ford laser 1st started life in early 80s in collaboration with mazda. difference only in front end and rear end panels.
ford of japan is like sister company to ford of north america and also ford of europe in a way that they use similar brand name and Ghia badge for its flagship model.
in 1986, laser got a new model, also similar to mazda 323. this time, a sporty model was also introduced called TX3. this was in line with ford of other regions. ford of europe for example called its sports series XR eg. fiesta XR2, escort XR3/XR3i, sierra XR4i/XR4x4.
the bigger telstar model sports a version called TX5.
1986 ford TX3 was special in malaysia. it was a rare 3 door hatchback, and one of the first to utilise EFI in its powerplant.
in 1990, all new laser was out. the shape is similar to a sampan upside down, thus the nick sampan.
the TX3 model was very popular, being bigger than the previous version and with bigger 1.8 engine with DOHC and 16 valve producing about 130-140bhp.
in 1995 another all new model was launched called Laser Lynx. the TX3 was there too but it became less popular as it became more expensive even though better equipped and better looking with 2 rounded lights.
latest laser lynx does not have a TX3 version this time but instead called RS. this is similar to what ford of europe had done, naming their most powerful Focus as RS and not Focus XR3.
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