Melbourne International Motor Show 2003

Following hot of the heels of what was Australia's record breaking year for cars sold (2002), the Melbourne International Motor Show has unearthed some very fine new models, which look set to continue this trend.

While we're a little more apprehensive about yet another record year - what with all the talk of rising oil prices and a war in Iraq - the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry's big-wig, Peter Sturrock, is rather upbeat.

Not surprising really, when you consider that this year will see the launch of many new models, and Australian car and commercial vehicle sales in January have exceeded 60,000 for the first time ever.

"The January result is remarkable," Mr Sturrock said.

"Demand in all sectors - passenger vehicles, SUVs and particularly in commercial vehicles - has been higher in January than ever before.

"Business demand in the commercial vehicle sector, particularly, indicates a strong foundation for the entire industry."

Herein we've got nine pages of goodness for you, direct from the Motor Show floor, so without further ado, let's get to it.

Holden

With the boom in the commercial sector as it is, Holden's new light commercial vehicle, on sale mid-2003, could help boost this even further - enter the VY One-tonne Ute.

Not since the WB was phased out of production early in 1985 has Holden built a heavy-duty ute, catering only for light loads with their current crop of utilities. The impressive SSX was in Melbourne too, which always attracts a crowd, as did the fire-breathing 427 cubic-inch Monaro.

Toyota

Toyota has also jumped on the 'hauling cargo' bandwagon, but with a more lifestyle-oriented concept, designed entirely in Toyota's Melbourne design labs. The new Prado was also showing proudly at the Toyota exhibit, and Toyota had a strong F1 presence at the show, which keeps with its status as the only local car manufacturer with a Formula One team contesting the Australian Grand Prix on March 9.

Ford

Ford's contribution to the show was impressive, perhaps the most intriguing of the four local automakers. Not only did it release the production-ready iteration of the R7 prototype, now called the Territory, but it also showed off the next-generation Festiva, which looks like giving the Mazda2 and Barina a run for their money.

Ford also took the wraps off the much-anticipated BA Fairlane and LTD luxury sedans, which should give the Holden Statesman something to think about. A new 'jacked-up' ute, called the Hi-Ride, also made its first appearance, while the fiery Focus ST170 appeased the hot-four fanatics.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's showing was rather lame, to be honest, with rehashes from the Sydney Motor Show back in October 2002. Still, the new Outlander is a lovely piece of machinery, while the AWD Magna range and CZ2 concept - which hints at the new Mirage/Colt - will please the Mitsu faithful.

Nissan

Nissan's drop-dead gorgeous 350Z was on show with an even sexier Nismo get-up, while the now-healthy Japanese marque was also keen to let showgoers know about its new 1.8-Litre Pulsar Sedan at only $19,990. We were hoping to see the next-generation Silvia/200SX and perhaps even the twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 R35 Skyline GTR, aka Godzilla.

Honda

Honda's stand was dominated by its new, more powerful 4WD, the MDX. While we weren't expecting too much from the bigger brother of the CRV, it really was quite a sight, with bold lines and a storming 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6, which could well put the fancy Prado's new V6 mill to shame. We're still waiting for a supercharged Civic Type R, though...

Hyundai

Hyundai came out firing with its new and improved LC Accent, which gets attractive new styling and a larger 1.6-litre engine with more torque. The Korean car maker also unvieled its uber-efficient Getz XL, making use of new 1.3-litre SOHC inline four-cylinder powerplant.

Renault

Renault shocked a lot of people with its strangely-styled 2004 Megane, but all things considered, the new small car is looking seriously enticing, with impressive standard features and a truly powerful range of engines.

Saab

Saab showed off its just-released range of 9-3 sedans, while the cream of the crop was the somewhat ageing Hirsch-tuned 9-5 Aero Sedan 2.3T. This car has an amazingly aggressive look, backed up by what is an astonishing amount of power and torque from a 2.3-litre four banger.