Introducing the new Q5 off-roader, it was clear that showgoers were far happier to cast their eyes over Miss Hawkins’ curves rather than those of the new Q5 off-roader.

The newest Audi joins the Q7 and arrives in March with prices starting at $59,900 for both the 2.0 TDI quattro and 2.0 TFSI quattro models. A powerful V6 3.2 FSI quattro follows at just $69,900 and the mighty $71,900 3.0 TDI aimed squarely at the BMW X3.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says there is plenty of room in Audi’s model portfolio for the Q5.

“It is priced very competitively, and offers strong performance from each of its four direct injection engines,” he said.

The 2.0 TDI engine also has another ace up its sleeve as it is exempt from Luxury Car Tax due to its low consumption of less than 7.0 litres per 100km.

Hofmann said he expects the Q5 to follow in the footsteps of the Q7, luring buyers from other luxury brands.

The Q5 will come with four engine variants, all with direct injection turbo-charged engines and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

At launch, both the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI will be available, closely followed by the 2.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI models in April. All Q5 models are equipped with an economical 7-speed S-tronic gearbox.

This has super-slick gearchanges that take only a few hundredths of a second and deliver virtually uninterrupted power flow.

The Q5 is the first model to feature this innovative dual-clutch transmission mounted to a longitudinal engine layout.

It is matched to Audi’s quattro permanent all wheel drive system with a 40:60 torque split.

The Q5 also boasts a luggage capacity of 540 litres with the rear seats up and 1560 litres with the seats folded.

Innovative driver assistance systems such as a new MMI Plus Navigation system with 7-inch colour monitor and 40 GB hard drive with storage for up to 10,000 music files; blind spot warning system and “lane assist” to detect and prevent wandering out of your lan are among the car’s features.

Also available is adaptive cruise control with a collision warning system that warns the driver and brakes when the car is too close to the car in front and an adjustable suspension system. ,p>

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

Details are swiftly emerging about Mazda’s hot MPS hatch, after we revealed new photos of the car yesterday.

Set to have a simultaneous Geneva and Melbourne Motor Show unveiling, we can now confirm that the hot Mazda runs a 2.3-litre direct injection four cylinder that develops 191kW at 5500 revs and 380Nm at 3000 revs through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Mazda says that an in-cylinder cooling effect from direct injection realises about 10 per cent more torque compared to conventional-intake turbo engines

The car is clearly aimed at the Subaru WRX and Lancer Ralliart, with a top speed of 250 km/h and zero to 100 km/h sprint of 6.1 seconds

The MPS has some clever technology, like the world’s first single-nanotechnology catalytic converter helps to reduce the amount of precious metals needed.

It also has an advanced boost pressure control that suppresses sudden torque peaks through the front wheel drive system as well as equal length left and right drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

A torque-sensing super limited-slip differential is standard

To cope with the extra power special reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets and a large tunnel member help increased body stiffness.

The MPS uses modified coil spring rates for MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension while larger diameter stabilisers with longer mount spans achieve greater roll linearity.

The steering gear is also stronger for improved response and steering wheel action.

Mazda and Dunlop have developed new wider 18-inch tyres with improved grip, more rigid sidewalls and damping strength for more a direct steering feel.

The brakes are 320mm ventilated front discs and 280 mm rear solid discs with brake assist, anti-skid brakes and dynamic stability control as standard.

Optimised aerodynamics helps reduce fuel consumption from 9.7L/100 km on the previous model to 9.2L/100 km on the new-generation MPS.

The Melbourne International Motor Show next Wednesday will host the world public debut of the new-generation Mazda3 MPS turbocharged hot hatch, but we've managed to get hold of some early photos ahead of the debut (see our gallery at right).

Mazda Australia spokesman, Glenn Butler, said the reveal would be aired live the same time as the wraps come off the car at the Geneva Motor Show.

“It’s a world first for us,” he said. “We’ll actually see the MPS before the public does in Geneva.”

The new-generation Mazda3 MPS high-performance hatch makes its official debut during the invite-only media press day at the the Geneva show.

Show-going Australians, however, will be able to view the turbocharged hot hatch when the Melbourne International Motor show opens its doors at 10am on March 4.

This is a huge coup for Australia and for hot hatch fans, and the second time Mazda has rushed a new car Downunder to the Melbourne International Motor Show.

The Mazda MX-5 roadster starred at the show in 2005, again just hours after making its international debut in Geneva the night before.

The first-generation Mazda3 MPS competed twice in Targa Tasmania and finished in the top 10, among a field of Porsches, Lamborghinis, Lancer Evos and other exotica.

Alongside the MPS will be the updated MX-5 roadster and two new-generation Mazda3s, in sleek sedan and sporty SP25 hatchback form.

The new-generation Mazda3 range goes on sale in April. The Mazda3 MPS is slated for launch in Australia in the third quarter of 2009.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

Holden has accelerated its small-car attack with an early introduction of the Korean-made Cruze.

The global compact will be in local showrooms within six months before going into production alongside the Commodore in Adelaide in the back end of 2010.

News of the Cruze attack came as Holden chief, Mark Reuss, announced another value-driven effort with the Commodore, which will be re-packaged as the ‘International’ sedan and sportwagon, in March.

But Reuss will not confirm any details of the twin-edged effort with the Cruze, which is being put through a major engineering program ahead of local production next year.

“This is an imported version. I cannot really reveal our strategy,” Reuss said after introducing the Cruze at the Melbourne Motor Show.

“This is an addition to Viva and Astra. It presents us with a new-generation car, a new design and a new way of thinking.”

Reuss also talked at the show of the unfolding plan for a Holden version of the GM Volt, even though it will not arrive downunder until 2012.

“We could have easily shown you a wild concept or show car, but this is not the show for that. Today it’s about providing real solutions.”

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

Australia’s favourite car brand went all sparky to open the action at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

Toyota revealed the all-new Prius and a concept version of its local Camry hybrid as it put the focus on the future.

The Prius will be in showrooms before the end of the year and the Camry hybrid will be in production at Toyota Australia’s factory at Altona in Melbourne in 2010.

The two cars helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of Toyota Australia, although company president Max Yasuda said it would be one of the toughest in its history.

“Our short-term focus is to weather the storm. (But) even in these tough time, Toyota will continue to invest in our long-term vision,” Yasuda said.

“By 2020, Toyota intends to offer a hybrid variant for each model in our vast range. The momentum is building. Hybrid technology is the future.”

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

...which joins the Mondeo range in June.

The Mondeo wagon was first shown at last year's show as a toe-in-the-water exercise to solicit consumer feedback.

That feedback was good and the Zetec wagon will provide buyers with an alternative mid-size load-lugger, according to Ford Australia president and CEO, Marin Burela.

The Zetec wagon is powered by a 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels.

It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift.

The Zetec wagon comes with the same high level of standard features as the Zetec hatch and sedan, including 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual zone climate control, a premium Sony audio system, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, capless refuelling and follow me home lights.

It also has a safety package mirroring that of its hatch and sedan siblings.

Key safety features include an enhanced Intelligent Protection System (IPS) complemented by an anti-skid brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, an automatic hazard warning light and seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags.

Key wagon features include an impressive load carrying space, which provides a luggage capacity of 542 litres with the rear passenger seats in the upright position, increasing to a capacious 1733 litres with the rear passenger seats folded flat.

Prices will be released closer to the car's launch date.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

Ford Australia announced this morning that it will add a hybrid-beating turbo-diesel Fiesta to its lineup later this year.

Unveiling what he describes as one of the most fuel-efficient hatches available, Ford Australia president and CEO Marin Burela, said the Fiesta ECOnetic was “an economy car without compromise”.

The modern direct-injection 1.6-litre diesel Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a fuel economy figure of just 3.7 litres/100km with a C02 emissions figure of just 98 g/km.

The ECOnetic is powered by a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel with a particulate filter that develops 66kW at 4000 revs and 200Nm from just 1750 revs.

“The Fiesta ECOnetic will enable customers to drive a mainstream, fuel efficient and low CO2 emitting vehicle that is also stylish and affordable,” Burela said.

“By launching a specific model, with dedicated Ford ECOnetic badging to designate its ultra-low CO2 results, we will be able to offer a clear alternative for those customers who prioritise low emission performance.”

The Fiesta ECOnetic could also pave the way for other ECOnetic models.

“Fiesta ECOnetic looks and functions just like conventional Fiesta, using conventional diesel powertrain technology,” Burela said.

“Yet it has the potential to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions compared to the current crop of competitive vehicles, as well as against today's most popular hybrids.

The car uses a combination of the latest generation common rail diesel powertrain, together with low rolling resistance tyres, aerodynamic aids, longer final drive gear ratio, 10mm lower suspension and specially calibrated diesel.

As well, the driver gets a green shift indicator light in the instrument cluster, which signals the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy.

The car gets a tyre mobility kit rather than a traditional spacesaver space to help further reduce weight.

Full local specifications and pricing will be released at a later date.

However, the UK-spec five-door ECOnetic costs $1000 less than the five-speed manual Titanium 1.6-litre petrol hatch, which closely equates to the Australian-spec $20,990 Zetec 1.6 five-speed.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

The Focus goes on sale next month and like the current car, will be available as a five-door hatch and four-door sedan.

Prices have risen $300 and $1500 depending on the model but buyers get more equipment and improved safety levels.

The new LV-series will be available in four core models, entry CL, LX and TDCi and Zetec.

Anti-skid brakes are standard across the range while electronic stability control and traction control are standard on LX, TDCi and Zetec models.

Apart from the refreshed exterior, Ford has answered criticism of the car's low-rent interior with vastly improved quality and enhanced comfort levels.

There is a black soft-touch dash pad, along with the soft-touch upper door trims, contrasting with a tan coloured inner roof lining to visually lighten the cabin.

The dark dashboard is designed to reduce reflection in bright conditions common in Australia.

In front of the driver is a large-face tachometer and speedometer set deeply into individual binnacles.

Positioned above are small-face water temperature and fuel gauges, with each surrounded by a silver bezel.

And LCD information screen displays time, outside temperature, trip meter and odometer.

The LCD screen also has a trip computer.

The revised centre console and redesigned window and mirror switches accompany intuitive controls for air conditioning, heater and ventilation system.

At night, the centre stack controls are illuminated in soft red light which is more soothing,versus the stark white of the previous generation Focus.

The centre console is more user friendly with a sliding armrest, two cupholders and storage cubbies.

The 107kW 2.0-litre Duratec engine carries over and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Ford is also debuting its innovative six-speed PowerShift automatic in the TDCi, in combination with the potent 100kW/320Nm 2.0-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine.

The TDCi with Powershift returns a fuel economy figure of 5.9 litres/100km.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

The wraps came off the new-look SY Territory MkII range at the Melbourne Motor Show this morning.

It gets a much-needed visual update, revised model lineup new equipment.

Two Territory models, a Territory Ghia AWD and a Territory TS RWD, are on display at the motor show to give customers a first look at the SY Territory MkII line-up, which will go on sale next month.

The Territory TX now gets side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors as standard.

The TS is also fitted with the full body colour package, along with a reverse parking camera, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, and a third row seat.

Ghia models also gain a third row seat as standard equipment, along with a rear Alpine DVD system, side steps, rear privacy glass, body coloured door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range Ghia Turbo picks up the same list of additions, along with a new wheel design for its standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin gets some new trim materials and colours but the dashboard carries over largely unchanged.

The TS and Ghia have the option of a no-cost option of a cashmere interior.

The proven 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder carries over.

Prices have risen between $500 and $1000 depending on the model.

The entry rear-drive TX now costs $39,490, a $1000 price rise.

The RWD TS is $44,490 and Ghia $52,490.

The AWD TX is $44,490, TS $49,490, Ghia $57,490 while the AWD Ghia Turbo is now $66,420.

The Territory has been an outstanding success for Ford since it was launched in 2004.

More than 86,000 have been sold and the car has won a multitude of consumer and industry awards.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

The production run of the E-Series Senator Signature will be just 30 manual and 59 automatic cars. They will be powered by HSV’s LS3 317kW V8 engine, with HSV performance suspension and 19” billet silver Senator wheels with silver brake callipers incorporating the black HSV logo, while the Senator logo features on the front and rear headrests.

The Senator comes with leather onyx seats as standard and is available in Heron, Sting, Phantom, Nitrate, Karma, Voodoo and Evoke.

It will be priced from $69,990.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show...

The production run of the E-Series Senator Signature will be just 30 manual and 59 automatic cars. They will be powered by HSV’s LS3 317kW V8 engine, with HSV performance suspension and 19” billet silver Senator wheels with silver brake callipers incorporating the black HSV logo, while the Senator logo features on the front and rear headrests.

The Senator comes with leather onyx seats as standard and is available in Heron, Sting, Phantom, Nitrate, Karma, Voodoo and Evoke.

It will be priced from $69,990.