EF Fairmont

Sleeker than before, the first major EA facelift featured an all-new nose, tail (sedan only) and interior design, and a fake grille and raised bonnet from Fairmont upwards (lower line models had no grille).

Only the doors carried over. Substantial engineering changes meant revised motors (standard 4.0L I6 now 157kW), suspension, steering, brakes, computer power and body crash resistance, while better seats and a driver’s airbag were introduced.

And finally the old under-dash handbrake gave way to a console-sited one.

Although sales increased dramatically, some critics deemed the EF’s handling a little “too twitchy” at the limit.

New standard features: driver’s airbag, centre console with armrests and drink holders, better audio, service interval indicator, console handbrake.

Engine options: 165kW 5.0L V8.