The Ford Laser was a compact car that was widely sold in Australia from the early 1980s through to the mid-2000s. Over its 20-year lifespan in the Australian market, the Laser became a well-known name for affordable, practical, and reliable transportation. It was often seen as a value proposition for small-car buyers and families looking for fuel efficiency, ease of use, and low running costs. The Ford Laser was sold under the Ford brand in Australia, but it was essentially a rebadged version of various Mazda models. In fact, it was based on models from the Mazda Familia lineup, making it a unique example of Ford’s collaborations with other manufacturers in the 1980s and beyond.
1. Introduction: The Ford Laser’s Global Journey
The Ford Laser was first introduced in 1981 as a small hatchback in Japan, though its impact was not limited to the Japanese market. The Laser was sold in many countries, but its Australian journey is especially interesting due to the partnership between Ford and Mazda. The model was essentially a rebadged version of the Mazda Familia (also known as the Mazda 323), and it was part of a joint effort between the two car manufacturers.
The Ford Laser is often seen as a direct competitor to small cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Pulsar in Australia. Over the years, it evolved from being a compact hatchback into a more refined sedan, becoming a staple in the Ford lineup for many years.
2. The First Generation Ford Laser (1981-1987)
a. Introduction to the First Generation (1981)
The Ford Laser made its Australian debut in 1981, with the first generation being based on the Mazda Familia platform. At launch, the Laser was available in a variety of body styles, including a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door hatchback, providing buyers with different options depending on their preferences. The design of the first-generation Laser was relatively simple, with a clean, boxy appearance that was characteristic of the early 1980s compact car designs.
The first-generation Laser was powered by a 1.3L or 1.5L four-cylinder engine, which was sufficient for the needs of everyday driving. It featured basic interior appointments and simple yet functional technology, keeping the cost down. As with other Ford and Mazda models from this period, the Laser was equipped with solid build quality and practical features, making it an affordable car for families, young drivers, and those looking for a reliable city commuter.
The first-generation Laser was successful in Australia, offering an entry-level option for customers who wanted a compact car without the high price tag of more premium vehicles.
Key Specifications (1981-1987)
- Engine Options: 1.3L inline-4, 1.5L inline-4
- Transmission Options: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
- Power Output: 60-85 hp
- Fuel Economy: 7.5-8.5L/100 km
- Top Speed: 155 km/h (1.5L version)
- Length: 3,760 mm
- Width: 1,690 mm
- Height: 1,410 mm
- Curb Weight: 750-850 kg
The first-generation Laser’s success was driven by its value for money. It provided a compact, affordable car that delivered low running costs, decent fuel economy, and enough power for urban driving. By the mid-1980s, the Laser had carved out a respectable niche in the Australian small car market.
3. The Second Generation Ford Laser (1987-1994)
a. Significant Design Changes and Updates (1987)
The second generation of the Ford Laser arrived in Australia in 1987, bringing with it significant changes in design, technology, and features. The new Laser was more rounded, with a more modern aerodynamic design compared to the boxier first-generation model. The second-generation Laser featured improved suspension, better interior comfort, and a more refined engine lineup, which made it a stronger contender in the increasingly competitive small car market in Australia.
At this time, the Ford Laser continued its partnership with Mazda, and it was still based on the Mazda Familia platform. However, Ford refined the design and added its own styling cues to create a vehicle that was both familiar and distinct from the Mazda version.
The new generation saw the introduction of a more powerful 1.6L engine, providing additional performance for buyers who sought more power. The second-generation Laser also became available in a wider variety of body styles, including the five-door hatchback, sedan, and a new four-door station wagon, catering to various family needs.
b. Ford Laser’s Popularity and Sales Growth
This generation of the Laser quickly gained traction in the Australian market, with its combination of reliability, affordability, and improved interior space. The second-generation Laser became especially popular among younger buyers and families, as it offered an excellent balance of economy and practicality. The more modern design, better engines, and improved safety features helped ensure that the Ford Laser remained a top choice for buyers seeking a no-nonsense compact car.
Key Specifications (1987-1994)
- Engine Options: 1.3L inline-4, 1.6L inline-4, 1.6L DOHC inline-4 (GT version)
- Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- Power Output: 70-115 hp (GT version)
- Fuel Economy: 7.0-8.0L/100 km
- Top Speed: 160-180 km/h (GT version)
- Length: 3,875 mm
- Width: 1,685 mm
- Height: 1,395 mm
- Curb Weight: 850-950 kg
The second-generation Laser helped Ford solidify its position in the small car market and represented a strong evolution in design and engineering, ensuring that the Laser continued to be one of the top-selling compact cars in Australia.
4. The Third Generation Ford Laser (1994-2002)
a. Design, Comfort, and Performance Improvements (1994)
In 1994, the third-generation Ford Laser made its Australian debut, marking a further evolution in terms of design, safety, and performance. The car was now larger and more refined, with a stronger focus on comfort and convenience. The exterior design had become more angular and sleek, and the interior featured improved ergonomics and higher-quality materials. Ford’s commitment to increasing the car’s overall quality was evident, with better build quality and a more modern appeal.
The third-generation Laser was available with a variety of engine choices, including a 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The 2.0L engine became available in the sportier models, providing an exhilarating driving experience for those who sought more performance from their compact vehicle.
The model’s suspension was also enhanced to improve handling and ride comfort, making the third-generation Laser an ideal choice for drivers seeking a balance between comfort, practicality, and performance.
b. Transition from Hatchbacks to Sedans
By the mid-1990s, the Australian small car market was evolving, and many buyers were leaning toward more practical body styles. The Ford Laser responded to this shift by offering more sedan variants, along with the traditional hatchback. The sedan versions provided more rear seat space and a larger trunk, catering to growing demand from families looking for a more versatile vehicle.
This generation of the Laser was also notable for its increased focus on safety, with improved structural integrity, better crash protection, and modern safety features like airbags and ABS available in select trims.
Key Specifications (1994-2002)
- Engine Options: 1.6L inline-4, 1.8L inline-4, 2.0L inline-4 (sport models)
- Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- Power Output: 75-140 hp (GTi version)
- Fuel Economy: 7.5-8.5L/100 km
- Top Speed: 180 km/h (2.0L version)
- 0-100 km/h: 9-11 seconds
- Length: 4,135 mm
- Width: 1,695 mm
- Height: 1,430 mm
- Curb Weight: 950-1,050 kg
The third-generation Laser proved to be an enduring success for Ford in Australia, thanks to its increased level of comfort, a wide array of body styles, and solid performance.
5. The Fourth Generation Ford Laser (2002-2005)
a. The End of an Era
By the early 2000s, the small car segment in Australia had seen a shift toward greater competition, with manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai offering strong contenders in the market. The fourth-generation Ford Laser arrived in 2002, marking the final iteration of the model before it was discontinued in 2005. By this point, the Laser had transformed into a more modern and refined vehicle, with sleek body lines and improved interior features. The car offered better fuel efficiency, more advanced technology, and a range of trim levels that catered to different customer needs.
Ford, by this stage, was focusing on developing more advanced models for the Australian market, and the Laser was slowly phased out in favor of the newer Ford Focus, which was positioned as the next-generation small car from the company. The final generation of the Ford Laser was an appropriate culmination of the car’s evolution, blending style, performance, and practicality.
Key Specifications (2002-2005)
- Engine Options: 1.6L inline-4, 1.8L inline-4
- Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- Power Output: 100-120 hp
- Fuel Economy: 7.0-8.0L/100 km
- Top Speed: 180 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: 9-10 seconds
- Length: 4,180 mm
- Width: 1,715 mm
- Height: 1,420 mm
- Curb Weight: 1,050 kg
6. Sales Figures and Popularity of the Ford Laser in Australia
The Ford Laser enjoyed solid sales throughout its production years, with over 500,000 units sold in Australia between 1981 and 2005. Its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality made it a popular choice for first-time car buyers, families, and businesses. The Laser was often seen as a reliable alternative to the more expensive small cars in the market.
- 1981-1987: The first-generation Laser was a strong entry into the Australian market, with steady sales.
- 1987-1994: The second-generation Laser saw significant growth in sales, thanks to its improved design and features.
- 1994-2002: The third-generation Laser solidified its place as one of the top-selling small cars in Australia during the 1990s.
- 2002-2005: The fourth-generation Laser saw sales decline as competition increased and consumers turned to more modern alternatives.
7. Conclusion: The Ford Laser’s Legacy in Australia
Over its two-decade production run, the Laser became synonymous with practicality, reliability, and affordability. As a compact car, it offered Australians an ideal choice for everyday transportation, with various body styles, engine options, and features to suit a range of buyers.