The Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0i, produced between 1989 and 1993, represents a significant evolution in Ford of Europe’s mid-size family car lineup. As the estate (station wagon) variant of the popular Sierra, the Turnier II offered practicality and versatility alongside Ford’s established reputation for driving dynamics. While never officially sold in the United States, the Sierra – and particularly the Turnier – was a mainstay in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Vauxhall/Opel Astra Estate, Volvo 240 Estate, and the Ford’s own Escort Estate. The Turnier II specifically benefited from refinements made during the Sierra’s mid-life facelift, offering improved aesthetics, interior comfort, and mechanical reliability compared to earlier models. This model, the 2.0i variant, provided a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for families and those requiring a capable load-carrier.
The Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0i: A European Family Car
The Sierra, launched in 1982, was a radical departure from its predecessor, the Cortina. It embraced a more modern, aerodynamic design and offered a more spacious interior. The Turnier estate version, introduced shortly after the saloon, quickly gained popularity for its increased cargo capacity and practicality. The “Turnier II” designation refers to the updated model introduced with the Sierra’s 1986 facelift. This update brought revised styling, including a more integrated front end and improved interior trim. The 2.0i model, with its 120 horsepower engine, occupied a sweet spot in the range, offering sufficient power for comfortable cruising and load-carrying without the higher running costs of the more powerful versions.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Sierra Turnier II 2.0i is a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder petrol (gasoline) engine. This engine, part of Ford’s ‘Pinto’ family, produced 120 horsepower. While not a high-output engine by modern standards, it provided adequate performance for the time, allowing for a respectable 0-60 mph time of around 9-10 seconds. The engine’s strength lay in its torque delivery, making it well-suited to hauling loads. Power is 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 contributed to the Sierra’s engaging handling characteristics, offering a more balanced driving experience than many front-wheel-drive competitors. The weight-to-power ratio of 9.8 kg/Hp (or 101.7 Hp/tonne) further illustrates the car’s reasonable performance capabilities. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was acceptable for the period, with combined cycle figures typically around 28-32 mpg.
Design & Features
The Sierra Turnier II’s design was characterized by its clean lines and aerodynamic profile. The estate body style offered a generous cargo area, accessible through a large rear tailgate. The interior was functional and relatively spacious, providing comfortable seating for five passengers. While not lavishly equipped by today’s standards, the Turnier II offered a range of features considered desirable in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These included hydraulic power steering, which made maneuvering easier, and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, providing effective stopping power. Rear brakes were also disc, a relatively advanced feature for a family car of this period. Safety features were limited compared to modern vehicles, but typically included seatbelts and a robust body structure. The focus was more on providing a practical and reliable vehicle than on incorporating the latest safety technology. The Turnier II’s design prioritized functionality and durability, making it a popular choice for families and commercial users alike.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Sierra |
| Generation | Sierra Turnier II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1989 year |
| End of production | 1993 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Power | 120 Hp |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| 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 (Back) track | 1468 mm / 57.8 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10 m / 32.81 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
The Ford Sierra Turnier II 2.0i, while not a performance icon, remains a fondly remembered vehicle for many European car enthusiasts. Its blend of practicality, reasonable performance, and engaging handling made it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. It represents a key moment in Ford of Europe’s history, showcasing the company’s ability to produce well-rounded and reliable vehicles that met the needs of a diverse customer base. Though never officially available in the US market, the Sierra Turnier II stands as a testament to Ford’s global engineering capabilities and its commitment to providing quality transportation.
