THE SR2 Laser doesn't return Ford to days of the TX3 Turbo 4WD but its renewed focus on the small five-door carves a good dose of character from the Mazda clone. Performance from the 2.0-litre engine is excellent and handling better than ever, though in the all-important appearance and interior fit-out stakes - as enticing as the new look is - the SR2 lacks exclusivity. It dampens what is otherwise an excellent package with anti-lock brakes and all the electric goodies thrown in.

Ford Laser KJ/KJII/KJIII
Released: October 1994
Ended: March 1999
Family Tree: LaserThe front-drive, Mazda 323-based Laser once ruled the small car class, but the move to full importation shifted Ford's focus away from the car as a volume seller. Three and five-door hatches, plus a four-door sedan, were offered. Two twin-cam four-cylinder engines were available - a 1.6-litre and a 1.8-litre.
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