The five-door version of the second-generation A3 - called the A3 Sportback - is due on sale here around February, 2005. It will look significantly different to the three-door, which means that Audi will keep selling both here, unlike with the previous model. Engines should include 1.6 and 2.0 petrol, and 2.0 diesel.

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Daihatsu - the Toyota-owned, sub-1.3-litre car-maker - rolled out a preview of its all-new Sirion small car at the 2003 Tokyo show, called the XL-C concept. Due on sale in late February, the new five-door will share a platform with the next Toyota Echo, so expect good value from Daihatsu's volume seller.

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Ford will brace its Courier light truck against tough new competition with a keenly priced V6 offering free air-conditioning and automatic. The 4.0 154kW/323Nm V6 will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 Super Cab and Crew Cab styles in GL and XLT guises only (there is no Courier cab-chassis V6).

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Porsche will launch its second-generation Boxster convertible range in February. Offering more performance, more acceleration, more equipment and a lower pricetag - but only subtle styling changes despite all-new sheetmetal - the new Boxster and Boxster S remain the roadsters to beat.

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In addition to a revised 5.7-litre V8-powered Crewman Cross8, the VZ AWD range is expected to include a 3.6-litre Alloytec V6-powered all-wheel drive version of its four-door ute dubbed Cross6. Like Adventra V6, it will be priced a good deal lower than its V8 stablemate, which is currently $51,990.

read more about the Holden Crewman