Total Motor Show:

The Total Motorshow, held at the Ngong Race Course between August 28 and 30 was a showcase of the some of the latest models from the franchised new motor vehicle dealers. Though the dealers try to bring in the new models from the manufacturer, not all models vroom their way into our showrooms. We take a look at some of the cars we'd have wanted to see and why they were absent.

1) Nissan Skyline GTR

Why: Born from a long line of Skyline GT-Rs dating back to 1969, it has to be described as the ne plus ultra of Japanese performance machinery. It packs more turbocharged power, more all-wheel-drive technology and more sheer speed than any Japanese car ever. Winner of Performance Car of the Year in World Car of the Year Awards.

Year of release: Though the original hit the street in 1969, it wasn't until 1990 that the GT-R legend would be solidified.

Cost: Ksh 6,301,620 (pre-tax)

Why its not here: "Our roads conditions and petrol quality just not good enough for the car."- Josephine Wahome, Marketing Manager, DT Dobie.

2) Subaru Exiga (pronounced x-shiga)

Why: Think about it. Which seven-seater passenger car is sold off the showrooms locally - and at the price of a saloon? Toyota Avanza? Well, this is an a veritable class of its own, under-served by new car dealers as the Toyota Ipsums and Spacio run riot in the second hand category.

Year of release: 2008  

Cost: Ksh 2,000,000 (pre-tax).

Why its not here: "Only sold in Japan. Just introduced in Australia, has not even reached the US. Might reach Kenya by 2011." - Ouko Njega, Marketing Manager, Subaru Kenya.

3) Tata Nano (Tata)

Why: 21st century People's Car. Incredibly affordable, very fuel efficient and can seat a family of four.

Year of release: 2009

Cost: Ksh 195000 pre-tax.

Why its not here: "Made for the Indian market and until the unbelievably high demand for it by the Indians is met, you may as well forget about it." - Karimi Nzomo, Marketing Manager, Marshalls.

4) BMW Z-4

Why: A roadster designed the way only BMW can: the classic proportions of the stretched bonnet and short overhangs complimented by low seats near to the rear axle to grant the driver a perfect feel of the road.

Year of release: First generation production started in 2002

Cost: Ksh 4,028,700 (pre-tax)

Why its not here:  "Shipment by special order. It's safe to say no one has ordered it then." - Noreen Sharif, Sales and Marketing Manager, Bavaria Auto.

5) Mitsubishi Evo X

Why: If you think of cars as athletes, you can call a Dodge Viper a sprinter, an Infiniti FX50 a linebacker and a Ford F350 a weightlifter. The EVO X is a gymnast, as pound for pound male gymnasts are the best athletes around. And this sucker definitely has balls.

Year of release: 2008

Cost: Ksh 2,573,220 (pre-tax)

Why its not hear: "Shipment only on special order." - Nawaz Popat, Marketing Manager, Simba Colt Motors.

6) Toyota iQ (Toyota)

Why: It's clever and fuel-efficient, an intelligent space-saving design solution ideal for urban transport. Throw out your Vitz and get intelligent.

Year of release: 2008

Cost: Ksh 1,259,400 (pre-tax)

Why its not here: Japanese sales began in October 2008 and UK sales in January 2009 - Toyota East Africa spokesperson.