The GE model was the fourth generation Mazda 626 replaced the GD model in January 1992. Along with it came 1990's Japanese style and gadgets and proved the be a popular model. The Series 2 GE was released in May 1994. The GV wagon remained in facelifted form released in March 1992. A further facelift came in February 1995.

. The AX Ford Telstar was also released in January 1992 and the difference between it and its Mazda twin was greater than in previous models though still very much clone products. The AY Ford Telstar facelift was introduced in September 1994. The AY proved to be the last mainstream Ford Telstar, at least in the major Australian and South East Asian markets. Although highly successful, and still regarded highly, the model was eventually squeezed out, by the introduction of the cheaper and global Ford Mondeo.

In the mid-1990s, with the fall in the Japanese economy and a lack of demand for a mid-luxury medium sized car, the next generation 626 went downmarket. The GE 626 was replaced by the GF 626 in September 1997.

GE/GV Mazda 626

GE 626 Sedan

Model: 626 GE10S1 & GE10L1 4 door sedan Jan 1992 - May 1994
Engine: DOHC 16 valve 4 cyl. 2.0 litre EGI. 5 speed manual (std.), 4 speed ECAT (opt.). Optional DOHC 24 valve V6 2.5 litre EGI version (GE10L1) has ABS, twin pipe rear muffler and alloy wheels. Integrated air-conditioning (std. - all models).

European model shown

Model: 626 GE*0*2-100001~ Sedan May 1994 - June 1997
Engine: DOHC 16 valve 4 cyl. 2.0 litre EGI or DOHC 24 valve V6 2.5 litre EGI. 5 speed manual, 4 speed ECAT. Alloy wheels, ABS & Front fog lights (std. - 2.5 litre only).

GE 626 Hatchback

Model: 626 GE10S1 and GE10L1 5 door Hatchback Jan 1992 - June 1994
Engine: DOHC 16 valve 4 cyl. 2.0 litre EGI. 5 speed manual (std.), 4 speed ECAT (opt.). Optional DOHC 24 valve V6 2.5litre EGI version (GE10L1) has ABS, twin pipe rear muffler and alloy wheels. Integrated air-conditioning (std. - all models).

Model: 626 GE*0*2-100001~ Hatchback May 1994 - June 1997
Engine: DOHC 16 valve 4 cyl. 2.0 litre EGI or DOHC 24 valve V6 2.5 litre EGI. 5 speed man. 4 speed ECAT. Drivers air bag (std. - all models). Alloy wheels, ABS & Fog lights (std. - 2.5 litre). Leather upholstery & electric front seats (2.5 litre LX). Facelift model with new covers (4 cyl.) and new alloy wheels (6 cyl.).

1992 GV 626 Wagon

Model: 626 GV10**- 300001 Wagon March 1992 - Feb 1995
Engine: SOHC 12 valve 4 cyl. 2.2 litre EGI. 5 speed manual (std. - five seater), 4 speed ECAT. (opt. - five seater; std. - seven seater). Alloy wheels and cruise control (std. - seven seater). Integrated air-conditioning (std. - all models).

Overseas model shown

 

Model: 626 GV1124-100001~ Wagon Feb 1995 - Dec 1997
Engine: SOHC 12 valve 4 cyl. 2.2 litre EGI. 5 speed manual (std. five seat), 4 speed ECAT (std. seven seat, opt. five seat). Five spoke alloy wheels (seven seater). Full wheel covers (five seater).

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AX Ford Telstar (1992-1994)

Released: January 1992
Engine:
2.0L 4-cyl 85kW @ 5500rpm, 170Nm @ 4500rpm
2.5L V6 121kW @ 5600rpm, 213Nm @ 4800rpm
Origin: Japan, Australia.e
Price: A$32,553 - A$38,257

Models (Australia)

• GLX, 2.0L, 4-cyl, Sedan, 85kW, 170Nm
• Ghia, 2.0L, 4-cyl, Sedan, 85kW, 170Nm
  Ghia, 2.5L, V6, Sedan, 121kW, 213Nm
• TX5 Ghia, 2.0L, 4-cyl, Hatch, 85kW, 170Nm
  TX5 Ghia, 2.5L, 4-cyl, Hatch, 121kW, 213Nm
• TX5 4WS Ghia, 2.5L, 4-cyl, Hatch, 121kW, 213Nm
  

	Overseas model shown
Overseas model shown
Overseas model shown
Overseas model shown

Colours

Below are the colours available on all AX Telstar and TX5 models:

Gloss: Classic Ivory, Panther Black. Mica: Shiraz, Lightning Grey, Deep Sea Green
Nautical Navy, Cherry Black. Opalescent Clearcoat: Platinum Sheen. Metallic: Carribean Blue

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AY Ford Telstar (1994-1996)

Released: September 1994
Engine:
2.0L 4-cyl 85kW @ 5500rpm, 170Nm @ 4500rpm
2.5L V6 121kW @ 5600rpm, 213Nm @ 4800rpm
Origin: Japane
Price: A$34,821 - A$46,959

Models (Australia)

• GLX, 2.0L, 4-cyl, Sedan, 85kW, 170Nm
• Ghia, 2.0L, 4-cyl, Sedan, 85kW, 170Nm
  Ghia, 2.5L, V6, Sedan, 121kW, 213Nm
• TX5 Ghia, 2.0L, 4-cyl, Hatch, 85kW, 170Nm
  TX5 Ghia, 2.5L, 4-cyl, Hatch, 121kW, 213Nm
• TX5 4WS Ghia, 2.5L, 4-cyl, Hatch, 121kW, 213Nm
  

Japanese model shown	South-East Asia model shown
	Japanese model shown
New Zealand model shown

A Telstar wagon model was released not in Australia, but in NZ and Japan based on the GV 626.

Ford Telstar wagon	Ford Telstar wagon
Ford Telstar 4WD Canoa wagon

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Ford Telstar II / Mazda Capella (1994-1996)

Built in Japan and not released in Australia, the special Telstar II was produced from 1994 through 1996, alongside the Japan-only Mazda Capella on the less wide CG platform. This was an emergency marketing measure because many believed cars wider than 1700mm wouldn't sell well in Japan, and Mazda only had wider cars in the Capella/626's class then.

Ford Telstar II	Ford Telstar II
Ford Telstar II
Mazda Capella	Mazda Capella

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Awards

This range won many automotive awards in its day. The most esteemed was the Wheels Car of the Year. Both cars were awarded Wheels Car of the Year in 1992.

"In a year not liberally endowed with impressive or groundbreaking new cars, the 626/Telstar shone brightest by far. What is more, it throws fresh light on a corner of the market where conservatism is the well-trodden road to success.

"While the specifics of which carmaker did what and when remain shrouded in a conflicting story of multicultural, multinational politics, the strengths of these cars are very clear. Foremost among these is performance of intended function. Mazda or Ford, hatch or sedan, four or V6, the 626/Telstar does the job with rare competence."

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