Ford Meteor is First Produced
Dating from 1981, Ford Meteor was the name given to the sedan version of the Ford Laser, based on the Mazda Familia (323) in markets including Australia and South Africa.[1][2] Following much the same strategy in Europe was the Ford Orion, a four-door saloon which had Escort mechanicals. It ran from 1983 to 1993, and like the Meteor was absorbed into the range from which it was spawned.
When the Meteor was released in Australia in 1981 as the GA series, it replaced the larger Cortina, although this was a temporary measure before the Telstar was introduced. The Meteor name was dropped in Australia in 1987, with the Laser name used instead, but survived in South Africa, where it was used from 1986 to 1995.
The Meteor grille differed slightly and was available on one other model: a home-market Mazda Familia sedan. Replacing the Laser's amber indicators were white ones, and the grille had more of an "egg-crate" pattern than the plain black slats of the Laser. The Meteor also had larger headlights than the Laser, which had smaller ones "sunken" into the bodyshell. In Australia, it was only available with a 1.6 litre engine at launch, in GL and Ghia trims—the 1.1 or 1.3 were not offered. Naturally, it had a hard job replacing the Cortina, which had engines beginning at 2.0 litre, up to a 4.1 litre six-cylinder, as well as a station wagon option.
A mid-term facelift in 1983 dubbed GB brought the range closer together, with the same front end, though Meteors continued as a separate and slightly more premium line.
The Meteor tended to attract older buyers, so much so that when the 1985 Laser sedan was launched, it was felt that they would not mind if the vehicle shared its sheetmetal with the Mazda 323. However, from 1985, the Laser hatchbacks all had unique panels. Unlike Australia, the second-generation sedans were still badged Meteor in South Africa.
Backing up the Laser was the Meteor - a rather conventional 3-box sedan available in three versions - and all fitted with the larger 1.5 litre engine. The model designations were Meteor GL, Ghia and Ghia HP (High Performance), and the 4 speed manual transmission was not available.
The Laser/Meteor range was a pleasantly straight forward product which had established itself as a number one in the small car market by the end of 1982, with sales in excess of 50,000. Meteor backed this performance right from its introduction in March 1983.
The Meteor update included involved the introduction of new "European" style seating, improved brakes and refinements in the areas of road holding and ride. The engine also met with improvements with the boost of electronic ignition and a more efficient alternator, improvements which helped the little car produce even better economy and performance.
Other changes to engine mounts and exhaust systems resulted in a quieter car all round, and the Aussie made springs and rerated shock absorbers produced a better ride and road holding characteristics.
As for the Laser, changes from KA to KB included a raft of cosmetic improvements which included such things as a new aerodynamic sloping nose incorporating a new design grille, flush fitting headlights, different bumpers and front apron air intakes as well as the mechanical changes implemented with the Meteor.
Driving dynamics and performance for both the Laser and Meteor were excellent, both the 1.3 and 1.5 engines proving to be responsive. The twin carburettor Sport and Ghia High Performance models were a fun drive, adding a little zest to the range. The handling was light and responsive with minimal torque steering from the front drive system, and you could even option power steering.
Both Laser and Meteor may have been badge-engineered versions, but they did give Ford the most competitive and sought after small cars on the market.
Dating from 1981 Ford Meteor was the name given to the sedan version of the Ford Laser in some markets. The Meteor grille differed slightly and was available on one other model: a home-market Mazda Familia sedan. Replacing the Laser’s amber indicators were white ones, and the grille had more of an “egg-crate” pattern than the plain black slats of the Laser. The Meteor also had larger headlights than the Laser, which had smaller ones “sunken” into the bodyshell. In Australia, it was only available with a 1.6 L engine at launch, in GL and Ghia trims – the 1.1 or 1.3 were not offered. Naturally, it had a hard job replacing the Cortina, which had engines beginning at 2.0 L, up to a 4.1 L six-cylinder, as well as a station wagon option. A mid-term facelift in 1983 brought the range closer together, with the same front end, though Meteors continued as a separate and slightly more premium line. The Meteor tended to attract older buyers, so much so that when the 1985 Laser sedan was launched, it was felt that they would not mind if the vehicle shared its sheetmetal with the Mazda 323. However, from 1985, the Laser hatchbacks all had unique panels.
