In Taiwan, it was assembled using complete knock-down kits from 1983 via the local joint venture Ford Lio Ho in left-hand drive.

[7] This restyling effort made up part of the A$150 million Ford Australia spent on the Telstar, including setting up local production facilities.

[13] For the local market, assembly occurred at Ford's Broadmeadows plant using complete knock-down (CKD) kits.

[3][14] To free up plant capacity for the Ford Falcon (XF), production of the Telstar TX5 switched to Japan, with dealerships receiving the first shipments in February 1985.

[15] At launch, features unique to the AR series TX5 Ghia included an electric drivers' seat with adjustable side bolsters and electronic dashboard with LED tachometer and digital speedometer.

[8][9] Local changes for the Australian model included front seat modifications which improved headroom, and suspension tuning.

[16] The suspension was fully independent, with a coil/strut system fitted, incorporating anti-dive and negative offset geometry to aid stability in slippery conditions and under heavy braking.

[12] This comprised minor restyling to the front and rear, a comprehensively updated interior, improved suspension, revised trim and more features.

[16] The new centre console housed audio equipment, a storage tray, gear lever and, on Ghia models, power window switches.

[19] Telstar GL and the base TX5 offered a more basic hand brake console integrating an ashtray for rear passengers.

[19] Ghia models featured an armrest console with acrylic "smoked glass" lid to provide extra storage.

[19] Compared to the AR series, console storage space for Ghia models was increased, as was glove compartment capacity across all trims.

[20] Other interior changes included those made to the stalk-mounted switchgear, and a new digital clock in the centre of the dashboard benefitting from a glare-prevention hood.

[26] The first generation Telstar was available in New Zealand in both sedan and TX5 hatchback forms, using Mazda 1.6- and 2.0-litre four cylinder engines.

[33] In the Australian market, the range was now imported from Japan to make room for the Capri convertible on the Broadmeadows line.

[3][14] The switch from local assembly was made possible by the accumulation of import credits obtained from the export of the Capri to the United States.

[34] The flagship TX5 Turbo used a variation of the 2.2-litre engine, rated at 108 kW (145 hp) on premium fuel and gaining anti-lock brakes.

[35] Telstar sedans in Australia were discontinued in October 1989 due to the expense of importing them from Japan, solved by switching to the locally assembled Ford Corsair—a rebadged and facelifted Nissan Pintara (U12).

[41] In New Zealand, by contrast, the range remained unchanged, although it was later complemented by the Sierra, this time imported from Belgium in small volumes as premium models, rather than assembled locally.

Neither the Corsair nor the Pintara were sold in New Zealand, but a similar model, the Nissan Bluebird, was offered in the local market.

NZ versions were offered in GLi, GLEi, Ghia sedan and TX5i, TX5 XRi hatchback forms, using 1.8 & 2.0-litre four cylinder and 2.5-litre V6 engines.

When the first Mondeos were offered abroad, Ford New Zealand offered the four cylinder AY sedan in two trim levels: Telstar Contour and Telstar Mystique (named after the respective US Ford and Mercury versions of the Mondeo) as a replacement for the GLi and GLEi respectively.

Also in the AY lineup was a Telstar Eurosport V6 sedan (replacing the V6 GLEi) and upgraded TX5i and TX5 XRi hatchback models.

[46] Notable features of the model are 16-inch ROH Astron alloy wheels, the 'aero' body kit (similar to the TX5 XRi) and Radisich insignia decals.

Local assembly of the Telstar ceased along with all other Ford and Mazda models in 1997 when the VANZ Auckland plant closed.

The last Telstar, based on the GF platform, was released in 1997 but was again only available in Japan as Ford was now marketing the Mondeo in the Asian-Pacific region.