Liata, Lynx & LXi - Fords or Kias?

[Fowl Can]

We all know that the Mazda 121 and the Ford Festiva were built by Kia (and in Europe was later recycled as the Kia Pride).

ISTR hearing that the Lasers Liata, Lynx & LXi were also Kia constructs. Is/was this true? Wiki throws no bones in that direction, but as Confucius say, "He who believe Wiki, might be a dicky"

Anyway, were those Lasers really Kias or genuine (albeit Mazdas) Henrys?

[russellw]

Definitely badge shared Mazda and assembled in both Japan and at the old Homebush plant until 1994 when it was closed.

Cheers
Russ

[stock1991]

of course the KA and KB were built under licence

[Maka]

Concurring with Russell, my sons 94 KJ Laser is Mazda built in Japan & has a twin cam engine in it with Mazda embossed on the rocker cover, not a bad thing at all!

cheers, Maka

[danzvtil]

Anything with a laser badge was co developed with Mazda. Kia had no involvement with the Kj.
Incidentally, my KN LXI 5 speed manual (Japan) had Kia stamped into the side of the gearbox, and it needed shims between the gears under warranty to stop some awful rattling noises.
I think laser/Telstar from the 80s and 90s are the reason why Mazda are so successful in Australia today, they were such good cars.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I think laser/Telstar from the 80s and 90s are the reason why Mazda are so successful in Australia today, they were such good cars.

They were great cars ... my parents had a 83 KB Laser GL for ages ... and it eventually got traded for a 90 KF GHIA Manual. That thing was even better again.

[Polyal]

Yeap they were winners at the time when large sedans still ruled.

I remember being a P plater back in the early 2000's and seriously looking at a Laser Lynx, it just looked cool.

[Mechan1k]

I learnt to drive on that above Laser ... in its 14 years of ownership from new it only had one clutch done, and an ignition module replaced. Mum replaced all the suspension with Whiteline gear and had it lowered.

Was a fun car to punt along in.