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GC
Mazda 626
AR - AS Ford Telstar
1983 - 1987
After the success of the Mazda 323/Ford
Laser venture, where the same car was developed and released
under the two brands, it was seen that there were more
opportunities. With the introduction of the second generation
GC Mazda 626, the first generation AR Ford Telstar was
introduced to replace the TF Ford Cortina. The two cars
were the same car, with essentially badges and cometic
changes setting them apart.
The GC 626 model was
released in Australia in February 1983 replacing the
CB 626. The AR Ford Telstar was released in May 1983
with the facelifted AS Telstar being released in September
1985. The GC 626 and AS Telstar were replaced by the
GD 626 and AT Telstar models respectively in Australia
in October 1987.
Model:
GC10E1 626, SE, Deluxe, Super Deluxe Sedan Feb 1983 - Sept
1987
Engine OHC 4 cyl.1998cc petrol/carby,
4 cyl. 2 Ltr. Diesel avail - 1984, 4 speed floor (std. Special),
5 speed floor (std. Deluxe/Special Deluxe), T-Bar 3 speed
Auto (opt.), front wheel drive.
Model: GC10E1 626, SE,
Deluxe, Super Deluxe Hatchback Feb 1983 - Sept 1987
Engine OHC 4 cyl. 1998cc carby,
front wheel drive (Super Deluxe fuel injected turbo from 1986),
5 speed floor (std.), T-Bar 3 speed auto (opt.), Super Deluxe
turbo manual transmission only.
Model: GC10E1 626 Super
Deluxe, Super Deluxe Turbo EGI Coupe Feb 1983 - Sept 1987
Engine OHC 4 cyl. 1998cc carby.
Front wheel drive. 5 speed floor (std.), T-Bar 3 speed Auto
(opt.). Super Deluxe turbo (1986 - 1987) manual trans only.
Released: September
1985
Models: Sedan- GL, Ghia; Hatch- TX5, TX5 Ghia,
TX5 Turbo
Price: $12,420 - $16,674
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl 70kW, 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl 87kW
Origin: Japan, Australia
AS
Ford Telstar GL Sedan
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AS
Ford Telstar GL Sedan
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AS
Ford Telstar Ghia
Sedan |
AS
Ford Telstar TX5 Ghia
Hatch |
AS
Ford Telstar TX5 Turbo Hatch
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AS
Ford Telstar TX5 Turbo Hatch
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Both cars were awarded Wheels
Car of the Year in 1983
"For the first time in its 21-year
history, Australia's most prestigious award for automotive
excellence - and the world's longest running Car of
the Year - has gone to more than one manufacturer.
The point is, of course, that although two car makers
are involved, the product they sell is, in fact, one
car.
"And that car, whether it be
the fully imported Mazda 626, of the locally [Australian]
assembled Ford Telstar, has become the standard bearer
in the most competitive class in the Australian motor
industry. Its success is a tribute to the expertise
of the Japanese and Australians involved in its creation
and execution. Its success in Australia was almost
taken for granted, although few people imagined it
would turn the medium-sized class on its ear so quickly."
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The GC Mazda 626 sat as the
medium-sized model in Mazda's 1983 Australian range at introduction:
The AR Ford Telstar
sat as the medium-sized model in Ford Australia's
1983 passenger range at introduction:
The AS Ford Telstar sat as
the medium-sized model in Ford Australia's 1985 passenger
range at introduction:
Competitors at the introduction
of the GC Mazda 626 and AR Ford Telstar:
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