Review: Ford KN Laser (1999-01)

Overview

Released in March 1999, the Ford KN Laser was available as a small sedan or hatchback. Manufactured by Mazda in Japan, the Mk.5 Laser was based on the Mazda BJ 323 but differentiated by its styling. The Mk.5 Laser range initially consisted of LXi and GLXi variants, powered by 1.6- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines respectively; transmission choices were a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. In January 2001, the range was expanded by a limited-run ‘R’ variant hatchback.

Dimensions and developments

Compared to its Mk.4 predecessor, the Mk.5 Laser hatch was 34 mm longer (at 4250 mm), 5 mm narrower (1705 mm), 5 mm lower (1410 mm) and had a 5 mm longer wheelbase (2610 mm). Compared to the hatchback, the Mk.5 Laser sedan was 145 mm longer (at 4395 mm), though the other dimensions were unchanged. Furthermore, the Mk.5 Laser introduced several changes relative to its Mk.4 predecessor:

Upgraded engines provided better fuel economy;
The larger brakes had more rigid front calipers and higher friction brake pads for reduced fade and more progressive pedal feel;
The chassis utilised new triple H-frames for the roof, bodysides and floor structure for greater torsional and bending rigidity and reduced chassis vibration; and,
Changes to the front and rear suspension included stiffer lower arms, bushes and indirectly mounted stabiliser, revised damping rates for improved ride quality.

Suspension

The Mk.5 Laser had MacPherson strut front suspension and ‘quadralink’ multi-link rear suspension.

Ford KN Laser specifications
Variant	Body	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
LXi	Sedan, hatchback	1.6-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	78 kW at 5500 rpm	145 Nm at 4000 rpm
R	Hatchback	1.6-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	78 kW at 5500 rpm	145 Nm at 4000 rpm
GLXi	Sedan, hatchback	1.8-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	90 kW at 6000 rpm	163 Nm at 4000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the KN Laser consisted of a driver’s airbag.

Features

Standard features for the Laser LXi included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, Mosaic cloth seat trim, a height adjustable driver’s seat and tilt adjustable steering wheel. Hatchback models also had 60/40 split and folding rear seats which could fold forward to create a flat floor.

The Laser GLXi was further equipped with Inca velour seat trim and central locking. From July 1999, the GLXi also featured remote central locking as standard.

December 1999 and February 2000 updates

In December 1999, the KN Laser range underwent a minor update with the introduction of new colour options and the LXi was fitted with central locking as standard. Interior trims were also revised as the Mosaic trim in the LXi was replaced with carousel velour inserts with plain twill borders; the GLXi, however, retained its Inca and plain velour trim.

From February 2000, KN Laser models had a new steering wheel design, chrome interior door handles, a chrome release button on the park brake and revised instrument clusters with ‘sports design’ dials.

2001 Ford Laser R

In January 2001, a limited-run Laser R variant was released. Compared to the LXi, the R variant featured 15-inch alloy wheels and a six-stack CD player; the R could also be identified by its large bore chrome exhaust tip, ‘R’ decals and body kit which included a front air dam, rear bumper extension, high mounted spoiler, rocker mouldings and front bumper mesh inserts.