More than 70 new cars were launched at the Motor Show this week as models, showbiz stars and pop singers made press day appearances to add to the razzmatazz.

Motor giants including Ford, Rover, Honda and Nissan gave UK debuts to new cars and some firms, including Vauxhall gave a glimpse of the future by unveiling designs for 2003.

Skoda was one of the few exhibitors to feature a top model, hiring Alicia Rowntree to help launch the new Octavia estate.

A record 90,000 advance tickets have been sold for the show and 650,000 visitors are expected to attend when the doors open to the public tomorrow.

Mini claimed a show first by presenting its three models in a series of stunt displays inside the exhibition hall.

The BMW-owned firm announced that production of the Mini at its Oxford plant is set to break through the 150,000 barrier this year, thousands more than previous expectations.

Further models are expected to be built, including a Cabriolet version in 2004, executives revealed.

Ford announced that prices for its new Fiesta three-door model will start from £7,995, while the roadster Streetka will start at £12,495 when it goes on sale next Spring.

Mike Baunton, President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trades, organisers of the motor show, said every new model being launched was safer for occupants and pedestrians than its predecessor.

The show -- which officially opens to the public tomorrow -- will also feature the world debut of three cars from the new James Bond movie Die Another Day, an Aston Martin Vanquish, a modified 400 horsepower Jaguar XKR convertible and the new Ford Thunderbird.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said: "As an international showcase for the industry, the event is the perfect place to show the strength of British design to the rest of the world."

Hall 5 will host some of the best models dating back to the first motor show in 1903, in a feature called 100 Years of Motor Show.

UK debuts include supercars like the Bentley Continental GT and Enzo Ferrari.

This year also hosts show-stoppers like the Brackley-built FBS Census V6 sports car in Hall 5, and the world launch of TVR's new coup in Hall 3.