1980: Escort Mk3 launched with three-door and five-door hatch and three-door estate body styles; 1.1-, 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines; base, L, GL, Ghia and XR3 trim levels.
1982: RS1600i goes on sale, five-speed gearbox introduced, XR3 becomes fuel-injected XR3i.
1983: Cabriolet, five-door estate and 1.6-litre diesel variants launched; all cars get revised suspension mounts and steering rack; booted Orion launched.
1985: RS Turbo launched.
1986: Facelifted ‘Erika-86’ debuts, with Popular, Popular Plus, L, GL, Ghia, XR3i and RS Turbo available; 1.1- and 1.3-litre OHV engines, 1.4- and 1.6-litre CVH units, and 1.6-litre diesel.
1987: LX trim launched.
1988: Changes for 1989 model year include new 1.8-litre diesel, new electronic fuel injection, HCS Valencia engines, trim revisions and altered front grille.
1989: ’90-spec’ cars launched with more equipment.
1990: Mk4 Escort…