Much is made of the Motor Show’s marquee cars, like the BMW Concept CS, Maserati’s GranTurismo and Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera. But what about the new every-day cars, the ones we’ll actually see parked every few blocks or sit behind in traffic, and maybe even buy?
i30
Hyundai’s new i30 is an impressive German-designed hatch, and is indicative of the type of styling we can expect to see from the South Korean brand in their next range of models. The i30 is the result of a collaboration between Australian and Korean engineers. It’s available in three variants, the SX, SLX and SR, with the SX and SLX models available in turbo-diesel variants. Pricing starts at $18,990 and Hyundai boast they have the best value turbo-diesel on the market in the SX CRDi, priced at $21,490. Electronic stability program and traction control are standard on the i30 SR. We’re likely to see plenty of i30s on the road very soon.
VE Commodore Sportwagon
Holden revealed their much-anticipated VE Commodore Sportwagon concept car, where “practical becomes practi-cool.” Stylish and sporty, the wagon will have stability and traction control as standard and will be priced close to the others in the VE range. The final model is expected in the first half of next year.
Lancer
The new Mitsubishi Lancer is here and has a strong emphasis on safety. Active Stability and Traction Control, as well as ABS brakes, are standard across the range, and the availability of seven airbags on each model is unprecedented in the small car segment. The Lancer comes in three variants and pricing starts at $20,990.
Focus Coupe Cabriolet and Mondeo
Ford unveiled two cars this year, the Focus Coupe Cabriolet and the Mondeo. The Focus Coupe Cabriolet, a distinctive addition to an already successful model range, is on sale next month – just in time for summer.
Making its Australian debut was the new, German-engineered Mondeo range. The Mondeo comes in 4 models, the LX, Zetec, TDCi and the XR5 Turbo, with prices starting at $29,990. All models have Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist and full length side curtain and driver’s knee airbags as standard.
LandCruiser 200
Toyota’s ‘King of the road’ made its world premiere at this year’s show and given the popularity of the LandCruiser in the past, it’s definitely a vehicle we’ll be seeing more of. It features a new twin-turbocharged diesel V8 and Australian-developed Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The petrol model also features a first in its ‘crawl control’, a system for driving on unstable surfaces like rocks, sand or steep hills.
Skoda
Skoda, a new brand to Australia, unveiled its Octavia and Roomster. The Octavia is a conventionally-styled mid-size, available in two models with five different engine types, including turbo-diesel, with the option of AWD.
The Roomster, on the other hand, is an unusually-styled, flexible five-seater that comes standard with ESP and has a five star safety rating. Its strengths, and name, however, lie in its ability to be transformed into a spacious two-seater, with 1780 L of cargo area thanks to the removable rear seats. The Roomster can be quickly transformed from a five-seater, to a four, three or two-seater, comes in petrol and diesel options, and has a full size spare. So, being priced from $26,990, it’ll be interesting to see how it goes in the Australian market.
Did any cars catch your eye as a future purchase at this year’s Motor Show?
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Jaguar catch my eye, Im drooling to see their latest models, and I heard their now active to uplift their brand in the automotive competition even though ford save their As* in the industry… and owning a jaguar has been my life goal hehehe
I never would’ve considered buying a Hyundai in the past, but I love the i30.
The new look is definitely the right move from Hyundai and having a turbo-diesel version probably isn’t a bad idea either.
There wasn’t really a standout car at the Motor Show for me. The Mondeo looks very much like the Focus, just longer. I doubt Skodas will take off in OZ – we’re not too fond of the unusual cars here, not like they are in Europe. I was amused to see the new Volvo wagon and their inability to deviate from the angular look. As hard as they try their cars usually end up looking quite blocky. The Lancer Evo X doesn’t look too bad, better than the standard model.
I wouldn’t say no to a Granturismo though!
Agree re Hyundai i30 – what a great car, especially the turbo-diesel. Can’t wait to drive it. This car took me by surprise, but then again, not really, seeing Hyundai’s been killing everyone in the quality stakes in USA. The i30′s even got a full sized spare tyre – massive brickbats on the other hand for Subaru with their space saver bicycle “tyre” in the Impreza – an absolutely breathtaking decision seeing Subarus are promoted as a snow vehicle – trust me, you don’t want to be caught with a space saver tyre anywhere outside of the capital city on a long weekend. Space savers JUST DO NOT WORK in Australia, and shame on Subaru for trying to pull the wool over its customers’ eyes. I’ve long owned Subarus, this space saver tyre factor is enough to give it a miss; a shame because the Impreza with its safety features is a standout.
Can the NRMA run a campaign on this issue please? Perhaps there could be after market solutions there for full sized tyre options (all there needs to be done is a remoulded boot floor cover). Space saver tyres are downright dangerous, and should not tolerated.
You can’t go past the 4.0L straight six rear wheel drive of a good old aussie falcon. The FG falcon and G series definately the best affordable cars on the road. As for 4WD they should ban them unless used for offroading on a regular basis because all they are is dangerous. Driving behind one you cant look ahead to see what the traffic is doing, and if you cop one in the door its all over red rover.