The gist of what was happening in IIMS Hall A

There were seven car brands in Hall A of the IIMS 2012 - Mitsubishi, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Daihatsu, Subaru and Hyundai. Here are the gist of some of the cars they were presenting...

Mitsubishi

There were 13 passenger vehicles presented by PT Krama yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (KTB) at the IIMS 2012, with the booth theme 'Innovation of Passion and Fashion Mitsubishi Lifestyle'.

The most appealing variant is no doubt the low compact hatchback, Mitsubishi Mirage.

Ford

PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) introduced their two flagship duo, the All-New Ford Focus Sedan and Hatchback. There were four different variants interested buyers could order at the IIMS 2012 - 1.6-litre 5-door Focus Trend, (S$41,654), 1.6-litre 4-door Focus Trend (S$43,397), 2.0-litre 5-door Titanium (S$44,748) and the 2.0-litre 4-door Sport (S$47,307). These four variants are equipped with the PowerShift AT six-speed transmission.

KIA

With the booth theme 'I like KIA, I like Eco2 (Ecological & Economical)', the Korean carmaker introduced two new variants - the Kia Sportage and the Kia Rio Sedan.

"We have yet to release these two variants, but interested consumers can go on an outstanding order now at the IIMS. The advantage is that they'll be able to get it earlier then the official release of the cars," said Hartanto Sukmono, Marketing Director PT Kia Mobil Indonesia (KMI).

Hartanto also added that KMI is trying to position the 2.4-litre KIA Sportage at a price that's lesser than Rp 400 million (S$51,282) and the Kia Rio Sedan to be less than Rp 200 million (S$25,662).

Mazda

At the IIMS 2012, Mazda introduced the All-New Mazda Biante, a mid-size 8-seater MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). Indonesian fans were pretty lucky to be the first country outside Japan to have the arrival of Biante.

Using high tensile steel for its body construction, Biante is known to have a tough and sound aerodynamic body construction. Supported by a MZR 2.0-litre engine DISI that's mated to an automatic 5-speed transmission, the car churns out a maximum power of 148bhp and a max torque 190Nm.

Daihatsu

Responding to the regulations of LCGC (Low Cost Green Car) that hasn't been approved by the RI government, Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) presented the Daihatsu Ayla, a compact hatchback that attracted many at the show. Though it is not yet officially released, interested buyers of the Ayla could book one at a fee of Rp 1 million (S$128).

Daihatsu Ayla sports a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder powerplant that produces a maximum power 64bhp at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 85Nm at 3,600rpm.

Subaru

Rivalling the Toyota 86 is the Subaru BRZ, a rear wheel driven sports vehicle that has a capable horizontal-opposed boxer engine under its bonnet. At the motor show, the BRZ was set at two prices - Rp 628 million (S$80,578) for the manual transmission and Rp 668 million (S$85,710) for the automatic. This positions the car right above its 'twin brother' Toyota 86 which was set at Rp 611 million (S$78,396) and Rp 647 million (S$82,948) for the manual and automatic transmissions respectively.

Hyundai

PT Hyundai Mobil Indonesia presented the All New Santa Fe, a premium 7-seater SUV. Mated to a responsive shiftronic 6-speed transmission, the 2.2-litre Common Rail Diesel Engine is capable of producing a max power of 198 horses at 3,800rpm and a peak torque of 445 Nm at 1,800 - 2,500rpm.