Ford will unveil a mildly facelifted Escape in early February 2004, when the mid-sized crossover range will also comprise a sub-$30,000 four-cylinder variant for the first time. The 2.3-litre engine to be launched in the ZB Escape XLS is already sold here in Mazda6, but will be detuned from 122kW to 108kW.

read more about the Ford Escape

Audi's new A4 S Line, revealed at the 2003 Sydney show, creates a bridge between A4 and S4. It features a 140kW 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine (plus 20kW), quattro all-wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox, a bodykit and 17-inch wheels. The sedan costs $69,500, while the Avant is $73,100.

read more about the Audi A4

A 4.2-litre V8 will be added to Audi's Allroad range, but it's arrival here has been delayed until February, when it will join the 2.7-litre turbo V6 petrol and 2.5-litre V6 turbo-diesel models. To be priced at $108,900, it will be a niche car with niche sales expected - just five or so per month.

read more about the Audi Allroad

The base Tribute 4WD loses the breathless old 97kW 2.0-litre for a 108kW/201Nm 2.3 'four' similar to the Mazda 6's unit but minus the SVT variable valve timing device. The auto-only 2004 range also sees improved brakes, new cabin trim, more standard features and revised instrumentation.

read more about the Mazda Tribute

Originally due on sale here in November 2003, the new V8-powered S4 quattro sedan's Australian on-sale date is now some time during the first quater of 2004. A 253kW/410Nm 4.2-litre V8 will propel it into BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 territory, but pricing of $129,500 and $132,500 (auto) won't.

read more about the Audi A4