Holden's outrageous Efigy concept coupe may have stolen the limelight at the Sydney motor show with its 1930s custom rod looks and supercharged 6.0-litre V8 engine, but the S3X concept SUV is easily the most significant reveal for the local GM subsidiary.

The S3X concept is a thinly disguised pointer to the 5- and 7-seat SUV Holden will launch in mid-2006 to tackle the strong selling Ford Territory in Australia's fastest growing market segment. Holden has decided on a name, but boss Denny Mooney would not be drawn except to say "we'll reveal that and more in the first quarter of 2006".

He did confirm the SUV would be offered with multiple drive-trains covering multiple fuels. A 3.2-litre Global V6 mated to an automatic transmission with two and four-wheel drive is most likely for the sub-$40,000 SUV. Heavy speculation surrounds a diesel drive-train, which is as yet unconfirmed.

Also stealing photographers' attention on the Holden stand is two HSV models occupying opposite ends of the performance car envelope. A limited edition LE GTO Coupe gets a number of visual lifts - including two Ford-style stripes running bumper to bumper - but no extra power or performance from the GTO's 297kW 6.0-litre V8.

Of more interest is the HSV Astra VXR, officially here to gauge public reaction, unofficially a certainty to join the HSV model range in 2006. Produced by Opel, Holden's European equivalent, the 176kW, turbocharged 2.0-litre HSV Astra VXR should carry a price tag below $43,000.

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