1994 Ford Laser LXi review from Australia and New Zealand

I cracked the exhaust system after extensive dirt road driving, this is only natural after pushing the car hard for 100's of Kilometers over bumpy stuff.

I have since replaced the exhaust system with a full stainless steel sports system and as well as a little more performance the car sounds great.

The car handles really well on any surface, with a smooth, but firm suspension travel in most conditions.

The steering is direct and effortless with the car able to be thrown from side to side with ease and confidence.

Brakes.

They're great.

I have replaced the pads with E.B.C. Green Stuff and found them to have a better feel and even more stopping power, when granny pulls out in front of you.

Drivers position.

A little crampped.

I am just on 6ft tall and would like the seat to go back just one more click, but sitting close to the wheel and in a upright position makes the car feel as though it is part of you.

Performance.

The 1800cc injected engine gives surprising amount of power. I came to this car after driving a Falcon and find the little four has all the power needed to get you in trouble with the wife and scare a few mates when required.

I have driven the new 2000cc motor in the focus and found it to have a lot of torque steering when under power at low speeds, I feel the 1800cc engine is a perfect balance for this sized vehicle.

The gear box.

The shift is close and the ratios are closer, 1st is too low and you can't get back into it when coming down through the gears and it could do with a 6th as well as 3500rpms on 110kmph in 5th isn't the best for fuel consumption.

But all in all the gear box compliments the car well and adds to the sporty feel of the package.

Interior.

Mine is standard, with a CD player and I've tinted the windows for a bit of privacy. The controls are very straight forward and easy to operate, with everything needed in easy reach from the driver seat.

There is plenty of room inside and I have often piled 3 kids in the back.

The boot has more than enough space with good tie down points if required.

The view out the back window is very limited and blind spots require a bit of creative guess work when in traffic.

I have considered a few little modifications to my little Laser LYNX such as 17 inch rims and K&N filter kit, but I don't want to upset the balance of my already perfect little pocket rocket.