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Ford Laser KA Mar 1981 - Feb 1983 (NZ)

Debut of Ford Laser, based off the BD Mazda Familia platform with different nosecone (vaguely Cortina-like) and rear taillights, a motif which would carry on for the rest of production. Three engine choices and four trim grades initially available in either sedan or hatchback form (L, GL, Ghia and Sport). E5S twin carb engine added to lineup in early 1982 with introduction of revised Sport model.

Ford Laser KB Mar 1983 - Sep 1985 (NZ) Jan 1983 - Dec 1984 (Japan)

'Mark II' Laser introduced with rounder front-end treatment and restyled taillights. Wheezy, underpowered E1 engine dropped from lineup but E3, E5 and E5S carry on unchanged. Laser debuts in Japan with this model, marketed through special Ford Autorama dealerships and the first EGI and turbocharged models also appear at this time (Japan only). E5T carb introduced June 1985; this was a special limited edition run only in NZ/Australia.

Ford Laser KC Oct 1985 - Sep 1987 (NZ) Jan 1985 - Mar 1987 (Japan)

Brand new Laser introduced, now based off BF Familia platform. As before, sedan and wagon variants share the same look as their Familia counterparts but with restyled lights, however hatch variant receives totally new sheetmetal and becomes known as the 'bubbleback' for its unique rear hatch shape. E3 and E5 retained, but twin carb dropped in favour of new B6F EGI engine. B6T also debuts with an impressive 140ps. TX3 replaces Sport in model lineup except in Japan which receives a number of other unique models - notably Cabriolet and TX3 turbo. Full-time 4WD introduced (Japan only) and is available with a choice of either B6T or E5 engines.

Ford Laser KE Oct 1987 - Sep 1989 (NZ) Apr 1987 - Mar 1989 (Japan)

Restyled front end and taillight treatment mark the introduction of the KE series. B6T finally arrives in New Zealand, albeit in slightly detuned form, along with full-time 4WD. TX3 receives unique quad-headlight arrangement (NZ only) as a result of this, and Ghia goes upmarket with B6F engine now equipped. XL trim grade is added between L and GL in the NZ lineup while E3 and E5 engines are retired in favour of the new B3 and B5. Japanese model lineup grows slightly more convoluted with introduction of new and revised trim grades - TX3 becomes turbo-only with S now filling the gap as the 'sporty' N/A model.

Ford Laser KF Oct 1989 - Sep 1991 (NZ) Apr 1989 - Dec 1990 (Japan)
Ford Laser KH Oct 1991 - Sep 1994 (NZ) Jan 1991 - May 1994 (Japan)

Third generation Laser debuts with radical new look, the first and only to be designed by Ford of America which is reflected in the rounder, slightly bulbous shape. Chassis platform is now BG Familia. Hatch variant dropped in favour of coupe (3-door) and liftback (5-door) while wagon continues to 1996 as older KE shape. B6T is dropped and new B5 DOHC (Japan only), BP DOHC, and BPT are introduced; all other engines carry over but receive new 16-valve heads, revised compression ratios and intake systems. TX3 receives BP DOHC in New Zealand but interestingly no turbo option is ever offered. In Japan, TX3 is replaced entirely by GT-X with three choices of engine including 180ps turbo.