This is the last of the Laser series. Ford added a passenger airbag to the GLXi’s specification, while the LXi now included a CD player and immobiliser. Notably, the R became the SR and gained...

read the full article

Developed under the watchful eye of tight Ford beancounters, the fourth and final Laser generation shared most body panels and all running gear with its equally austere sixth generation Mazda 323. Consequently,...

read the full article

Slight engine revisions improved driveability thanks to more torque, but power was reduced in the 1.6 to 78kW. A driver’s airbag became standard, while the Liata name was dropped on hatchback models....

read the full article

Confusingly also known as the "KL", the KJ II sports a more corporate Ford face grille and minor trim and equipment level changes. The unloved Lynx was killed off....

read the full article

The rounded, reduced KJ series 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback marked the end of the Australian-built Laser, as well as the 3rd-generation model. Now built in Japan alongside its Mazda 323 cousin,...

read the full article

The KH II signalled more minor trim adjustments, standard power steering from the GL upwards, and a new GLi model powered by the larger 76kW 1.8L engine. Falling Laser sales prompted a host of value-added...

read the full article

A minor facelift – featuring a new grille - and more standard features arrived with the KH, along with new interior trim. The XL fleet special replaced the base L, in an effort to win some sales...

read the full article

Laser’s decline began with the American-designed, Mazda-engineered CT20 KF series, which proved too expensive and too close to its Telstar sibling. Despite the ungainly styling, big strides in...

read the full article

Mazda has a history of continuing wagon versions of superseded models, and so it was with the Japanese-built CT18 KE Laser wagon. Dating back from the KC/GC Meteor of 1985, the KE II employed the base...

read the full article

A minor facelift heralds two new TX3 additions – a 100kW turbo and Japan-built turbo 4WD. Otherwise the KE constituted small trim and equipment changes. The Laser sedan and wagon join the hatchback...

read the full article

The big one, in its size, space, range, refinement and sales, the locally designed CT18 KC “bubbleback” series’ enduring popularity cemented the Laser’s dominance. A revamped...

read the full article

A modish shovelnose replaced the angular front end while new taillights and improved trim signalled the big-selling KB series. Improved ride, handling and seats were also introduced. A short run 78kW...

read the full article

Co-developed with the second generation Mazda 323, the Japanese-engineered, Homebush NSW-built Laser replaced the English Escort, and started Ford’s decade-long dominance of the small car sector....

read the full article