Launch pad's key new cars

Where will it all end? Australian automotive manufacturers and importers are hoping the answer is: right here, right now.

For the first time in months, there's a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that may not be another oncoming train.

The Federal Government's cash handouts have helped the Australian economy dodge a recession on a technicality, consumers are spending again and car showrooms are beginning to fill with a whole lot of shiny new offerings.

With a fresh financial year dawning, something in the order of 60 all-new or refreshed models are waiting in the wings before the end of 2009.

Ranging from the first of the Chinese invaders to a couple of machines from the supercar stratosphere, these are the recession-busters the automotive industry is relying on.

Here are a handful of the key players in this revival.

Great Wall Motors

AFTER what seems an age of yes-we-are, no-we-aren't games, the first of the Chinese-made brigade will be in showrooms next month.

A pair of workhorse utes — the 4x4 V240 (known as the Wingle in China) and the 4x2 SA220 — will come as single-specification models with prices expected to be "around two-thirds of their logical competitors".

That could mean a starting figure of $17,000 to $19,000.

Alfa Romeo MiTo

THE classic Italian marque's new baby, which arrives next month, has the task of taking on BMW's iconic Mini in the quest for buyers with more cash than responsibilities.

"It's a growing market as people downsize their cars to achieve better fuel economy but don't want to give up performance or style," Alfa Romeo Australia's Edward Rowe says.

"Our aim is to beat the Mini on both price and equipment."

To that end, Rowe says the newcomer — which sits on a Fiat Punto platform — will launch as two models: the 88kW MiTo and a sparkier, 114kW MiTo Sport.

Both have turbocharged, 1.4-litre petrol engines with six-speed manual gearboxes. Expect a starting price in the low $30,000 range.

Hyundai i20

AFTER the success of the i30 hatch and wagon, Hyundai has high hopes for its German-designed, Indian- made small car.

Expected to hit showrooms towards the end of this year, the three-door and five-door i20s will sit at the higher end of the light-car segment, beginning at $16,000 to $17,000.

This will leave the popular Getz as Hyundai's entry-level model, but will likely spell the end of the Accent.

VW Golf GTI

THE sixth-generation Golf GTI arrives in October with all the shiny new technology seen on its more mundane stablemates but lots more go.

With 155kW driving through a new limited-slip differential, it promises all the attitude of its predecessors wrapped into a more refined package.

"It has all the safety and enhancements of the Golf VI and more power than the outgoing GTI, yet it's quieter and more efficient," VW Australia's Karl Gehling says.

Pricing isn't yet set, but should be close to the outgoing model's $39,990.

Holden VE Commodore

THE first mid-life makeover for GM-Holden's "billion-dollar baby" is likelyto be remarkable for what ishappening under the skin rather than for any cosmetic body changes.

A founding member of the Large Family Car segment — the hardest- hit sector of the industry over the past couple of years — the Commodore will celebrate GM's survival with a much more focused and fuel-efficient engine package.

Although a four-cylinder option isn't on the cards, a smaller V6 is. That could be a three-litre or even a version of the 2.8-litre that has recently been shipped to Mexico for the Cadillac SRX.

Expect to see it around October.