Laser Range Further Developed For 1987

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 2, 9 June 1987, Page 1 (Supplement)

Laser Range Further Developed For 1987

by

'Gonzales'

It s a bit of a cliche to describe a car as new and improved but the description aptly fits the 1987 range of Ford Lasers.

The Lasers have been further developed from a car which already had an excellent reputation and does not look like surrendering it. The all new hatchback and sedan designs give more interior space without disturbing the smoother lines. The Lasers' full wrap around bumpers blend with the body-side and merge into the wheel openings. The cars' lines are softened with flush door handles, headlamps and indicators. The Laser we took for a quick spin around Taumarunui was the Hatch L, a three door hatchback. The first thing that strikes you about this particular Laser is the amount of room inside the vehicle. Before getting behind the wheel, I took a quick look in the boot and was astounded at the depth of it. I'm accustomed to a

hatchback car where the luggage space is minimal - but the Laser hatch is a different proposition. The rear seat folds down to give even more room if needed. Once behind the wheel, it'seasy to adjust such things as seats and mirrors to suit. One thing that struck me immediately when reversing, was the panoramic rear view thanks to the large back window. On the road itself, the car is easy to control with fingertip steering and the gear change is as smooth as silk. The soft feel steerin'g wheel frames the clear, crisp instrument panel and controls. The improvement from the old Laser is noticeable within the car. There's more leg, head, hip and shoulder room with no compromising of style.

The Hatch is a genuine five seater with the luxury of soft twill tweed cloth covered seats. There's more travel enjoyment with smoother, quieter performance and convenience features such as remote controlled hatch and fuel lid release, rear window wash/ wipe and a locking glovebox. The Laser hatch is a very nifty little car with its 1.3 litre engine and four speed manual floorshift transmission. However, if you find the three door hatch is not quite to your taste, then the four j door sedan, with many of | the same features, may be j more to your liking. There's even a five door hatchback with some different and upgraded features from the three door. If it's a bit of luxury you're after, then look no further than the Laser Ghia series. Finally, the Laser TX3i, which has been built to fly. We were in no doubt after our test drive that the new Ford Laser was everything the manufacturers say it is - and more.