SMOOTHER, quieter, stronger and more spacious, the third-generation front-wheel drive GD-series 626 was significantly tougher and more refined than its lightweight predecessor. All models’ handling, ride and refinement qualities benefited from extra body rigidity and improved suspension, while better quality ensured greater reliability and durability. But the body styling – again in sedan, hatch and coupe formats, with the latter renamed MX6 – looked similar. A handsome 4-door 626 Estate wagon in 5-seat and 7-seat models joined the range in June ’88. A new 2.2L 12-valve 4-cylinder engine, producing 84kW of power, powered all 626 models. In January ’90 a small facelift saw a new grille, revised taillights, redesigned alloy wheels, minor trim changes and reduced noise intrusion. Meanwhile Ford offered the GD 626 as the AT Telstar until the failed Corsair bumped out the sedans in late 1989, although the Telstar hatchback continued on as the AV model.