design was a significant departure from the more traditional styling of the Cortina it replaced. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile, penned under the direction of Robert Aston Hare, was influenced by contemporary designs from manufacturers like Audi and BMW. The sedan body style offered a practical and spacious interior for a family of five, with a separate trunk providing ample luggage capacity.
Inside, the Sierra 2.0i featured a functional and relatively well-equipped cabin. While not luxurious, it offered comfortable seating, clear instrumentation, and a reasonable level of refinement. Features such as power steering (hydraulic) were becoming increasingly common, making the car easier to maneuver. Safety features, while limited by the standards of today, included ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The steering utilized a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive control. The Sierra’s design prioritized practicality and efficiency, making it a popular choice for families and commuters.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Sierra |
| Generation | Sierra Sedan II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 115 Hp |
| Engine Model/Code | N4A, N4I |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l / 4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l / 8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l / 15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal |
| Length | 4467 mm / 175.87 in. |
| Width | 1698 mm / 66.85 in. |
| Height | 1407 mm / 55.39 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2608 mm / 102.68 in. |
| Front track | 1452 mm / 57.17 in. |
| Rear track | 1468 mm / 57.8 in. |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m / 32.81 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive. Internal Combustion engine (ICE) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
The Ford Sierra Sedan II 2.0i, while not a performance icon, remains a significant vehicle in Ford’s history. It represented a bold step forward in design and engineering, and it provided a practical and reliable transportation solution for European families throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its influence can be seen in the subsequent generations of Ford’s mid-size offerings, and it continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts for its classic styling and engaging driving experience.
