2006 Australian International Motor Show: Part II

By Feann Torr - 30/Oct/2006

Sydney, Australia — The Australian Motor Show is an annual event held in Sydney's bustling Darling Harbour every Spring, and in 2006 the event reaffirms how important the Australian new car market is to global car makers. 

Australia may be a geographically isolated island continent in the Southern Hemisphere that sells close to one million new cars every year - compared to about 17 million new cars sold in the US in 2005 - there is no mistaking that the Land Down Under is very much a sought-after market by the world's biggest car companies.

And this is reflected in the amount incredible machinery that is on show this year, which includes a number of mind-numbing concept cars, a smattering of exotic cars, luxury cars as far as the eye can see, small cars, large cars, 4WDs, diesels, hybrids, and of course plenty of Aussie cars too.

For an inside guide into what Ford and Holden, and increasingly FPV and HSV have to offer, check out Part I of this series of articles.

Right now though, I'll take you for a stroll through the Mazda, Subaru, Volvo, Lexus, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz exhibits among others, to see exactly what kind of buzz Australia's most popular car importers are working at cultivating.

With all the lights, the cameras, the audio-visual displays, and of course the four-wheeled stars of the show all vying for attention, I have to confess that the Australian Motor Show industry day can be a very testing experience, so allow me to take you through the media day of the Australian International Motor Show, as seen through the eyes of an intrepid motoring journalist:

Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Peugeot
Alfa Romeo
Subaru
Land Rover
Volvo
Volkswagen
Lexus
Honda

Mazda

10:31: With concentration waning after two-and-a-half hours of speeches, vehicle reveals, dignitary introductions, dancing girls, and impromptu Q&A sessions it was over to the Mazda exhibit, where I could see two vehicles hidden beneath sheer white fabric as thoughts turned to caffeine. Mazda products look nice - cars like the iconic RX-8 and MX-5 (Miata) were in attendance, along with the new diesel Mazda6 - and though there were no acrobatics or attention grabbing pyrotechnic displays, the two vehicles that were revealed point to a strong future for the Ford-owned Japanese automaker.

One of these vehicles that were kept calmly under wraps until the media throng meandered over to the Mazda exhibit was the Kabura, a concept car that some believe may point towards a possible RX-7 remake. And I must say, it is a real thrill to see in the flesh. 

Along with Saab’s Aero X concept and Honda’s Coupe 4, the Kabura is one of those concept cars that really lets you dream. It’s got three seats, arrayed in an unorthodox fashion, the motor-show necessitated oversized wheels and a design that's all curves, but still very sporty and sleek. It's got the kind of design that makes you want to jump into the cockpit and just destroy the driveline with some aggressive driving. It should be noted that at this stage in the morning, my usual hunger for breakfast had completely dissipated, and my thoughts were somewhat erratic...

After leaving behind the momentary yearning for burnouts in one of Mazda's multi-million dollar concept cars (it would have made great headlines "mad journo's mad journey destroys convention centre, repair bill in the millions"), the second car to be unveiled at the Mazda exhibit was the CX-7, which is being labeled a crossover SUV vehicle by Mazda, and which looked far less enticing than it’s conceptual stablemate, the Kabura. Still, it is better than a poke in the eye with a gnarled twig.

Powered by a similar engine to the Mazda3 MPS's and Mazda6 MPS's - a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged unit - the new CX-7 is the first time in the world the right-hand drive version of the crossover vehicle has been seen in public. Priced from below $50,000, the 175kW, 350Nm Mazda van-thing will be offered in two trim levels (budge and luxury) and feature things like dynamic stability control (DSC) and dual front, front side and curtain airbags as standard. Mazda has also announced that it will release the even larger 6-cylinder CX-9 in Australia, which will rival the Ford Territory, in early 2008.

• Best of Exhibit: Mazda Kabura Concept

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: Mazda CX-7

Mercedes-Benz

10:43am: Excellent. Another German marque to wow us with its Autobahn warriors. With interest levels rising and with plenty of multi-cylinder machinery across the Mercedes exhibit, and far more conservatively-dressed models than some of the exhibitors had hired, there was a sombre undertone at the Mercedes-Benz stand, whose only Australian reveal was for the GL-Class. The mood was a reflection of the global feeling towards MB at present, whose quality ratings have dropped significantly in recent times in customer contentment surveys, and whose designs appear to be overshadowed by BMW, Lexus, and Audi.

After the mandatory speeches concerning the new GL-Class was over, which will be sold in Australia starting at $103,900 for the entry level GL 320 CDI diesel, with the range-topping 285kW, 5.5-litre GL 500 priced at $146,900, I wandered around the MB exhibit, awed by the vehicles and understanding their capabilities (particularly the AMG models), but underwhelmed by slow pace the company's design philosophy is moving at.

Still, the exhibit and the hardware on offer was dangerously beautiful - I was in a slack-jawed state checking out the new-generation E-Class range, and in particular the intimidating luxury destroyer known only as the S 65 AMG, which is powered by a 450kW 6.2-litre V8. Rear-wheel drive muscle and luxury - an enviable combination. With adrenaline levels raised somewhat after putting greasy fingerprints all over the S 65 AMG, it was time to head over to the Peugeot exhibit.

• Best of Exhibit: Mercedes S 65 AMG

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: GL 320 CDI

Peugeot

10:55am: As I ambled over to Peugeot's exhibit in dire need of a fizzy drink - thankfully I found one - the French automaker kicked off it's fairly compact stand with a real bang, as two break dancing blokes with snakes painted on them managed to focus attentions on the new 207, which comes across as a larger vehicle than the 206 it supersedes, but nevertheless looks very attractive in a wholesome European way. Engine options for the sharp-looking 206 include 1.4-litre, 1.6-litre and 1.6-litre turbo petrol units, while a 1.6-litre HDi engine should be a real fire-cracker.

And then, just when the back-flipping blokes looked to be running out of energy, out came Peugeot’s secret weapon motor show weapon – a half naked woman. While the Mitsubishi girls were hard to ignore, Peugeot’s body painted female model had transfixed the audience as she pranced around the cars with 350 pairs of eyes transfixed. Some were visibly pleased, some in the audience were shocked, but the stunt worked - it got everyone's attention.

All of a sudden photographers were swarming to get a shot, cheeky smiles were being exchanged between journalists after the initial moment of shock wore off, and all of sudden my aching back and sore shoulders seemed to evaporate. Other models at the Peugeot exhibit that will attract attention include the 307 CC Hybride HDi concept car, which is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid engine, which is expected to reach production closer to 2010, with average fuel consumption levels of 3.5L/100km. And then it was off to the Alfa Romeo stand, but somehow there was still a rather large circle of photographers taking photos with the body painted woman.

• Best of Exhibit: Peugeot 207

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: Body-painted acrobats/dancers

Alfa Romeo

11:09: Alfa Romeo’s exhibit was an intriguing one for me because I’ve not had much contact with its new models. And I must say, the Brera is a real thing of beauty. I've seen it once or twice on the road, but not up close, it's a design that may not appeal to everyone but is daring and stylish enough to work on more than one level. And then as my eyes were dragged away from the Brera towards yet another troupe of attractive models, the Alfa Romeo exhibit opened in true style, with a operatic performance that showed quite clearly there's more creating a sophisticated exhibit than acres ofcleavage.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - a super car that dreams are made of - was the centerpiece of the Alfa Stand, and rightly so. It looks bloody awesome. The style is sensational, and looks so different in the flesh: sleeker, faster, more muscular than any photos we've seen. Sadly though, as was revealed by Alfa Romeo Australia chief David Stone, the vehicle was designed to coincide with Alfa’s entry into the North American market, and will be sold in left-hand drive only. He did mention that a few models will be coming to Oz for collectors in LHD, but that’s it.

• Best of Exhibit: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: Operatic Performance

Subaru

11:22am: Unfortunately for Subaru, my attention span was by now comparable to that of a six year old child, and even with the sustenance of the Audi catering team an hour prior, my hunger had returned and I was only barely aware of the Tribeca’s unveiling. I heard someone call it a "Tri-harder" which I thought was a bit harsh.

So the Subaru exhibit was focused around the new Tribeca, which was on show in a few different trim levels, and truth be told the vehicle is just as confronting as it appears in the photos. It's a very bulbous vehicle and quite different to the rest of the Subaru range, and with its 'safely' designed rival over at the Mazda exhibit (the CX-7) one wonders if it will garner a critical mass of sales in Australia as Subaru hopes. Indeed, it'll be interesting to see whether the design is embraced by the Australian public, and it's worth going along to see it and cast your vote. Just send us a letter if you want your voice heard.

Other highlights on the stand included a number of WRX models, including the legendary STI models, and even Petter Solberg’s World Rally Car, which has one of the best rear wings in the world of motorsport. The size of the exhibit is quite large, and there was also an interesting cut-out section of a car, where half the vehicle is hacked away to show the car's internals, which is right up my alley, so I spent some time familiarizing myself with the mechanicals of Subaru boxer engine.

• Best of Exhibit: Subaru Impreza WRC (World Rally Car)

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: Subaru Tribeca

Land Rover

11:31am: At the Land Rover exhibit it was all about the Freelander 2, which is the company’s smallest 4x4 and is comparable to vehicles like the BMW X3 and other smaller sized luxury SUVs. It’s a handsome looking vehicle, no doubt about it, and the Land Rover exhibit was a nice place, populated by the marque's attractive looking vehicles, including the Discovery 3 and Range Rover. If you like luxury 4x4s, this is exhibit has to be your first port of call.

There wasn’t anything particularly ground breaking at the Land Rover exhibit, and a lack of beverages was troubling. But the launch of the Freelander 2 was enough to grab one’s attention - it looks good, and should offer a modicum of off-roadliness. Land Rover also introduced its powerful new V8 turbo diesel engine, which I reckon will be a smash hit with Rangey buyers, able to churn out a whopping 640Nm of torque and 200kW of power.

This tough new diesel engine has 32-valves, and extends the Range Rover Sport line-up. The company reckons this model with the diesel V8 will charge from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds, and averages just 11.1L/100km for the combined fuel cycle, which is damned impressive for an 8-cylinder vehicle that weighs more than a V8 Ford Falcon.

• Best of Exhibit: Freelander 2

• Media Day Free Stuff: Posters, Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: TDV8 Range Rover Sport

Volvo

11:46am: Volvo was one of my favourite exhibits, not only for the Australian debut of the new C30, which is one of the sexiest luxury hatchbacks doing the rounds at the moment, but also for the extra-special press-kits, the food, and the drink, because after the Land Rover exhibit I was struggling to deal with all the walking around - the convention centre ain't no one bedroom bungalow. 

The remarkably sporty (for an Ovlov) S80 featuring a frugal V8 engine also made the trek from Trollhättan, as did pretty much the entire Volvo range which has made impressive progress in the last five years, and was in danger of becoming rather staid. But with the new C30 hatchback leading by example, and with the S40 and V50 models looking good, alongside their bigger brasher SUV siblings, the Volvo range is becoming an altogether bolder and more intriguing pack. 

Fellow Scandinavian car maker Saab had better watch out, and BMW's 1 Series isn't safe anymore, because the C30 is a well-thought out vehicle, and with engines like the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo of offer - belting out 162kW of power - buyers of compact luxury and performance cars are now spoilt for choice. As well as grabbing another apple from the Volvo stand to keep energy levels from going critical, and between checking out the C30's unusual rear end, all the press kit data was stored on limited edition Volvo iPods.

• Best of Exhibit: Hummer H3

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits, iPods, apples

• Honourable Mention: Volvo S80

Volkswagen

12:01pm: Having been roused from my hazy state of malnutrition by the Volvo fruit bowl, it was over to the Volkswagen stand, which like most exhibits was peppered with incredibly shiny cars. Interestingly, there's an army of car-buffers who wander around each exhibit wiping off greasy fingerprints and buffing even more shine into car exteriors. The thought of being one of these 'buffers' snapped me out of my subdued reverie - and then the Eos was unveiled. Great timing.

The crux of the Volkswagen exhibit was clearly the Eos, and while the new look V10 Touareg with sports bodykit is hard to ignore, the German marque's new convertible car was a real head-turner, which features a 5-piece metal folding roof (most are 2-piece roof systems) and incredibly trendy styling. Coming to Australia soon, the Eos is named after the Greek goddess of the dawn, a deity who I was personally cursing due to my missing of the industry day breakfast. But in hindsight, it makes a lot of sense to have a convertible named as such.

Other vehicles of note on the Volkswagen stand at the 2006 Australian International Motor Show include the aforementioned face-lifted V10 Touareg, which looks sensational, plus a range of Golf models, from the entry-level versions to the turbo GTI models and even the 6-cylinder R32 Golf. In addition to showing off most of its range, Volkswagen also has a neat Golf GTI computer game simulator system, which gets brownie points for having twin exhausts on the back of the seat.

• Best of Exhibit: Volkswagen Eos

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits, Drinks

• Honourable Mention: Golf GTI Interactive Simulator

Lexus

12:16pm: Lexus had a distinct Spring Racing Carnival thing going on at it's glitzy exhibit, which is understandable considering the marque has just eclipsed BMW as the official partner of Australia's biggest horse race, the Melbourne Cup event. The female models on the stand looked resplendent in their race day finery, and added touch of pomp to a marque that probably doesn't need it.

The highlight of the Lexus exhibit was the LS460, which will be launching in Australia in April 2007. We also learned that the LS600h, which will be the marque's third hybrid model, will go on sale a few months after its petrol-only brother, about half way through 2007. The car looks fairly imposing, and is a low volume vehicle explained Lexus divisional manager Scott Grant: "The highest sales of LS400 series in any year have been just over 400, which is entirely consistent with demand for the vehicle's competitors," Mr Grant said.

"LS460 is not intended to be a high-volume vehicle. Like the flagships of all luxury ranges it is an exclusive vehicle to be appreciated by a fortunate few. Its influence throughout the Lexus range is undeniable and of benefit to all Lexus owners," added the Lexus boss. But one of visual standouts at the Japanese car maker's stand was the chromed up IS250. Though you cannot buy an IS250 model with the chrome finish, the concept was displayed to highlight the aggressive new bodykit available for the IS series from next year.

• Best of Exhibit: Lexus LS460

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: IS250 'Chrome'

Honda

12:30pm: Having looked at my time piece, I realised I would normally be eating lunch now, as the masses of media personnel sauntered over to the Honda exhibit. My stomach growled like angry puma. But this was soon ignored as one of the best concept cars from the show loomed ahead. Called the Sports 4 Concept, this vehicle is one very attractive chunk of plastic and metal, and features an the super handling SH-AWD system first seen on the Honda Legend. The concept car hints at the possible directions the marque may take its overall design themes, and is a positive image of future stylings.

Sadly, there wasn't much else of interest on the Honda stand, and I was hoping to see the Integra Type R sedan version that broke cover in Japan recently, but alas, 'twas not in attendance. Still, vehicles like the Accord, Accord Euro, Civic and Legend were on display, alongside the company's people mover, Odyssey. But wait, what's that? Along with Toyota and few others, Honda showed off a full size F1 car, in an area of the exhibit that was dedicated to Formula One, which is good to see.

• Best of Exhibit: Honda Sports 4 Concept

• Media Day Free Stuff: Press Kits

• Honourable Mention: Formula One Area

Related articles:
- 2005 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) - Holden | Ford | Honda | Nissan
- 2004 Sydney International Motor Show (SIMS) - Holden | Ford | HSV
- 2003 Sydney International Motor Show (SIMS)
- 2002 Sydney International Motor Show (SIMS)