Holden Astra 2006 News

It has a two-part retractable hardtop, not the canvas roof seen in the earlier Holden Astra droptop in Australia, to give it a showroom advantage over the Volkswagen Golf. There is no confirmation yet that the fresh-air favourite will return down under but it looks highly likely.  

The stylish imported Astra is the first diesel passenger car to wear the badge of an Australian manufacturer in more than 20 years, a wise move by Holden, given the surge in popularity of diesel-powered vehicles amid rising fuel prices. But the Astra is an attractive option for much more. It has the styling that will appeal to a wide range of car buyers and, at $29,990 for the six-speed manual, it is very competitive with European brands. While the Astra lost points from most judges because of the amount of clatter transferred to the cabin, it did win favour for a good ride and handling package. The six-speed manual proved popular and the rating of the car's on-road dynamics were generally positive. The Astra is a step in the right direction, but Holden still has some issues to overcome if it is to convince its core buyers in regard to its use of diesel.

Now it's down to the judges to decide which of the 10 finalists will win the award to be announced in a special edition of CARSguide next Friday.Our top 10 has been achieved after an extensive search and culling process covering all cars launched in Australia in the past year.The judging criteria included assessing styling, safety, innovation, value, functionality, build quality and performance.Our motoring experts, motoring editors and senior motoring writers from The Daily Telegraph, Herald-Sun in Melbourne, The Courier-Mail in Brisbane, The Advertiser in Adelaide, The Mercury in Hobart and The Sunday Times in Perth extensively tested the 10 finalists earlier this month. The three-day back-to-back testing, included a full day's driving at Wakefield Park in Goulburn.The finalists were driven in a wide mix of environments and road conditions, including wet, dry, city, freeway, highway and country roads.Fiat Punto EmotionJudge Keith Didham's comment:Fiat returned to the Australian market in August after a 17-year gap. The Punto is one of Europe's biggest sellers, but can that success be replicated here?Fiat reopened the batting Down Under with four variants, with a choice of five-door or three-door manual hatches powered by 1.3 or 1.9-litre turbo diesel or a 1.4-litre petrol motor. Fiat last month added two more smart sequential automatic variants to round out the range to six. Prices range from $19,990 for the Dynamic to $27,990 for the better-equipped Emotion as tested here.The cute Giorgetto Giugiaro styling comes with a strong hint of Maserati about its nose, while the cabin is unmistakably Italian, so the car appeals to the buyer looking for something out of left field from the bevy of small-car clones. The Punto's biggest attractions, however, are its frugal fuel economy, comfortable four-seat cabin and five-star crash rating.The perky diesel feels robust once you get it up and running and riding the torque wave.It's a strong performer, with plenty of grip and good dynamics, but the trade off can be a harsh ride, while the steering sometimes lacks feedback.The Punto is premium priced, but standard kit includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, cloth trim, cruise control, a decent CD audio system, remote locking, airconditioning and power windows.Holden Astra CDTiJudge Bryan Littlely's comment:There is a very straightforward reason for the Holden Astra CDTi's inclusion in the CARSguide Car Of The Year Award - and that is its diesel engine.The stylish, imported Astra is the first diesel passenger car to wear the badge of an Australian manufacturer in more than 20 years, a wise move by Holden given the surge in popularity of diesel powered vehicles amid rising fuel prices.But the Astra is an attractive option for much more than its powerplant. It has the styling that would appeal to a wide range of car buyers and, at $29,990 for the six-speed manual, it is very competitive with European brands on price.The Holden Astra offers good ride and handling in a comfortable and practical package that is fun to drive - if not all glitz and glamour - and it certainly proved its worth during the judging.Holden still has some issues to overcome with this car if it is to convert car buyers from petrol to diesel but, overall, it offers a solid package and a good entry point for buyers wanting to make the shift to diesel-powered vehicles.Hyundai Elantra EliteJudge Kevin Hepworth's comment:Once the whipping boy of poor build quality, Hyundai has turned around its reputation to the point where it is now winning quality surveys in major international markets.A fine example of that new attention to detail was the action the company took after criticism of the Elantra's woolly steering at its Australian release. Within days a team of engineers was flown from Korea to recalibrate the cars.While it is still not perfect it is a huge improvement and a credit to Hyundai's determination to improve wherever it can. And while there may still be the odd question mark over styling - the curved crease-line down the car's flanks comes readily to mind - the Hyundai Elantra Elite offers a comprehensive package for its $24,990 sticker price.Not the least of the attractions in the Elite is the included safety pack of electronic stability control and six airbags.The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, coupled to a five-speed manual, puts out a reasonable 105kW and the Elantra offers a good quality ride for a car in its segment.The finalists1: Audi Q7 TDI 4WD, $85,7002: Fiat Punto Emotion diesel $27,9903: Ford Focus XR5 5-cyl turbo hatch, $35,9904: Holden Astra CDTi diesel $29,9905: Holden VE Calais V8 V-series sedan, $58,4906: Hyundai Elantra Elite $24,9907: Mazda3 MPS 4-cylinder turbo hatch, $39,9908: Porsche Cayman S 2-door coupe, $148,5009: Toyota Aurion Presara V6 sedan, $49,99010: VW Passat wagon 4-cylinder turbo, $44,990The winner will be announced next Friday.

Yet despite the fuel crisis, you had to look hard.Of the many flashy reveals at the 2006 Australian Motor Show – with the exception of a painted, half-naked female flasher on the Peugeot 207 stand – the bling on display was largely, well, large.It's difficult to fathom given the recent surge in the light and small car segment, with sales up from last year by a mammoth 22 per cent, but large cars and SUVs were the big news from the likes of Holden and Ford, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, even the Japanese imports of Subaru and Mazda. Then a bloody Volvo drove into the spotlight.The C30 four-seat small car from Volvo was all the rage at the recent Paris Motor Show, though from the pictures it was a little hard to see what all the fuss was about.In the metal, however, the car is a superb execution of modern design, and is a fresh turn for both Volvo and for the small car sector.Powered by a beefy 162kW turbocharged five-cylinder that would usually push a much heavier load, the C30 promises rapid performance from its heart to its dual-tone alloys that match the aggressive styling.It is still quintessential Volvo, with overt rear haunches and that unmistakable Swedish nose, while borrowing from the past with a bit of retro fabrics and trims on the inside.Another emerging trend in the market was highlighted in the C30s interior – only four dedicated seats.Volvo claimed that the middle seat is barely ever utilised, as the cars in this segment typically carry one, maybe two passengers.It allows the C30 to be more flexible both in seating and real legroom, and with the rear seats folding virtually flat, and a high bumper and entry point for the split boot, making life easy for heavy shoppers (which should be the majority of this car’s clientele – though it seems the C30 is equally appealing to both sexes).The C30 will fight for its slice of the little car pie with the likes of the new Peugeot 207 and the Renault Clio – though the latter was conspicuously absent from the show.Peugeot will bring in the redesigned 207 with both turbodiesel and turbo petrol engines, and the twin-scroll turbo topping the range with an estimated early-thirties price tag should prove a popular flagship for Peugeot’s biggest little seller.A similar sub-$40K price tag is stickered to the new Colt Cabrio, which will steal sales from the Peugeot 207 CC as it takes its time to get to Oz later in 2007.In the nearer future, Holden will expand with a handy five-door version of its Astra SRi coupe, while Volkswagen have pared back the Golf GTI into a sexy three-door.Originally brought in to fill the remaining back-order of GTI variants that at one point had built up to a nine-month wait list in Oz, the appealing $38,490 price tag should see more sales for the already popular model.But while the market is flooded with buyers looking for the latest in small fuel misers, you had to strain to see them at the 2006Motor Show. The manufacturers would have you believe that bigger is better…

Read related storyPatrick Loved the yellow Hummer, I just want one !Grant The Subaru Tribeca seems an awesome car. Look at its list of standard features for $53000 - leaves an X5 or Territory for dead. OK, the front grille takes a bit of getting used to, power could be up a bit for its weight, but you do get all the usual Subie delights, 5 star safety and quality. Definitely worth a test drive on November 25!Mark Mercedes e280cdei definatly the bestDan The absolute standout was the new BMW 3 series coupe. Can't believe no one else has mentioned it. What a sexy car! Looks much better in the metal than in photos...David Rome The Mazda CX7 is very fresh and the new BT-50 ute looks the goods to take some salesMichael Volvo C70 What a Glamour!!the engineer Mitsubishi TRM 380- bring it on in AWD! Would sell double current! Should have been the original 380 GT.Audi R8 ;-)Captiva <8>-(French Body Art 8-)Bob Rona Gotta Be the Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury!!Jay The Saab Aero X concept car looks extraordinary. I was pretty impressed with the XR5 Turbo Ford Focus - hopefully if they bring it out in diesel, there would be a lot more interest and salesDavid Lunn Mazda CX7John The Mitsui 380 supercharged - grabbed allot of attention (so did the girls in the red dresses); I also like the new Outlander V6 & Astra convertible (or at least my wife did).Lex Biggar Audi R8william yates dark 4 door mitsi I believe it's a Tommy Mac serise and also shannon's stand the rest well............Kim I must agree with Bob MX-S ROADSTER COUPE The best by far!Jim Until I hit the Mitsubishi stand the show was a let down for me. Thank you to the Mitsubishi Girls for making the show worthwhile.Julie Definetely the Honda Legend & the Audi RX8.aaron need this so i could have this to have it better then i wont be a laughting stockNick Definitely the Mitsubishi TRM 380 - because I might be able to afford it and it looks great. Can't wait to test drive it.David Lyons Peugeot 207Stephen HSV GTS is my current realistic dream carROBERT DAWSON MX-S ROADSTER COUPEKris Audi R8 looked absolutely brilliant, that will be a real winner when it lands here. The Audi TT also looked really neat.Other cars to impress were the Volvo C30 and Suzuki SX4 WRC prototype.wazza smith nonesasha The Convertible Ford Focus. I simply love it. The new Fairmont Ghia was nice too.I did not like the Camry V6 sorry Avalon, sorry again, Aurion.Now I have gone and twisted my tongue. Anyone know a good tongue doctor <8>-). .... At least I can still type.The Volvo C30 was nice too as was the Land Rover Discovery.The Holden Commodores looked pretty decent although the Captiva did not captivate.Its too tall and skinny. I saw one in a shopping centre car park right next to a Territory and boy did it look like it needed some widening.I was also quite impressed with the Audi R8.The Hummer reminded me too much of the war in Iraq (I am against senseless wars). I also thought the Citroens were cool.Sean Hickey HSV GTS a true sports car at third of the price.I enjoyed the show,love to dream but quite a few people could get a GTS

The question isn’t who 'wants' to be a racing car driver, but who doesn’t?Let’s put aside for a moment the issues of safety and speed limits because this is a boom time for sports cars, and we don’t just mean selfish two-seat coupes.From hot hatches to sports sedans and convertibles, the line between every day road hack and sports car is fading in terms of both looks, equipment and especially performance.The expanding sub-$45,000 turbocharged market is just the thing for those who realise sports and performance does not equate to expensive and impractical.Take Volkswagen’s immensely popular Golf GTI, whose appeal has just been boosted by the announcement of a three-door hatch which joins the existing five-door.The best news is the deletion of rear doors lowers the price $1500 to a very appealing $38,490.Running the same 147kW 2.0-litre turbo through a tight, very right six-speed manual or DSG gearbox, the two-door GTI’s aggressive profile now matches that of its more expensive V6 AWD stablemate, the R32.One of the GTI’s main rivals is HSV’s new Astra VXR Turbo, which aims to put both the VW and the recent Ford Focus XR5 Turbo in their places.The first ever non-V8 HSV thrusts out 177kW from its 2.0-litre turbo, the three-door hatch’s thick equipment list and $42,990 sticker putting it at the top of the price list of the current crop of turbo hot hatches.All too dear? Then Holden’s sporty Astra SRi could be the next best thing from the red lion, with a 2.2-litre good for 110kW, and a practical five-door hot hatch now joining the two-door coupe.Cheaper insurance premiums aren’t the only savings here, with a $29,990 starting price for the SRi five-door hatch.One spider that’s just swallowed a turbo is the new Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet Turbo.Styled by Ferrari-fettling Pininfarina, the Colt’s hard roof extends in a lazy 22 seconds, but with 110kW from its 1.5-litre MIVEC engine everything else about it is fast, and its $37,990 retail makes it the cheapest way to get into topless turbo motoring – unless the new Peugeot 207 CC takes up the cause next year.There’s also the option of an 80kW non-turbo Cabriolet for $32,990, but our sports performance advisers will quickly slap that skim vanilla latte from your hand and guide you to the more sporty Colt Ralliart.The Cabriolet’s hardtop sibling, the Colt Ralliart, runs the same 1.5 turbo MIVEC engine but squirts out a little more power for 113kW. With its Evolution Lancer bonnet vent, Tupperware bodykit and rev-happy engine, at $29,990 it targets the likes of VW’s $26,990 Polo GTI turbo.All too turbo? If the insurance company answers the turbo request with an engaged signal, the Suzuki Swift Sport could be the answer to the P-plate blues.Reviving the Swift GTi of the 1990s, the new Sport’s 1.6-litre uses variable cam timing to peak out 92kW through its 16-inch alloys, making it a quarter-more powerful than the GTi.Airbags and ABS tick the safety boxes too.At $23,990, the Swift Sport has potentially the strongest sports-to-price ratio of the hot hatch heroes - meaning there are now many more reasons for a hot hatch upheaval. Hurrah.

The Astra TwinTop is finally confirmed for Down Under duties and could even make it to showrooms before the end of the year. While GM Holden refuses to confirm any details, and insists it is still working through the business case for the car, its dealers are talking openly about the TT and even touting an on-sale date in the back end of October. The early arrival is unlikely, particularly as there are still stocks of the previous-model Astra convertible in Australia, but GM Holden is keen. The car is expected to come with a 2.2-litre petrol engine, electronic stability control, five-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, and a price tag close to the current car, which will mean about $45,000. GM Holden is not likely to follow Vauxhall, which has a 1.6-litre price leader at closer to $38,000 in Britain. The TwinTop is the latest of the new generation of convertibles which have a solid roof - usually metal, but composite in the latest Mazda MX-5 - to make them into a complete coupe when they are not doing convertible duties. It can easily be added to the local line-up as GM Holden has a commitment on Astra numbers - but not the exact model mix - it takes from Opel in Europe. It has already tweaked the mix this year to introduce the Astra turbo coupe and diesel hatch. "We have said for some time that we're looking at the possibility of the Astra TwinTop convertible," says GM Holden spokesman Jason Laird. "We think the retractable hardtop would do quite well here. We are still looking at timing and pricing, but it makes a fairly compelling case." Laird says the TwinTop could create problems clearing the last of the previous model, without going into specifics. And he has ruled out any chance of a TwinTop turbo, although there was a time when the Astra range included a performance convertible. But GM Holden is moving quickly on the latest Astra and knows it would be a summer hit in Australia. "From the moment we introduced the current car it became the best-selling convertible in the country and has pretty much stayed there," Laird says. "When we introduced the five-door Astra in 2004, we knew we would have the ability to customise the local Astra fleet. "The trick with Astra is to pick the right cars at any point in time. It's not necessarily about taking every variant, but picking the right ones at the right time." Meanwhile, the upcoming Holden Epica is going to rock Toyota Australia's fuel-economy drive. Toyota is pushing the fuel-economy advantages of its all-new Camry and upcoming V6Aurion over the VE Commodore. But the Korean-made Epica promises to undercut the Camry, which achieves 9.9-litres/100km, according to leaked information from Holden at Fishermans Bend. The Camry-sized Epica looks likely to run at 8.2-litres/100km with a two-litre engine, according to ADR81/01 trials, with the 2.5-litre model coming in at 9.3-litres/100km.

Never mind the sunburn — from $35,000 to nearly $300,000,open cars are being lined up for eager buyers.The flood of new models is heating up the rivalry between traditional fabric-roofed convertibles and a new breed with foldaway hardtops.Holden, Volvo and VW will make the switch from their soft-tops to solid roofs as replacement models arrive.Mitsubishi is joining the trend, with an open-air version of its Colt hatchback due next month. The Italian-made cabriolet, expected to cost $35,000, will have a retractable hard roof.And Mazda is having an each-way bet. Its traditional canvas-topped MX-5 — billed as the world's best-selling roadster — has been joined by a folding hardtop version, called the roadster coupe.The $47,660 "coupe", costing $2930 more than the basic model, has a composite plastic roof that folds away in 12 seconds, claimed by Mazda to be the fastest in its class.MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima said he expected traditional enthusiasts to prefer the soft-top original."Even so, there are many potential customers who . . . have hesitated because of concerns about security and comfort."Mazda expects 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers in Australia to take the hardtop.The latest fabric-roofed models to arrive are the Audi A4 (from $83,000) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser cabriolet (from $36,000).On the way late this year is the Alfa Romeo Spider, based on the Italian marque's new Brera coupe, expected to be $70,000-plus.The soft-top ranks will be further boosted in December when Mini introduces a new cabriolet version, called the Chilli, from $41,100.And Sweden's Saab is marking 20 years of convertible production by releasing a $68,400 anniversary model.Holden dealers say the present Astra soft-top — now $39,990, a $6000 price cut — is to be replaced by a radically different TwinTop, so named because of its two-piece solid folding roof. It is expected to be unveiled late next month, and be on sale for summer.Mercedes-Benz already has both fabric-roofed (CLK) and hard-top (SLK, SL) convertibles.In the extra-pricey league, Audi says it will introduce a high-performance version of the A4, the $187,500 RS4, in January.Only 25 V8-powered cars will be imported from Germany, and the company says it has 15 orders already.Its rival, BMW, is to introduce an M6 convertible with a 10-cylinder engine, expected to cost about $290,000 and arrive before Christmas.Safety-minded Volvo has a second-generation C70 convertible on the way, introducing a three-piece steel roof in place of the previous model's fabric top. The five-cylinder model will be priced from $69,950.Early next year, VW is to release the Eos, a larger hardtop model replacing the fabric-roofed Golf convertible. The VW is likely to be the first convertible to have a diesel engine as an option.FAST FACTSMitsubishi Colt Cabriolet-Turbocharged 1.5-litre MIVEC engine.-110kW (150hp) @ 6000rpm and 210Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.-18-inch alloy wheels.Audi A4 Cabriolet-1.8T with 120 kW and 225 Nm.-new 3.2 FSI petrol direct injection V6 is also now available with 188 kW and 330 Nm.-$83,400 and $107,800 for the 4-cylinder and V6 models respectively.PT Cruiser Cabrio-power-folding soft retractable roof, which can be raised or lowered in just 10 seconds.-normally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine.-105 KW at 5, 200 rpm and 214 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm.-16" alloy wheels.-$35,890Alfa Romeo Spider-3.2 JTS V6 and 2.2 JTS.-twin phaser continuous variator for control of the intake and exhaust valves.-191kW and 136kW.-Q4 permanent AWD.-0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds.-18” sport or multispoke.-$70,000-plusMini Chilli-1.6 litre, 4 cylinder/16 V.-85 kW (115 hp) at 6000 rpm.-150 Nm at 4500 rpm.-0-100 km/hr: 9.1 s.-top speed: 200 km/h.-$41,100Saab limited edition 20th Anniversary-turbocharged 2.0 L.-110 kW and a powerful 240 Nm of torque.-five-speed automatic transmission.-17-inch alloy wheels.-$68,400Astra Twintop-petrol and diesel.-77 to 147kW (105 to 200hp), with the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre turbo motor reaching a top speed of over 230 km/h.-two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof.-likely to be named 'Astra Convertible' in Australia.Mercedes CLK-5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 (peak torque of 530 Nm).-0-100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.-top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited).-CLK 63 AMG uses AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm.-CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: $99,400-CLK 280: $109,100-CLK 350: $134,100-CLK 500: $163,100-CLK 63 AMG: $213,100SLK SL class-285 kW and 530Nm.-V8 engine in the SL 500.-0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.-six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit, with 200-kW V6, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.-SL 600 has a V12 biturbo engine, with output of 380 kW and torque of 830Nm. Accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.SL 350: $214,900SL 500: $299,900SL 600: $374,900SL 55 AMG: $374,900SL 65 AMG: $457,900Audi RS4-4.2 FSI V8 engine-V8 engine with an output of 309 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.-electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 30 km/h.-$187,500BMW M6-5.0-litre V10.-373 kW, 507 bhp, 520Nm.-0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the standing-start kilometre completed in 22.9 seconds.-top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h.Volvo C70LE-2.4 (125kW), 170hp, 230Nm.-5-cylinder petrol.-0-100km: 10s (auto).-Max speed: 215km/hr (auto).-$69,950.00-T5-5-cylinder turbo charged petrol.-162kW, 220 hp, 320Nm.-0-100km/hr: 8s (auto).-Max speed: 235 km/hr (auto).-$79,950.00-VW Eos-two engines are available: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder motor putting out 200 horsepower and a 3.2L VR6 motor that makes 250 horsepower.-200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI (according to current data for the US market).-five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard

The Fiat Punto is of particular interest at the Adelaide Motor Show because it signals the return to Australia of passenger cars under the Fiat banner. The Punto is the number one selling small car in Europe so far this year and is sure to shake things up in Australia when it arrives in the middle of this year. Returning to passenger cars in Australia with a small car is a well-researched move for Fiat, at least according to movements within the local industry.Holden boss Denny Mooney stated clearly that 2005 was the year of the small car, at least for the Elizabeth-based manufacturer. With new models fl owing into the country from around the world, obviously the bosses at many other marques think a similar way.The trend to smaller cars began in earnest last year – in line with rising fuel prices. A total of about 90,000 light and 215,000 small cars were sold last year, with lights up 6000 units on the previous year and smalls up 34,000 units. In September, Toyota’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder Corollas out-sold the Holden Commodore – widely considered to be Australia’s favourite car – by about 100 units.There is no suggestion that Mr Mooney and other Holden heads were simply reacting to that little towelling by Toyota when it began rolling out its lightweight Korean-built products including Barina and Viva late last year, but it is indicative of how local makers have had to arrange their product line-ups to be competitive. Holden, with its highly successful Astra models and the Barina and Viva ranges, now has its largest fl eet of small car options – many of which will be at Wayville.Toyota certainly has not dropped the ball. Its Echo replacement, the Yaris, is selling like little hot cakes in its hatch version – with the recently released sedan model also expected to draw plenty of attention in coming months.Ford Australia boss Tom Gorman said heading towards the end of last year that Ford had completely under-called the growth in the small car segment. Ford struggled to get the number of Focus vehicles it could sell out of its South African plant. But the Blue Oval badge company will this year try to excite the small car segment with its much anticipated XR5 Focus.All the while, Asian car makers including Hyundai, with its award-winning Getz, and Kia with an all-new Rio range, added to the competition.Nissan has chipped in with the new Tiida and the Suzuki Swift last year won CARSguide Car of the Year as the small car range grew dramatically. As the popularity of the segment grows, so too does the commitment to safety.Toyota, with its Yaris range, appears to be leading the way. But other manufacturers, particularly Hyundai – with its safety pack on the Getz – judged Australia’s Best Small Car by the nation’s motoring organisations – also have not ignored the issue of safety.

The FJ Holden hot rod throwback will be a highlight of the Brisbane Motor Show from March 3-12 in the Brisbane Convention Centre.Built at the reasonable cost of $300,000, the Efijy was seen as an economic way of showcasing Holden's passion and talent when the company was enduring a tough time.It is clearly a throwback to the FJ and a creation which designer Richard Ferlazzo can be proud of.There is a bit of a mish-mash of everything in the car including Corvette running gear and components from many of Holden's suppliers.The bold 6-litre V8-powered custom coupe was an exercise Holden engaged in to show off its talents and passion as a car-proud bunch of petrolheads.The brand has gained presence and punch and an enormous amount of exposure and therefore the $300,000 was money well spent.GM Holden boss Denny Mooney said pictures of the Efijy had been used in magazines throughout the world and the car was in demand for overseas motor shows.Also, Holden will show its first diesel passenger car, the 1.9-litre Astra diesel, the just-released Barina sedan and the S3X which is the pre-production name for its new SUV.The Brisbane show will feature almost 40 brands, more than 50 new models, the national launch of the Toyota Yaris sedan, the return of several exotic marques such as Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Bentley, Maserati and Lotus.Supercars will hog the limelight with the $1.3 million Pagani Zonda V12 roadster and the 380km/h Redback Spyder built by hand in a Melbourne airport shed.The show also will feature a strong element of entertainment with the V8 Supercars season launch on the first Saturday, the ongoing building of a specialised chopper bike throughout the duration of the event, a collector number plate auction on the Wednesday, and daily Harley-Davidson fashion parades.Patrons also can win a SsangYong Kyron sports utility vehicle by clipping out a coupon which will appear in the show guide published in The Courier-Mail on March 1.There is also a Bug Jive 50cc scooter up for grabs every day of the show.Tickets to the show are available now online at www.brisbanemotorshow.com.au until February 24.Patrons who buy their tickets before then will go into the draw for a five-night holiday for two on South Molle Island including return airflights and transfers.Tickets are also available at CityTrain stations.