| Ford Telstar | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Mazda Capella Mazda 626 |
| Production | 1982–1999 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car (1982–1987) Mid-size car (1987–1999) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Cortina Ford Sierra (South Africa) |
| Successor | Ford Mondeo Mazda6 |
The Ford Telstar is an automobile that was sold by Ford in Asia, Australasia and Africa, comparable in size to the European Ford Sierra and the North American Ford Tempo. It was progressively replaced by the Ford Mondeo. The car was named after the Telstar satellite.
Like the smaller Ford Laser, the Telstar was based on a model produced by Mazda in Japan. It shared its platform with the Mazda Capella/626, the differences being confined to some styling, engine sizes, and specification. The first model was launched in Japan in 1982. The Australian launch occurred in 1983, replacing the Ford Cortina. Unlike the Cortina, the Telstar was usually only available as a sedan or five-door hatchback (known as the TX5). However, after 1988, a Telstar version of the 626 wagon was sold in Japan and New Zealand.
In Taiwan, it was assembled using complete knock-down kits from 1983 via the local joint venture Ford Lio Ho in left-hand drive.[1][2] It remained in production in Malaysia until early 2001. It was also sold in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Cyprus and the Philippines.
- ^ "Plant Information". Ford Motor Company. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009.
- ^ Japanese Motor Business. Economist Intelligence Unit. 1994. p. 56.
Ford's Taiwanese affiliate, Ford Lio Ho, has been involved in the alliance. Ford Lio Ho makes the Ford Festiva (based on the previous generation Mazda 121), the Ford Laser and the Ford Telstar, as well as commercial vehicles based on the Mazda Bongo.