The recent Geneva, Shanghai, New York Motor Shows revealed a number of new releases headed to Australia.
Nissan Motor Co. has announced an all-new hatchback model. This new model will be the new generation Tiida in Australia.
The Tiida was introduced in Australia in January 2006. Sold globally in 165 countries, the Tiida has found nearly 50,000 Australian owners.
With appeal points such as ‘premium and agile styling’ and ‘class leading comfort’ Nissan believe the the new model it will be a stronger competitor in the Australian small car market. Nissan will also be the first Japanese automaker to introduce a turbo-charged engine in the Chinese market, with the introduction of the new Tiida’s turbo series.
Based on the keywords ‘Fluid & Brisk’ (lets hope so), Nissan’s new small hatch delivers a new streamlined body and well-balanced proportions, such as grilles and lamps – which is a relief given the current look of the Tiida.
To further enhance its spacious interior, which has been well received in the previous generation Tiida hatchback, the wheelbase length has been increased by 100mm to ensure best-in-class rear knee room.
Interior design is developed using another couple of keywords – ‘Calm & Refined’. With a comfortable interior to embrace the driver and passengers, well proportioned and set out instrument panel, and wide, super-soft armrests, providing a premium space offering comfortable feeling in driving.
Nissan Australia has confirmed the new C segment hatch for local launch in 2012. No further details are confirmed at this stage.
Holden’s new medium sedan, the Malibu, has made its international debut at the Shanghai Motor Show.
The reveal, conducted by Holden’s sister brand, Chevrolet, saw the veil lifted on the stylish new-generation model that will be sold in up to 100 countries including Australia next year.
To be powered by a range of efficient 4-cylinder engines, Malibu will be highlighted by advanced exterior and interior design, exceptional ride and handling and outstanding safety features.
Its exterior design has taken inspiration from Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro and Corvette muscle cars, with a wide stance, broad shoulders and integrated spoiler giving it impressive on-road presence.
Inside, a spacious, dual-cockpit interior is finished with what GM describes as premium materials, including soft-touch and textured surfaces and ice-blue ambient lighting along the centre stack dials, instrument panel and storage pockets.
Malibu will offer the reassurance of a comprehensive range of safety features and has been extensively tested on a wide range of road surfaces and conditions around the world.
Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said Malibu reflected the same focus on quality and advanced technology as seen in the globally successful Cruze small car.
“Malibu will represent another major step forward in the Holden product offensive when it arrives late next year, filling a gap in our model line-up between our leading Cruze and Commodore models,†Mr Elsworth said.
“We think it will really hit the mark. From the Camaro-inspired exterior design and sleek interior to the dynamic performance capabilities, it is another great example of the sophistication we’re building into our new-generation global vehicles.
“We’ll offer high-performing fuel-efficient engines, a high level of safety and a range of features and technologies to appeal to customers in the competitive mid-size segment.â€
Holden will release details specific to the Malibu model sold sold in Australia closer to its local launch in 2012. In the meantime, information about the Chevrolet Malibu reveal can be found at www.facebook.com/holdenaustralia or join the discussion on twitter at #malibureveal.
Mazda has announced that its new compact crossover SUV will be called Mazda CX-5.
The production model is derived from the Mazda MINAGI concept car, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year and was also shown at the New York International Auto Show in April.
The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s new design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ as debuted on the Mazda SHINARI concept car, as well as the full range of breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including engines, transmissions, body and chassis. The CX-5 will join Mazda’s global line-up in 2012.
The Mazda CX-5 will make its international debut in Frankfurt, Germany this coming September. Mazda MINAGI, the concept from which the Mazda CX-5 is derived.
Subaru’s next generation Impreza has been unveiled in New York with a dynamic, stylish new look, major technical innovations, massive fuel efficiency gains and refined cabins featuring classy soft touch finishes and computerised information displays.
The keenly anticipated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Imprezas unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, boast huge fuel efficiency gains from the all-new 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine.
New Impreza offers significantly improved cabin space – cleverly designed within the same exterior dimensions as the superseded car. It has a longer wheelbase, but shorter overhangs.
For the first time, Impreza will offer a Lineartronicâ„¢ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in addition to a refined six-speed manual.
Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “New Impreza is the product of an exciting new design direction for Subaru that will be reflected in a whole family of future vehicles.
“It’s also a massive technological leap, with an incredibly lean petrol engine, new generation Lineartronic CVT transmission and some other exciting technologies that we’ll reveal on Australian spec versions in due course.
Andrew Koch
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