| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1987 |
| Production Years: | 1986 - 1993 discontinued in 1993 |
The Ford Festiva I, introduced in 1986 and produced until 1993, represents an iconic subcompact hatchback that appealed to budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality and efficiency. Launched for the 1987 model year, the Festiva I was designed primarily for urban commuting and small family use, offering a compact footprint that made it easy to maneuver and park in tight city environments.
The Festiva I's design features a hatchback body style characterized by its compact dimensions and efficient use of interior space. Although exact dimensions may vary slightly depending on trim and market, this generation typically measured approximately around 3,600 mm (141.7 inches) in length, with a width of about 1,550 mm (61 inches) and a height near 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These dimensions contributed to the car's lightweight and agile profile, resulting in a curb weight that often ranged around 800 to 900 kg (1765 to 1980 lbs), enhancing fuel economy and driving ease.
Inside, the Festiva I prioritized practicality over luxury, with seating for four passengers and a flexible hatchback cargo area that could accommodate daily essentials or small luggage. It catered mainly to individuals and small families who valued economy and simplicity. The Ford Festiva I also stood out for its reliable performance, modest maintenance costs, and accessibility in terms of purchase price during its production years.
In terms of comparison, the Festiva I competed with other subcompact hatchbacks of the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Honda Civic hatchback and Toyota Starlet, offering a similarly sized vehicle but often at a more affordable price point. Its compact dimensions make it ideal not only for city driving but also for buyers seeking a low-cost entry-level car with a practical hatchback design.
Overall, the Ford Festiva I (1987) remains a notable example of a practical, small hatchback perfectly suited for the demands of urban mobility during its production era, with a dimension profile that balances compactness with useful interior space.
Discover the standout features that make the 1987 Ford Festiva I a leader in its class
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The 1987 Ford Festiva I Hatchback features compact overall dimensions suitable for urban driving. It measures approximately 3,620 mm (142.5 inches) in length, 1,600 mm (62.9 inches) in width, and 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) in height. These dimensions contribute to its nimble footprint, enabling easy maneuverability in tight city spaces and parking lots while still providing ample interior space for passengers within its subcompact class.
The curb weight of the 1987 Ford Festiva I is approximately 840 kg (1,852 lbs). This lightweight construction helps enhance the car's fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commuting. Additionally, the relatively low weight improves handling and agility, allowing for responsive steering and manageable braking characteristics. This weight balance is typical for subcompact hatchbacks of the era, prioritizing economy without compromising basic driving dynamics.
The 1987 Ford Festiva I Hatchback comfortably seats four passengers, with two seats in the front and a rear bench for two additional occupants. Interior cabin space is optimized for a subcompact car, offering adequate headroom and legroom for average-sized adults. In terms of cargo capacity, the rear hatchback area provides modest luggage space suitable for daily errands and small loads, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats down to increase versatility for transporting larger items or groceries.
Yes, the 1987 Ford Festiva I Hatchback fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Standard garage widths typically range around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet), and the Festiva's width of 1.6 meters (62.9 inches) leaves ample clearance on either side. Its height of 1.37 meters (53.9 inches) is well below common garage heights, and the length of 3.62 meters (142.5 inches) also suits average garage spaces, ensuring hassle-free parking and protection from the elements.
The 1987 Ford Festiva I was essentially the first generation sold under the Ford nameplate, derived from the Kia Pride platform and introduced in 1986. Because of this, there isn't a direct Ford Festiva predecessor for comparison. However, compared to similar subcompact competitors of the early 1980s, the Festiva was competitively sized with a compact footprint designed to maximize interior space while remaining agile on urban roads.
When compared with contemporaries like the Honda Civic hatchback (3rd generation) or the Toyota Corolla hatchback of the late 1980s, the 1987 Ford Festiva I is smaller in overall size. Its length of 3,620 mm (142.5 inches) and width of 1,600 mm (62.9 inches) make it more compact, emphasizing urban suitability and economy over interior spaciousness. This size difference reflects the Festiva's positioning as a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving.
The 1987 Ford Festiva I Hatchback has a ground clearance of around 160 mm (6.3 inches). This moderate clearance is typical for subcompact hatchbacks designed for paved city streets and light suburban use. It offers decent protection against minor road irregularities such as potholes and speed bumps, though it is not intended for rough off-road conditions. The balance provides a comfortable ride and adequate handling without compromising stability.
The 1987 Ford Festiva I features a wheelbase of approximately 2,260 mm (88.9 inches). This relatively short wheelbase contributes to tight turning and agile handling, ideal for city driving and parking in confined spaces. Its turning radius is compact, estimated around 4.3 to 4.5 meters (14 to 14.8 feet), allowing the driver to maneuver easily in tight corners and narrow streets, thereby enhancing the vehicle's convenience in urban environments.
The 1987 Ford Festiva I comes with a 2+2 seating layout, allowing seating for four passengers comfortably, with front bucket seats and a rear bench seat for two. While the cabin is compact, it is designed efficiently to optimize passenger comfort within the subcompact segment. Headroom and legroom are adequate for average-sized adults, though taller rear occupants may find space slightly limited, typical of cars in this size class during the late 1980s.
The 1987 Ford Festiva I introduced a straightforward, economy-focused hatchback design emphasizing affordability and practicality. Compared to later generations, it featured simpler mechanicals and fewer technological advancements. Subsequent models improved on aspects like engine performance, interior amenities, safety features, and styling refinements. However, the 1987 model remains notable for its lightweight construction and minimalistic approach, which appealed to cost-conscious buyers seeking reliable urban transportation during its production period.
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