• The Ford Laser, developed by Mazda, was available in Asia.chinese map image by yang xiaofeng from Fotolia.com
  
  In 1980, production began on the Ford Laser, a compact car meant to be sold in Asia, Australia and parts of South America and Africa. Since Ford had acquired a 25-percent stake in Mazda the previous year, the American automaker put Mazda in charge of developing the Laser. A restyled version of the Mazda 323 and Familia models, the Laser was meant to be the Ford Escort's replacement in the Asia-Pacific market. The KE series of Lasers sold from 1987 to 1989 and were available in sedan, hatchback and wagon body styles.
  
  

Available Models

• The 1989 KE Laser came in four main trim types: the L, the GL, the GHIA and the TX3. The Laser L, available as a hatchback or wagon, was a bare-bones model marketed toward the budget buyer. It had no extra features of any kind. The Laser GL was manufactured in all body styles and was the most popular model. Its features included two rear-view mirrors, body moldings and an AM/FM radio with cassette player. The TX3 model, in addition to the features seen on the GL, came with alloy wheels, red insert strips on the moldings and bumpers and a black tailgate. A turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive were options on the TX3. Laser's top-of-the-line model, the Ghia, had black steel wheels, body-colored mirrors and chrome inserts in the moldings and bumpers. Interior features included velour trim, a driver's seat with lumbar support and height adjust, a tachometer and additional warning lights in the instrument cluster. Two limited edition Lasers were also released in 1989: the Redline and the Livewire. Both models included upscale features and were based on the GL hatchback.
  
  

Engines and Transmission

• In 1989 the Ford Laser used five Mazda engines. The B3 engine, in the L and GL models, was a 1.3-liter, eight-valve, single-overhead cam with 67 hp. The B5, which was in the GL and Ghia, was a 1.5-liter, eight-valve SOHC engine with 76 horsepower. The B6F, seen in the Ghia and TX3, was a 1.6-liter, eight-valve SOHC engine with 85 horsepower. The Laser TX3 turbo came with either the B6D or the B6T engine, both 1.6-liter, 16-valve DOHC with 110 horsepower and 140 horsepower, respectively. The 1989 Ford Laser came with three transmission options: a four-speed manual, a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.
  
  

Exterior and Interior

• The Laser KE series underwent numerous changes from the previous KC series. Differences included a redesigned front grill, and headlight and taillight treatments. The hood, body side moldings and front guards were also revamped, and some models received different wheels. In mid-1989, all models were fitted with a high-mount rear stoplight. Inside, the dashboard and instrument cluster had new graphics with different color options.