Ford Telstar
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.<ref name = "Ford Lio Ho, plant Information">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It remained in production in Malaysia until early 2001. It was also sold in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Cyprus and the Philippines.
Template:AnchorFirst generation (AR, AS; 1982–1987)Edit
Ford introduced the AR series Telstar sedan and hatchback to the Japanese market in October 1982—a rebadged and lightly restyled version of the then new front-wheel drive, Mazda 626 (GC)—both manufactured at Mazda's Hōfu production line.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The updated styling relative to the Mazda was performed by Ford Australia.<ref name="Car of the Year: Highs & Lows">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This restyling effort made up part of the Template:AUD Ford Australia spent on the Telstar, including setting up local production facilities.<ref name="Telstar should keep Ford on top">Template:Cite news</ref> A drag coefficient of Template:Cd was achieved for the AR hatchback.<ref name="Telstar has looks but needs better suspension">Template:Cite news</ref>
The Telstar filled the gap in Ford Australia's product line-up left by the TF Cortina in 1981.<ref name="Telstar should keep Ford on top"/> The Ford Meteor sedan had been positioned as a stop-gap replacement, despite occupying the segment below.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>The right blend at the right time, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 May 1982</ref>
The AR Telstar was introduced to Australia in May 1983,<ref name="GoAuto Telstar">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with GL, S and Ghia sedans, plus the TX5 and TX5 Ghia hatchbacks.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H.">Template:Cite news</ref> For the local market, assembly occurred at Ford's Broadmeadows plant using complete knock-down (CKD) kits.<ref name="Ford sportscar to oust Telstar"/><ref name="Unique Cars and Parts AT/AV">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> To free up plant capacity for the Ford Falcon (XF), production of the Telstar TX5 switched to Japan, with dealerships receiving the first shipments in February 1985.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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At launch, features unique to the AR series TX5 Ghia included an electric drivers' seat with adjustable side bolsters and electronic dashboard with LED tachometer and digital speedometer.<ref name="Telstar comes in two body shapes">Template:Cite news</ref> Fluorescent vertical bars record the fuel level and engine temperature.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> Air conditioning was optional on all models, as was power steering on all except GL, S, and TX5 manuals.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> The S model added a height adjustable driver's seat and featured different upholstery over the GL.<ref name="Telstar should keep Ford on top"/>
The AR series offered four- and five-speed manuals and three-speed automatic transmissions.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> The four-speed was standard on Telstar GL, with the five-speed standard on the remaining models, and the automatic optional on all models.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> There was only one engine on offer—a Template:Convert and Template:Convert, 2.0-litre with carburettor.<ref name="Used car review Ford Telstar/Mazda 626 1983–1987">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After initially importing engines, Ford commenced manufacture at its Norlane, Geelong facility in late 1983, taking the place of the former V8 powerplant at the facility.<ref name="Telstar should keep Ford on top"/><ref name="Telstar has looks but needs better suspension"/>
Local changes for the Australian model included front seat modifications which improved headroom, and suspension tuning.<ref name="Telstar comes in two body shapes"/> The suspension was fully independent, with a coil/strut system fitted, incorporating anti-dive and negative offset geometry to aid stability in slippery conditions and under heavy braking.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> Anti-roll bars were fitted front and rear.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> The TX5 suspension also featured electronic variable shock absorbers—adjustable via a dashboard buttons for normal, automatic or sport.<ref name="New Ford Telstar released at V.H."/> Along with the 626, the Telstar was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1983.<ref name="Car of the Year: Highs & Lows"/>
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A facelifted model (the AS) arrived to Australia in September 1985.<ref name="GoAuto Telstar"/> This comprised minor restyling to the front and rear, a comprehensively updated interior, improved suspension, revised trim and more features.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Front turn signals were relocated from the headlamps to the bumper, with side repeaters added to the wrap-around sections of the front bumper.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range">Template:Cite news</ref> Taillamps for the sedan were restyled, and all models received new hubcaps or alloys.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> GL was now fitted with a left-hand side wing mirror, with Ghia models gaining electric mirror operation.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> The AS update also benefited from tinted side and rear glass for the GL sedan.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> Analogue instrumentation was now standard across the range,<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> dispensing with the digital setup used previously by the TX5 Ghia.<ref name="Telstar comes in two body shapes"/> The new centre console housed audio equipment, a storage tray, gear lever and, on Ghia models, power window switches.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> Telstar GL and the base TX5 offered a more basic hand brake console integrating an ashtray for rear passengers.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> Ghia models featured an armrest console with acrylic "smoked glass" lid to provide extra storage.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> Compared to the AR series, console storage space for Ghia models was increased, as was glove compartment capacity across all trims.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> The seats were also revised—the work of Ford Australia—and a modification that only applied to the Ford-badged cars.<ref name="Telstar no longer a pacesetter but still gives good value">Template:Cite news</ref> Other interior changes included those made to the stalk-mounted switchgear, and a new digital clock in the centre of the dashboard benefitting from a glare-prevention hood.<ref name="Telstar no longer a pacesetter but still gives good value"/> The clock was previously located awkwardly ahead of the gear lever.<ref name="Telstar has looks but needs better suspension"/>
Suspension changes for the AS series included uprated rear springs and reduction in rear anti-roll bar diameter.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> Improvements were also made to the TX5 Ghia's adjustable suspension.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> In terms of braking, Ghias were now fitted with four-wheel disc brakes; Telstar GL and TX5 retained front discs and rear drums.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/> Ventilated front disc brakes and semi-metallic pads were now fitted across the range to provide, in conjunction with the brake cooling ducts in the front valance, increased brake cooling capacity and reduced brake fade and squeal.<ref name="1985 Telstar Range"/>
In 1985, Ford sold 20,982 Telstars in Australia—the eighth best selling nameplate.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In March 1986, the TX5 Turbo flagship launched in Australia, with an Template:Convert and Template:Convert engine tied to a five-speed manual.<ref name="Turbopowered TX5 is unveiled by Ford">Template:Cite news</ref> Standard equipment over the Ghia trim included two-tone paint, alloy wheels, rear spoiler, three-spoke steering wheel, air conditioning, power steering, and Pioneer sound system.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Also in 1986, all Telstars were updated to run on unleaded petrol.<ref name="Used car review Ford Telstar/Mazda 626 1983–1987"/>
In New Zealand, the Telstar, like the Laser, was assembled locally from 1983 (replacing the highly successful Cortina range) at Ford's original Seaview plant near Lower Hutt and later at the Ford/Mazda joint venture plant in Wiri, Auckland, called Vehicle Assemblers of New Zealand (VANZ).<ref>Transactions of the Institution of Engineers, Australia: Mechanical engineering, Volumes 15-16, Institution of Engineers, Australia, 1989, page 163</ref> The mechanically identical European specification Mazda 626 and Mazda 323 were initially assembled separately by Motor Holdings in Otahuhu but later joined the Telstar and Laser at VANZ.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It was launched in July, 1983.<ref name=whp20>Template:Cite journal</ref> The first generation Telstar was available in New Zealand in both sedan and TX5 hatchback forms, using Mazda 1.6- and 2.0-litre four cylinder engines.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> However, the absence of a station wagon version, in a market where there was strong demand for such vehicles, prompted Ford New Zealand to introduce a locally assembled Sierra wagon in 1984.<ref>The Motor, Volume 168, Temple Press Limited, 1985, page 32</ref><ref name="My Unintentional COAL">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:AnchorSecond generation (AT, AV; 1987–1992)Edit
The original generation Telstar was replaced in Australia in October 1987 with a refreshed version, called the AT series.<ref name="GoAuto Telstar"/> Ford rebadged and lightly restyled the Mazda 626 (GD) for the AT series sedan and TX5 hatchback.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A station wagon was also available, built on the GD-based GV platform, which was unique to Japan and New Zealand.<ref name="My Unintentional COAL"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The facelifted AV model was released in Australia in January 1990,<ref name="GoAuto Telstar"/> distinguished by a new grille, trim and wheels.<ref name="GoAuto AV">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In the Australian market, the range was now imported from Japan to make room for the Capri convertible on the Broadmeadows line.<ref name="Ford sportscar to oust Telstar"/><ref name="Unique Cars and Parts AT/AV"/> The switch from local assembly was made possible by the accumulation of import credits obtained from the export of the Capri to the United States.<ref name="Ford sportscar to oust Telstar"/><ref name="Unique Cars and Parts AT/AV"/> The base GL sedan and hatchback carried over the AS's 2.0-litre inline-four engine producing Template:Convert, while Ghia models featured a 2.2-litre 12-valve inline-four with Template:Convert.<ref name="GoAuto AT">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The flagship TX5 Turbo used a variation of the 2.2-litre engine, rated at Template:Convert on premium fuel and gaining anti-lock brakes.<ref name="GoAuto AT"/> Power output for the Turbo dropped to Template:Convert when running on regular fuel.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Multiple image
Telstar sedans in Australia were discontinued in October 1989 due to the expense of importing them from Japan, solved by switching to the locally assembled Ford Corsair—a rebadged and facelifted Nissan Pintara (U12).<ref>The Bulletin, Volumes 114-115, 1993, page 70</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Under the Button plan, Ford and Nissan were to share models.<ref>Business Review Weekly: BRW, Volume 12, Issues 29-34, page 44</ref>
The two were instead sold side-by-side in the Ford range until the third generation Telstar was introduced in 1992.<ref name="GoAuto AV"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Between 1990 and 1992, the Telstar (AV series) was only available as the Japanese-built, high-performance TX5 hatchback in Australia.<ref name="GoAuto AV"/> However, the Corsair proved less popular than the Telstar had been, losing sales dramatically during 1991.<ref>International Motor Business, Volumes 149-152, Economist Intelligence Unit, 1992, page 68-80</ref>
In New Zealand, by contrast, the range remained unchanged, although it was later complemented by the Sierra, this time imported from Belgium in small volumes as premium models, rather than assembled locally. Neither the Corsair nor the Pintara were sold in New Zealand, but a similar model, the Nissan Bluebird, was offered in the local market.
In Malaysia, the Telstar continued to be assembled by Amim Holdings after a brief hiatus, reaching the market in March 1988. It was offered as a 1.8-litre five-speed manual Ghia sedan or 2.0-litre automatic TX5 hatchback.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In early 1990, a facelifted model was shown, with a new, smaller grille, modified taillights and a new 12-valve engine replacing the previous 2.0-litre. The 1.8-litre continued with Template:Convert while the new 2.0-litre engine offered Template:Convert. There were three models on offer; the 1.8 sedan, 2.0 Ghia sedan, and 2.0 Ghia TX5.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In Indonesia, this generation was marketed as the "Ford Telstar Grand" (four-door sedan) and "Ford Telstar Thunder" (five-door liftback). The only engine was the carburetted, 12-valve, 2.0-liter four as per Malaysia; claimed power was Template:Cvt at 5,300 rpm while maximum torque was Template:Cvt at 3,300 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed automatic an available option on the Telstar Grand.
In Japan, this generation was sold from May 1987 until October 1991;<ref name=DeAg75>Template:Citation</ref> the station wagon, however, was introduced in September 1990 (two years after its Capella Cargo sister) and continued to be built until October 1997. In Japan, the Telstar received 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol fours with power from Template:Cvt or a 2-litre Comprex diesel with Template:Cvt.<ref name=DeAg75/> In June 1989, a twin-cam 1.8-liter engine with Template:Cvt was added, while the 2-liter DOHC engine received a 10-horsepower increase and now required higher-octane gasoline. After the sedans and liftbacks had been discontinued, the remaining station wagon lineup wa continuously updated and adjusted, with a 4WD diesel model added in August 1992 and the offroad-inspired Telstar Canoa Wagon arriving in November 1994 to capitalize on Japan's so-called "RV Boom". The Canoa corresponds to the similar Capella Wagon FX.
Template:AnchorThird generation (AX, AY; 1991–1997)Edit
Following the introduction of the GE platform Mazda 626, Ford introduced its Telstar version to Japan in October 1991 at Japanese Ford dealerships called Autorama. In Japan the GE-based Telstar was available in a range of sedan models with all four cylinder and V6 engine options and a TX5 hatchback range featuring only the V6 engines. The GV platform Telstar wagon also continued alongside the sedan and hatchback. All variants were available in a large variety of trim levels, with many offering high levels of equipment in comparison to other markets. All were replaced by the GF platform based Telstar in 1997.
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The AX series came to Australia in December 1992. Then followed the decision by Nissan to end Nissan Pintara manufacturing in Australia during 1992, whereby Ford's rebadged version, the Corsair was also discontinued. This left the Telstar as the Ford's sole offering in the mid-size segment of the market.
This model was voted as Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1992. Trim levels were GLX, Ghia and Ghia 4WS. Four-wheel steering was offered in the top-of-the-range Telstar TX5. A facelifted AY model appeared in August 1994. The Telstar was replaced in Australia by the Mondeo in 1995.
New Zealand, like Australia received the AX Telstar in 1992, followed by the AY in late 1994. NZ versions were offered in GLi, GLEi, Ghia sedan and TX5i, TX5 XRi hatchback forms, using 1.8 & 2.0-litre four cylinder and 2.5-litre V6 engines. The wagon version of the previous generation Telstar continued in local production along with the previous generation sedan offered as an entry-level model called the Telstar Orion. Both models retained the earlier 2.0-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine. All Telstar models were assembled alongside a similar lineup of Mazda 626 models (except for the Ford-only Orion) at the Ford-Mazda joint venture Vehicle Assemblers of New Zealand (VANZ) plant in Wiri, South Auckland.
When the first Mondeos were offered abroad, Ford New Zealand offered the four cylinder AY sedan in two trim levels: Telstar Contour and Telstar Mystique (named after the respective US Ford and Mercury versions of the Mondeo) as a replacement for the GLi and GLEi respectively. Also in the AY lineup was a Telstar Eurosport V6 sedan (replacing the V6 GLEi) and upgraded TX5i and TX5 XRi hatchback models.
A limited edition V6 sedan with tuned suspension and unique trim, known as the Telstar Radisich after the New Zealand racing driver Paul Radisich was also sold locally.<ref>This month in automotive history, New Zealand Herald, 16 November 1994</ref> This was released in two runs of 100 cars each, firstly in 1994 (based on the AX GLEi) and again in 1996 (based closely on the AY Eurosport).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Notable features of the model are 16-inch ROH Astron alloy wheels, the 'aero' body kit (similar to the TX5 XRi) and Radisich insignia decals.
Local assembly of the Telstar ceased along with all other Ford and Mazda models in 1997 when the VANZ Auckland plant closed.<ref>The New Zealand Official Year-book, Volume 101, New Zealand. Department of Statistics, Government Printer, 1998, page 449</ref> It was replaced in all forms by the Belgian-built Mondeo range. The Telstar was always a popular seller for Ford New Zealand.
In South Africa, the Telstar replaced the Sierra in 1993, being assembled by Samcor alongside the Mazda 626.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> As in New Zealand, a Telstar Contour and Telstar Mystique were offered. In 1998, the Telstar was replaced by the Mondeo, which was later fully imported.
In Malaysia, the third generation Telstar arrived in August 1992. It was initially available as a four-cylinder 2.0-litre sedan or as a better-equipped hatchback (designated "TX-5") which came with a V6 engine, also of 2.0-litre displacement. The four-cylinder model was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while the V6 received a four-speed automatic.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Later, the Template:Convert V6 was also installed in the sedan and became available coupled to a manual transmission in the TX-5. In 1997, the Telstar in Malaysia received a new grille insert and the automatic transmission eventually found its way into the 4-cylinder 16-valve 2.0-litre engine variant.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Production ended in early 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, unsold stock lasted until 2003.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In Indonesia, this generation was offered with the 2-liter inline-four or the 2.5-liter V6, and was sold as the Telstar Brilliant (four-door sedan) and the Telstar Challenge (five-door liftback).
Fourth generation (1994–1997)Edit
Template:Infobox automobile Between 1994 and 1997, a model known as the Telstar II was produced alongside the Mazda Capella on the CG platform. Both the Telstar II and this generation of the Capella were only sold on the Japanese market.
Fifth generation (1997–1999)Edit
The last Telstar, based on the GF platform, was released in 1997 but was again only available in Japan as Ford was now marketing the Mondeo in the Asian-Pacific region. It was only available as a sedan and wagon, with no liftback version available.
The Telstar was dropped by Ford of Japan in 1999 as the company sought to differentiate itself from Mazda by concentrating on European and American Ford models. Telstars were briefly available with Mazda's four-wheel steering.
ReferencesEdit
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