The 2012 Australian International Motor Show was held from Friday October 19 to Sunday October 28 in Sydney. There was no boring moment throughout the Sydney Motor Show; it started smoothly, continued with coolness and composure, and closed with a bang. Visitors were impressed with the calibre of vehicles on display. Absence of Audi, Maserati, BMW, MINI, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Jeep, Chrysler, Bentley and 15 other top brands almost dampen the mood at the show but 27 brands (which represent 95 per cent of high-selling cars) were here. Altogether, 400 or so new models were displayed in Sydney. There was so much fun, we could not have asked for more!
Here is a quick guide to what we saw at the 2012 Australian Motor Show.
Toyota unveiled the new five-star ANCAP-safety-rated Corolla. The car will be offered in four models: Three of the models are cheaper than their predecessors. The fourth, a European-styled 1.8 litre model uses a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission system. The car boasts of a sharper, sportier look. The 11th generation 2013 Toyota Corolla was not alone on the stand, the Toyota 2000GT and Gazoo Racing 86 were also there.
Beside the Toyota’s stand, the Japanese automaker, Mazda unveiled a new seven-seat; ‘Kodo’ styled 2014 Mazda CX-9 in Sydney ahead of its release later this year. The new Mazda MX-5 roadster coupe, Mazda6 sedan and wagon also join 14 other cars at the Mazda stand.
The front-wheel drive Opel Astra OPC was the first of the German automaker’s brand to arrive at the Australian motor show. The car is built with a 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with which it can move from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.0 seconds. The $40,000 car will compete with the Volkswagen Scirocco R, Renault Megane RS265and the Ford Focus ST. Following its debut on home tuff last month, the 2013 Peugeot RCZ coupe was airlifted with the new hexagonal grille to Australia.
Honda came with some low-priced cars which were unveiled at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show. The fourth-generation Honda CR-V and Honda Jazz Hybrid were the cynosure of all eyes at the motor show. Launching in mid-November, the new CR-V will be the cheapest CRV to date. Honda Australia has introduced an entry-level model with FWD into the line-up. When the Jazz Hybrid gets to the dealerships early next year, it will be the cheapest and smallest Honda petrol-electric car model and it will compete with the Toyota Prius C. its price is expected to be a little below $25,000.
The Korean manufacturer, Kia graced its stand with the Kia Track’ster concept car in Sydney. The automaker used the opportunity to monitor crowd’s reaction to the 186kW powertrain ahead of the release of the production version. An all-new compact seven-seat Kia Rondo MPV was also unveiled ahead of its launch next year.
Volkswagen came to the 2012 Australian International Motor Show with a car priced from $13,990, but the $11,990 Suzuki Alto was the cheapest car at the show. Mercedes-Benz unveiled a $35,690 A-Class hatchback which will compete with the Volkswagen Golf when it hits the showrooms early next year.
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