Ford Laser (BD/KA/KB/P222). 1980–5 (prod. n/a). 3-, 4, and 5-door sedan. F/F, 1136, 1296, 1490 cm³ (I4 OHC). Ford twin to Mazda Familia (BD), with Taunus 80-style nose and six-light window treatment on five-door hatchback. Laser sedan not sold in Australia—a slightly different Ford Meteor appeared there—but available in other Asia-Pacific markets. No wagon. Developed by Mazda; codes either follow Mazda ones (BD) or Ford Australia (KA). Good step forward from Escort Mk II, but on the whole a dull Japanese econobox with some refinement issues in first two years. Laser S popular among performance buyers, replacing much-loved Escort RS2000 in Australia, but never had the same competition heritage. Mexican models had slanted US Mazda GLC front end with a Ford grille. Mid-term facelift in 1982 to KB, with some mid-term upgrades, but no major changes other than addition of fuel-injected 1·5 in 1983. New sloping grille more in keeping with 1980s’ design trends, more suited to the era than the reverse-rake style of the earlier model.

Manufacturing locations: Hiroshima, Japan; Homebush, NSW, Australia

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Laser | Predecessor: Ford Escort Mk II | Successor: Ford Laser (1985–9)

Off-site link

• Autoinfo: Mazda passenger car catalogue