Ford Laser KN/KQ (1999-2002)

HISTORY
The Ford Laser started life as an Australian-tweaked and assembled version of the Mazda 323 in 1981. Later joined by a Meteor sedan version of the same car, it rocketed to best seller status as one of the first to offer big car cruising ability and comfort in a small package, qualities revived in the 1999 KN series.

Later Australian styling upgrades cemented its success until the US market dictated flabby styling for the 1990 KF series which robbed the Laser of its youthful image. After local production ended in 1994, all Lasers were built by Mazda in Japan thus reflecting Mazda's preoccupation with low, sleek shapes that restricted cabin room and luggage space. The KJ hatchback from this period was also unbelievably hot with its steeply sloping glass.

The KN series first launched in February 1999 introduced a new semi-wagon style now made popular by the current Honda Jazz/Civic and several cross-over vehicles including the Toyota RAV4. Ahead of its time when new, this new-look KN Laser hatch took some time to gain full acceptance, especially after Ford added several Focus/AU Falcon details to distinguish it from its Mazda Astina equivalent.

The Laser sedan, based on the Mazda Protégé, was well-proportioned and because it did not look like a hatch with a boot, sold well from release. This explains why the right Laser hatchback specification can be hard to find in the lower price ranges, as new Laser hatch sales were not as high as earlier models. Because this Laser series was also caught up in the confusion and budget image surrounding the Festiva and AU Falcon which shared the same showroom, some loyal Laser buyers switched to the Mazda 323 Astina equivalent, which was basically the same car.

For shorter or older drivers, the KN Laser series offered more room with easier access, much better field of vision and higher seating. Luggage capacity was boosted by 3 per cent for the sedan and a huge 23 per cent for the hatch, a reflection of the move away from the previous KJ's heavily-sloping glass. For young owners on the move, this can be a real asset when it will swallow the contents of a flat tyre or bulky sports gear.

Although all Lasers shared the same mechanical layout from the first, there were key improvements for the KN. New narrow angle cylinder heads and inlet manifolds on the 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines boosted economy. Suspension and steering were revised for crisper handling and larger and stronger brakes delivered faster pedal response and extra stopping power. The KN body was also stiffened considerably for new crash safety requirements.

There were minor changes for 2000 and a major KQ facelift in 2001 before the Laser range was withdrawn in August 2002, after Ford had taken over Mazda. In a complete reversal of past model sharing, the next Laser's Mazda 3 equivalent was based on a future Ford Focus that was not due for Australian launch until 2005.

Because it made little sense to convert the Mazda 3 back into a Ford Laser version for three years on the Australian market, Ford Australia was forced to launch Ford's older European Focus series as a Laser replacement in September 2002. Many dealers believed this Focus should have been badged as a Laser but when the Focus can trace its history back to the European Ford Escort and was now the source of future Mazda 3 models, it did not qualify as a Laser.

The reality is that the Laser as Australians knew it ended on a high in 2002. Unlike many discontinued models, used prices are higher than expected; a product of the popular Laser name and the huge turnaround in Ford's local image since 2002.

KEY KN/KQ LASER CHANGES

BOTTOM LINE
The last Laser series was also the most practical and reliable. Whether you choose a sedan or hatch, 1.6, 1.8 or the special SR2 2.0-litre version, all can provide frugal long-life service with above-average style and quality.

RUNNING GEAR
Most examples are too new to show any wear or tear in major items which are not subject to any specific failure.

Entry level 1.6 engine with five-speed manual is more than adequate for cheap motoring but 1.8 is a better blend of performance and economy if long distances or extra weight are involved especially if automatic transmision is required. Check for cam belt replacement if engine has covered more than 100,000kms. SR2 engine requires premium unleaded for optimum efficiency and launch performance.

Alloy head must have fresh coolant but it is not too late for catch-up maintenance if it has been overlooked. Fuel injection system is reliable providing filter changes have been kept up to date. Sophisticated twin overhead camshafts and 16 valves don't like poor quality oil and skipped services so make sure servicing is up to date.

BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Rear drums on base LXi are candidates for fluid leaks if fluid is not changed as per specified interval. Front ventilated disc brakes last well and only the high mileage examples or those driven on worn-out pads should need new rotors at this stage.

Poor quality tyres can set up excessive road roar. Standard wheel is 14-inch steel, SR alloys are 15-inch and SR2 alloys should be 16-inch. Make sure that replacement tyres meet standard and specification as shown on tyre placard. As for all Lasers, left hand front tyre is prone to chopping outside tread if not rotated at every service. Check that worn tyre has not been swapped with the spare.

On high mileage examples check front strut inserts and rear dampers for loss of damping effort. Split driveshaft boots and clicking CV joints will only appear on neglected or abused examples but check for them anyway.

BODY
Expanses of high quality shiny paint on bumpers and other extremities can lead to cheap and nasty touch-ups or poor match in paint finish.

Colour-coded side strips may look neat but can offer only token protection when they do not form the body's widest point. Slab sides and flared wheel arches are prone to car park damage. Painted lower body sections at the front are prone to scrapes on corners and if torn or shredded, may require more than new paint.

Look for broken cabin items and premature wear after hard family, fleet, rental or driving school use. Rear load area can also be untidy if used as an office runaround or courier vehicle. Check for rear demister damage.

Finer weave seat fabric and carpet are not as durable as locally sourced materials on pre-1994 locally assembled Lasers and need extra protection for long life. Basic carpet in rear load area is easily dislodged or damaged. Early LXi cloth seat inserts are lairy, later trim more dignified. Check all seat stitching, fabric and carpet for advanced wear in cars not fitted with seat covers or extra mats.

Check the cost of a genuine replacement for a gouged wheelcover or alloy wheel before agreeing on a price.