File:1999 Ford Escort Mk VI LX Hatch (47052474312).jpg

The Escort was revised in 1995, the Mk VI, although it was still based on the previous model, the Mk VI got new lights, bonnet, front wings, front and rear bumpers and 4 different front radiator grilles (slats, honeycomb, circles and chrome). The interior was hugely revised too with an all new dashboard. However, the underlying car was now five years old and most of its rivals were either new or to be imminently replaced. Models were; the base LX, Ghia, Ghia X, the sporty Si and GTi While this generation was not sold in Australia, it was sold in New Zealand imported fully built up from the UK, replacing the Ford Laser. The hatch and saloon were discontinued in 1999 due to unfavourable exchange rates, the Laser was re-introduced, and the Focus was not introduced to the New Zealand market until 2003.