Holden once again stole the show at the Australian International Motorshow at Sydney’s Darling Harbour, but this time it was not a stunning locally built concept car but the Down Under debut of the Chevy Volt.

The Volt has been seen plenty of times before, most recently from Paris, but the big news was that the car will be sold here in Australia as soon as 2012.

General Motors also re-launched the Cadillac brand into Australia and showed off the new coupe designed by Aussie designer Michael Simcoe. The car has quite angular lines but has a that touch of class that should appeal to buyers looking for an alternative to locally built big cars and imports like the Chrysler 300C.

The new Caddilac Coupe

Ford announced to the world (or at least the tiny part of the world that was at the show) that it was now very much in the Small Car Business.

The company unveiled the new Fiesta “The all-new Fiesta will be the hottest property in the light car segment,” said new Ford Australia President Marin Burela.

“Fiesta is a stylish and dynamic car that redefines and further rejuvenates Ford’s light car line-up. It’s the perfect new vehicle for the young, as well as the young at heart.” he said.

Having a bit both ways the company also showed off FPV’s 40th anniversary GT, sadly the long awaited GTHO Super Falcon that everyone really wants to see is still no appearance your honour.

Suzuki's big car concept The Kizashi

Suzuki showed off it’s large car concept TheKizashi. The concept is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and All-Wheel Drive, while Ford downsizes, Suzuki wants an extra Coke.

Nissan joined the electric car push with the Mixim. Powered by compact lithium-Ion batteries the Mixim has two 50kW electric motors - one each for the front and rear axles, effectively making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Nissan says the Mixim is capable of a top speed of 180 km/h, can accelerate as fast as a Porsche and has a potential range of about 250km. The company said at the show that the Mixim technology would go on sale in Australia hopefully again in 2012.

For high performance and motorsport fans the show was lean pickings. Ferrari showed off it’s new California which is more a boulevard cruiser than out and out GT Sports machine.

Hyundai's Production Class Championship Winner

 Hyundai had it’s entry in the Aussie Production Car Championship on display, while Honda and Subaru both showcased their rally efforts.

Of the big two, only Ford had any motorsport presence at all with the new FG V8 Supercar.

But the biggest motorsport presence was Toyota who showed the stunning Supra HV-R, the winner of Japan’s Tokashi 24 hour race.

On the outside the car looks like any other GT500 class Supra from the Super GT series but this one has one very important difference. The hybrid Supra HV-R is the first hybrid car to win a motor race, but its significance goes much deeper. Toyota engineers claim to have gained valuable data from the race, which they are using to make future hybrid systems lighter, more powerful and more efficient. And that technology will also make its way in to next year’s Formula One campaign and possibly even Le Mans.

Could the HV-R technology end up at Le Mans?

Toyota showed off more hybrid technology with the Hybrid Camry, the US version was on display but by the time we get to the Melbourne International Motorshow next March you can expect to see the locally built version that will go on sale late next year.

The Hybrid X is not scheduled to go on sale and it’s more the pity, it’s just a concept. For Now.

Mazda unveiled the Turbo Diesel version of the Mazda 6 and also showed off the Taiki concept car. With its outrider rear wheel arches and sleek flowing aerodynamic design, the Taki was instrumental in Mazda winning the coveted Grand Prix Du Design - the world’s most prestigious automotive design award.

This year’s Sydne.. sorry Australian International Motorshow also featured what it called Supercar central with a selection of high performance GT cars from all over Europe.

But tucked away in a corner, almost hidden from view was the new effort from, local manufacturer Elfin. The new Type 5 is a return to the classic Elfin clubman and is powered by a two litre Ecotec Turbo engine, which it shares with the Pontiac GXP Solstice.

Elfin's new Type 5

 Sketched by designers Julian Quincey and Adam Dean Smith, the Type 5 Clubman takes it’s inspiration from the heritage of Elfin Sports Cars of the past, such as the Elfin C3.

“The new addition to the Elfin range is a proud moment for the company and the

Australian car industry this year” said Elfin Sports Cars General Manager John Clark.

The company is hoping that the car which puts out around 300 BHP and weighs only 770 Kgs will see use as a weekend club motorsport car.

Volkswagen had the biggest presence at the show and used it to show of it’s limited edition Golf GTi Pirelli. It’s mostly more badge engineering but it at least has a cool set of wheels and some pretty hot rubber.

Despite the absence of several major manufacturers, a complete lack of alcohol for the media day and a food menu consisting totally of Harry’s Cafe de Wheels Pies. (they’re a Sydney.. sorry Australian institution who know MATE!!) the 2008 Syd.. Sorry, Australian International Motorshow still had enough bling and buzz to make it a must see for local car freaks.

But in the current environment, one wonders how long can Australia continue the expensive process of having two major motorshows every year.

Let’s hope the two parties can join together to make a genuine Australian International Motorshow, wherever it’s held, a worthy addition to the International Motorshow circuit.