4WDs of the 2011 Australian International Motor Show

For the "work 'n' play" brigade there were new 4x4 utes from Mazda and Ford, while Holden revealed a show-stopping concept of the next generation Colorado ute.

Alongside the utes, other reveals included the upcoming Range Rover Evoque, new Volkswagen Touareg wagon, and the compact Skoda Yeti. At the futuristic end of the scale were the stunning Mazda Minagi SUV and the Subaru XV Concept.

Holden Colorado Concept

While General Motors have revealed international versions of their new global light commercial vehicle - most notably the Chevrolet Colorado - the local arm of GM was not to be outdone, with an Aussie inspired show truck. The stunning five-seat crew-cab, styled and built in Holden's Port Melbourne Design Studio, foreshadows the production version of the next generation Colorado launching in Australia in 2012.

Although a show vehicle, Holden boss Mike Devereux said the fundamental design and proportions were true to form for the production version of the Colorado.

The Colorado received a special "sports performance" makeover that includes locally styled front fascia, bonnet, fenders and tailgate. A number of details were also added to the design, with aluminium machined side steps, bumpers, rear step plates and side mirror attachment arms, as well as striking 20-inch satin finish wheels.

The new Colorado will be available with a choice of turbo-diesel and petrol engines and wide choice of body styles.

Ford Ranger Wildtrack

Ford previewed its new top-of-the-line Ford Ranger Wildtrak publicly for the first time. Designed for buyers seeking a ruggedly stylish and supremely functional lifestyle vehicle, Wildtrak takes Ranger's up-market appearance even further, with a unique colour split on the front that helps define the car's sporty image.

Sitting high on 18-inch alloy wheels, the Ranger Wildtrak gets roof rails and an aerodynamic sports bar, which enhance its profile. Wildtrak badging and graphics help to set it apart from other lifestyle vehicles, while the cabin gains a smart combination of leather and cloth upholstery. Increased knee and legroom allows three passengers to sit in the second row of Wildtrak, while there are more than twenty storage spaces throughout the cabin, including a deep centre console that doubles as a chiller, able to hold six cans of drink.

Significantly, Ranger Wildtrak will boast the segment's first rear view camera system where the camera image is displayed in the rear view mirror, as well as rear parking sensors.

Ranger will be available with a choice of two state-of-the-art common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new fuel-efficient six-speed manual and automatic transmissions that serve up more power and torque.

Four-wheel drive models are also equipped with a sturdy electronically-controlled transfer case - for both manual and automatic transmissions - that allow drivers to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 anytime via a switch conveniently located on the console. XLT and Wildtrak models can also be equipped with an electric locking rear differential to improve traction.

Mazda BT-50

Mazda have been talking about the new BT-50 since showing its prototype at the Sydney Motor Show last year. Finally the vehicle is ready to roll, with Mazda highlighting a fully accessorised BT-50 at the motor Show. All of the extra gear has been styled and built by Mazda and will be available for customers to fully customise their ute.

The BT-50 has a wheelbase 220mm longer than the current BT-50 4x4 Dual Cab, with a wider cab also increasing space across all five interior seating positions. Mazda revealed the new Freestyle cab version of the BT-50 at the motor show, which offers a unique combination of seating for four, an exceptionally wide pillar-less door opening, and a large carrying capacity.

On each side of the cabin, a front-hinged door and a rear access panel combine to provide a 1408mm-wide opening that makes for easy entry to and exit from either the front or rear seats.

Powering the BT-50 is the new MZ-CD 3.2-litre diesel engine, delivering a strong 470Nm of torque and 147Kw of power - a massive 24 percent increase in torque (28 percent of power) over the current 3.0-litre diesel engine. The 3.2-litre engine is mated to a six-speed transmission.

The all-new design incorporates higher sides to the cargo tray which not only add to the striking looks of the new BT-50 but vastly increase the maximum cargo volume to 1214-litres, an increase of 178-litres over the current dual cab model. Towing capacity is also up to an impressive capacity of 3350kg.

The BT-50 goes on sale later this year.

Skoda Yeti

Skoda have been talking up the compact Yeti 4x4 for a number of years, but it is officially arriving this year, priced from $28,690 for the front-wheel drive and $35,690 for the 4x4 version. The Yeti 4x4 incorporates a Haldex clutch and is powered by an economical 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine with 103kW and 320Nm from 1750 to 2500rpm. It comes with a six-speed DSG transmission (or six-speed manual).

The two-wheel drive Yeti is powered by the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine delivering 77kW and 175Nm between 1550 and 4100rpm. This engine is paired with the innovative seven-speed DSG transmission (or six-speed manual). Electronic Stability Control is standard on all Yetis, as is ABS, EBD, ASR and Hill Hold Control, while seven airbags (including a driver's knee airbag) protect passengers in the event of an accident.

The Yeti will be launched later this year.

Range Rover Evoque

This year the Range Rover family gains a new member in the Range Rover Evoque. The Evoque is available with a choice of all turbocharged power trains, both petrol and diesel with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and, for the first time in a Range Rover, the option of 2WD (front wheel drive) as well as 4WD. It is available in two body styles - a Coupé and 5-door - in three trim levels: Pure, Prestige and Dynamic.

Evoque prices will start from $49,995 for a TD4 Evoque Pure (5-door) six-speed manual 2WD model, through to the top of the range Si4 six-speed automatic Prestige Evoque Coupé at $77,395.

A smooth and refined all turbocharged powertrain line-up is available with a choice of state-of-the-art diesel or petrol engines.

The updated 2.2-litre turbo diesel has 110kW and 140kW derivatives. The new 177kW 2.0-litre Si4 petrol engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing for exceptional driveability and fuel-efficiency, and delivers 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds.

The Evoque goes on sale in November.