In South Africa we had the XR6 with the 3.0l Essex V6 ( very common ) , and there was also a limited run XR8 with a Mustang V8

From the States, this is an interesting perspective. We had the XR4Ti (85-88) with the USA 2.3L OHC turbo. Ford sold about 50,000 of the XR4Ti in the States. I owned an '85 and then an '88 and drove them from 1985 to 1998, quite a long time. I made a few modifications, including some Euro-Cosworth trim bits and stiffer anti-roll bars that really improved cornering/handling. Compared to what USA Ford was offering at the time, the XR4Ti was a performance car, competing with 3-Series BMWs, and other "Euro-coupes". I wish I had kept one of the XR4Ti, it's a car for which I have very fond memories. Cheers!

My mate had a couple of these in the mid 90s. Personally wasn’t a fan, much preferred my Mk2 Cav SRi 130

If nothing else, that double side window and diagonal C pillar are more distinctive and appealing than standard. Well done, Ford, for "pushing the design envelope," which presaged future vehicles. Makes you wonder whether the Cortina would have kept selling had the Sierra not existed. After all, you made the Morris Minor for 23 years, and the mini for 41.

The XR4i always struck me as a Capri 2.8i replacement rather than an out and out hot hatch.

I was fortunate in the early nineties to own the XR4i and a Capri 2.8 Injection at the same time. I alternated using them, I can say even though they both shared the same engine and gearbox they both fealt very different in terms of driving and performance characteristics . Both were great cars .

41 years on since the Sierra first showed it's face in public, it's difficult to imagine it being so radical now. Yes it was at the time, but with all that followed in the years since, the Sierra is just generic family hatchback shape now.

"I have earned a fortune by dodging taxes and I'm very wealthy, I remember these cars from when I was a child,I'll give you £500,000 for it even though it's a Ford Sierra, just so I can realise that they wasn't that great anyway.and I have more money than sense."

Gosh the fit and finish of those 80's Fords. Is it any wonder they were known as Dagenham Dustbins!

Given the choice of the Sierra XR4i or the Capri 2.8i, I know where my backside would be seated in. But still; I think that the XR4 had to happen to progress to the Cosworth imho, and that is a good thing indeed...

I had a black one with full peco 3"exhaust and 4" tailpie, sounded great and lowering springs on the back so it sat down level.. it was great, sounded amazing and left the xr3i and xr2 boys for dead!

I remember driving one and cruising at an indicated 145 mph. It certainly was quick in a straight line and sounded good. Probably an optimistic Speedo too 😅

I’m currently driving a 2005 st220 totally standard

My Dad had one of these when I was about 5/6 years old.

My aunty worked in the offices at a Ford garage when I was a youngster back in 83. She brought home all the brochures of the Ford cars on sale and I remember drooling over the XR4i. It showed it in black. I am so disappointed now looking back at it!

We had three Sierras through the 80s and into the 90s. One very basic L model, they a pre-facelift run out special (Laser RIO) with a few bells and whistles and then a sapphire LX . Great memories with all of them.

Biggest problem I have with the XR4i is it had the same rear pillar arrangement as the 5 door but only had 3 doors, so it never looked right. Lovely comfy seats and they sound great

I will always love the Xr4i. Also the Xr4x4. Loved this whole era of Fords.

Having owned this exact car in the past, I can only agree with the touring view of it, and propbably not deserving of the XR badge, the Capri 2.8i wasn't labelled as such either. Not as quick as modern diesels, but amazing sound and I loved driving it. Gearboxes were weak, same with Capri 5 speeds, just how they are. If I win the lottery an XR4i is on my list.

Lovely to see a Sierra. My uncle taught me how to drive in 1. Good memories 👍