Holden Epica News

The Epica becomes the fourth Korean-sourced product after the Barina, Viva and Captiva to join the local range.It is essentially a replacement for the Opel-built Vectra that was imported from Europe.The Epica will come with a choice of two in-line six-cylinder engines — a 2-litre or 2.5-litre CDX and CDXi.It comes from the General Motors plant in Bupyong in South Korea but extensive development was undertaken at Holden's Lang Lang proving ground outside Melbourne to tune its suspension for Australian conditions.While these highlight the arrival of Holden's first fresh product for 2007, the Melbourne-based manufacturer is also using the Brisbane show to launch a new Rodeo variant.The current Rodeo, which was launched at the Brisbane show a few seasons ago, will welcome a new turbo diesel powerplant.The 3-litre common-rail unit produces 120kW and is said to be the most powerful oil-burner to date in the Rodeo line-up.Another sure to attract its fair share of admirers is the Astra TwinTop, Holden's replacement for the convertible soft-top Astra.Following the trend set these days by the Europeans, Holden has moved to a metal folding top for the convertible Astra.It will share the limelight with the BMW 3-series convertible which makes its Australian debut in Brisbane less than two weeks after its international press launch in the United States.The Astra's metal roof, electronically controlled, takes 30 seconds to tuck away while the E93 model 3-series takes only 22 seconds.Holden says the new diesel Rodeo develops 25 per cent more peak power at lower revs and the new powerplant meets Euro 4 emissions standards.Along with the new oil burning engine there have been a few nips and tucks to its exterior with reworked front and rear fascias, a meaner induction bonnet scoop and updated fender flares.A comprehensive range of Holden's award-winning VE Commodores will dominate the stand including a cutaway display of the VE Calais V8 which won the CARSguide Car Of The Year in 2006.

The show, which opens on Friday, will feature the Australian debut of several models at the affordable end of the car world.Leading the way, Holden is expected to take the "top secret" covers off the Epica, its next lower-priced, mid-size sedan.The Korean-made Epica — tipped by dealers to start at $24,990, with the choice of two six-cylinder engines — replaces the European-made Vectra.The Epica will fit into the Holden line-up alongside the Barina and Viva, budget-priced Korean replacements for models previously designed and built in Europe.Malaysian brand Proton will launch its second-generation Satria Neo three-door hatchback in the city that has been its strongest Australian market.The Satria Neo, with a 1.6 litre engine, looks chunkier than its predecessor and will be $18,990 drive away.Honda will unveil a fresh-design CR-V all-wheel-drive wagon, with prices expected to start near $30,000.Nissan's compact Tiida model, given a $2000 price cut to start at $17,990, is expected to attract budget-minded shoppers. Like the Honda CR-V, production of the Tiida has been moved from Japan to Thailand.Continuing the price-down trend, Suzuki's new face will be the SX4, a 2.0 litre all-wheel-drive wagon that officially goes on sale on Thursday, priced from $24,990. It had been expected to be $26,990.French brand Peugeot will use the show for the Queensland unveiling of its new small car, the near-$20,000 207, about to go on sale with 1.4 litre, 1.6 litre and 1.6 litre turbo petrol engines, and a 1.6 litre diesel.The show, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, runs from Friday to February 11. It is open noon-10pm on weekdays, 10am-10pm on Saturdays and 10am- 6pm on Sundays. Admission is $16 for adults, $10 for children, and $42 for a family (two adults, three children).