Mass Appeal
All-new pickups and city cars are stealing the highlight of this year's Bangkok motor show.
Mazda 3
Price:1.064 million baht.
Specs: 147hp 2.0-litre inline-four petrol, five-speed automatic.
What's cool: The second-gen 3 comes with same stylish looks as before, gets a new five-speed automatic gearbox and boasts class-leading level of safety features. The price is the same for both the four-door saloon and five-door hatchback.
Ford Ranger
Price: 500,000 to 950,000 baht (estimated).
Specs: 166hp 2.5-litre inline-four petrol/LPG, 150hp 2.2-litre and 200hp 3.2-litre inline-four diesel-turbo, six-speed manual or automatic.
What's cool: Ford is previewing the all-new Ranger in Regular, Super (open-cab) and Double (four-door) forms. For the first time, there is an engine than can run on LPG. First deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of this year.
Kia Picanto
Price: 400,000-480,000 baht (estimated).
Specs: 85hp 1.2-litre inline-four petrol, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
What's cool: Kia's latest A-segment offering wants to steal some attention from the two Ecocars available so far in the Thai market with its stylish looks. Since the Picanto is an import, it prices are subsidised by its parent firm meaning that cars are only available on a quota basis.
Honda Brio
Price: 399,900-508,500 baht.
Specs: 90hp 1.2-litre inline-four petrol, five-speed manual or CVT automatic.
What's cool: The Brio is the now the smallest and cheapest Honda in the Thai lineup featuring an ultra-compact body ideal for city-driving. Like the bigger Jazz hatchback, the country's second Ecocar has dual airbags and anti-lock brakes made standard across the range.
Hyundai Sonata
Price: 1.55-1.87 million baht.
Specs: 165hp 2.0-litre inline-four petrol, six-speed automatic.
What's cool: All-new Sonata gets new-found levels of styling and on-paper technical advantage over rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It is another import from Korea, meaning that the special prices are only applicable to a handful amount of cars.
Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI
Price: 1.598 million baht (1.488 million, introductory).
Specs: 105hp 1.2-litre inline-four petrol-turbo, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What's cool: This a mini crossover from VW's Czech car arm along the lines of the Kia Soul and Mini Countryman. Thanks to a downsized engine, the power output and advanced gearbox in the Yeti are still competitive.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Price: 2.82 million baht.
Specs: 150hp 2.1-litre inline-four diesel-turbo.
What's cool: Mercedes' people-carrier, aimed at the popular Volkswagen Caravelle, comes with a new face and uprated oil-burner.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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