The Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0 (105 Hp) represents a significant evolution in Ford of Europe’s family car lineup. Produced between 1987 and 1993, the Turnier II – the station wagon variant of the Sierra – offered a practical and stylish alternative to traditional saloons. While not officially sold in the United States, the Sierra held a prominent position in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Vauxhall/Opel Astra Estate, Volvo 240 Estate, and the Ford Escort Estate. The Sierra, as a whole, was a pivotal model for Ford, representing a departure from the traditional, boxy designs of the Cortina it replaced, embracing a more modern, aerodynamic aesthetic. The Turnier II specifically catered to families and those requiring substantial cargo space, becoming a popular choice for both private and commercial users.
Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0: A European Family Hauler
The Sierra project was ambitious for Ford Europe. Launched in 1982, the Sierra aimed to modernize Ford’s offerings and compete effectively in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. The Turnier, introduced shortly after the saloon, expanded the Sierra’s appeal by providing a versatile estate car option. The “II” designation denotes the facelifted version introduced in 1987, which brought subtle styling updates, improved interior refinement, and, in some cases, revised engine options. The 2.0-liter engine, producing 105 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy for the time. The Turnier II was designed to be a practical, reliable, and relatively affordable vehicle, qualities that contributed to its success in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0 was powered by Ford’s N8C or NES 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine, a mainstay of Ford’s European lineup during the 1980s and early 1990s, delivered 105 horsepower. While not a high-performance engine by modern standards, it provided adequate power for comfortable cruising and hauling loads. The engine’s relatively simple design contributed to its reliability and ease of maintenance. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, a common configuration for European cars of this era. The rear-wheel-drive layout, while offering a more engaging driving experience for some, also meant that the Sierra Turnier II didn’t possess the all-weather traction of front-wheel-drive competitors. The weight-to-power ratio of 11.2 kg/Hp (or 89 Hp/tonne) reflects the car’s modest performance capabilities. The engine required 3.8 liters (4.02 US quarts, 3.34 UK quarts) of engine oil and 8 liters (8.45 US quarts, 7.04 UK quarts) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design & Features
The Sierra Turnier II’s design was a significant departure from the more conservative styling of its predecessor, the Cortina. The car featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a sloping roofline and a relatively long wheelbase. The Turnier II, as a station wagon, naturally prioritized practicality. It offered a generous cargo area, accessible through a large rear tailgate. The interior was functional and reasonably well-equipped for its time, offering seating for five passengers. Safety features were relatively basic by today’s standards, but included ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The steering utilized a rack and pinion system, providing responsive handling. The car’s dimensions – 4511 mm (177.6 in) in length, 1720 mm (67.72 in) in width, and 1428 mm (56.22 in) in height – positioned it as a mid-size estate car. The wheelbase measured 2608 mm (102.68 in), contributing to a stable ride. The front and rear track widths were 1452 mm (57.17 in) and 1468 mm (57.8 in) respectively. The minimum turning circle was 10 meters (32.81 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Sierra |
| Generation | Sierra Turnier II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Power | 105 Hp |
| Engine Model/Code | N8C, NES |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1180 kg (2601.45 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4511 mm (177.6 in) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in) |
| Height | 1428 mm (56.22 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 |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0 (105 Hp) remains a fondly remembered vehicle in Europe, representing a practical and stylish option for families during the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it never officially reached American shores, its impact on the European automotive market was significant, and it paved the way for future Ford estate car models.
