Marks' Site II- AX-AY Ford Telstar / GE/GV Mazda 626

This proved to be the last generation Ford Telstar, at least in Australia, although highly successful, and still regarded highly, the model was eventually squeezed out, by the introduction of the cheaper Ford Mondeo, and by the Ford Falcon models. There was no longer a market for the luxury medium sized car, that the ranges had become. This was seen in the next generation 626, which went downmarket. This 626/Telstar duo, is regarded as the best of both series. Images below are from Australian or New Zealand unless other wise stated.

AX Ford Telstar
Released: January 1992
Models: Australia: Sedan- GLX, Ghia. Hatch- TX5 Ghia, TX5 Ghia 4WS.
Body: hatch, sedan
Price: A$32,553 - A$38,257
Engine:
2.0L 4-cyl 85kW @ 5500rpm, 170Nm @ 4500rpm
2.5L V6 121kW @ 5600rpm, 213Nm @ 4800rpm
Origin: Japan, Australia.
To see Marks' AX Telstar continue here

AY Ford Telstar
Released: September 1994
Models: Australia: Sedan- GLX, Ghia. Hatch- TX5 Ghia, TX5 Ghia 4WS.
Body: hatch, sedan
Price: A$34,821 - A$46,959
Engine:
2.0L 4-cyl 85kW @ 5500rpm, 170Nm @ 4500rpm
2.5L V6 121kW @ 5600rpm, 213Nm @ 4800rpm
Origin: Japan.

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

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).

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 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).

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).

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.).

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).

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.

"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."