JBChiangRai

There is a difference with Thai drivers. They don't anticipate or plan. for example, almost every occasion when a car in front is turning right, I am already moving into the left lane to go past them. This doesn't happen with Thai, they are surprised and stop and then look to see if it's clear to move to the left to pass. When I am driving, I am not only watching the car in front, but all the cars in front of that one, Thai don't do that, they are only watching the car in front.

I have requested 12 month price protection on my MG Cyberster from MG HQ in Thailand, or I will cancel my order. It has gone up to HQ from the local dealer for consideration and I wouldn't be surprised if it has gone all the way to MG China. In today's cut-throat market, I wouldn't buy another car without price protection unless it is one already heavily discounted. I agree it is unheard of in the Auto industry, but it is common practice in the IT industry. IBM used to try and stuff me full of kit at their year end and it always came with price protection. What is important is the ratio of new EV's to new ICE. I didn't consider a slump in the entire auto industry. If the ratio starts to decrease over 3 months consecutively, then I will indeed concede EV's have a problem. That plug is Level 2 normal AC Charging in Thailand (220v/380v).

That's the best 5 series they ever made, especially the 540i

I asked CoPilot to compare the Volvo EX30 dual motor with the MG4 X-Power, it got the performance figures wrong which I corrected to 3.8 seconds, but otherwise I think they are similar size, performance and same segment although the X-Power is 37% cheaper. Let’s compare the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance and the MG4 XPOWER electric hatchbacks. Here are the key differences between these two models: Size and Dimensions: Both the MG4 XPOWER and the Volvo EX30 are practical for their class. They are built on dedicated EV platforms, allowing for greater interior space relative to their external footprint. The MG4 XPOWER is longer by 54 mm, while the Volvo EX30 is wider by 33 mm1. Range and Performance: On paper, the Volvo EX30 offers more claimed WLTP range (additional 75 km) and is also more efficient than the MG4 XPOWER, despite being 65 kg heavier. The Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, outperforming the MG4 XPOWER (which takes 3.8 7.9 seconds)1. Battery and Charging: The MG4 XPOWER offers slightly faster DC charging than the Volvo EX30. Only the MG4 XPOWER features V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability, allowing you to use the car’s battery as a mobile power bank. This feature can be useful for camping, road trips, and emergencies1. Driver Technology: Both vehicles offer similar levels of driver-assist technology features. The Volvo EX30, however, provides a larger screen, higher-resolution camera system, and auto park assistance. Infotainment and Connectivity: The Volvo EX30 boasts superior infotainment and connectivity features: Larger 12.3-inch center screen powered by Android Automotive. Snappy user-friendly interface. High-quality sound system. Both vehicles support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Mobile apps allow functionalities such as remote lock, pre-heating/cooling, and charge monitoring1. Other Features: Both vehicles offer additional features like a heat pump (standard). Warranty and Servicing: The MG4 XPOWER has a longer vehicle warranty based on the number of years. The Volvo EX30 has a longer battery warranty duration1. In summary, the Volvo EX30 offers better performance, a longer range, and superior infotainment, while the MG4 XPOWER is lighter and features V2L capability. Consider your priorities when choosing between these two electric hatchbacks! 🚗🔌 I am biased when it comes to the MG4 but I think it's a compelling option considering it's 770,000 baht cheaper and a very similar car. The other issue is price wars, Volvo hasn't joined that yet and I would be worried that they do that this year. I would definitely be wanting 12 months price protection if I ordered a Volvo.

I think we should stick to a single source of statistics, so we're comparing apples to apples, let's not start to try to compare apples to pears

Whilst I think the Volvo is a fine car, I think it's poor value compared to other EV's on the market. It's best not to be blinded by the badge, it's from the same country as BYD.

I feel sorry for the BMW's I see, they drive a far inferior car to an EV. Sorry to call your post Nonsense. What is important is customer behaviour, the fact is the percentage of people choosing EV over the percentage of people choosing ICE is up by approximately 10%. EV adoption is accelerating, no swallows here Sunshine!

That sounds like good advice, does that mean it doesn't apply here?

If you like the single motor, you are going to love the dual motor!

Enjoy the next three days, and I hope you can find time to post a review and what your opinions were

I am sure it's not correct.

@vinny41, @ExpatOilWorker @TorquayFan These must have been EV's right?

Unfortunately, you are right and nothing will improve. Another way to look at this scenario is from (say) a GoPro on the motorbike behind, suddenly the bicycle he is overtaking swerves into his path. Suppose it wasn't a bicycle that swerved but another motorbike? or another car? Does it make a difference? IMHO, it's down to the gap left by the motorbike and how far the bicycle actually swerved, it could be 50/50 blame or it could be 100% the cyclist.

There's no "maybe" with you, it's a definite! To give it, you have to take it my friend.

So you mix in those circles, good to know, forewarned is forearmed.

Advice is advice, not the law. It's either good advice or bad advice, which do you think it is? Do you think good advice doesn't apply worldwide?

I think this price war on cars is having a negative effect. I think it's more important than ever that people refuse to buy new without a guarantee of price protection. If that request became "a thing", manufacturers would have no choice but to agree to it. I took a friend to look at Aion & Deepal yesterday, both excellent cars but looking overpriced at the moment. MG Chiang Rai are getting the MG4 X-Power in stock over the course of the next fortnight. I am looking forward to test driving that, only available here in Matt Green.

This raises so many questions. How did he maintain a passport for 27 years? What visa was he on? How did he support himself in Thailand? and, more importantly, what has he up to in Thailand?

I can see a couple of issues. Firstly, the motorcyclist should be leaving a decent gap before he overtakes. I think the advice in the UK is 1.2 or 1.5m. Secondly, the bicycle's situational awareness. Swerving out without checking behind is risky. Most roadgoing vehicles have mirrors so you are always supposed to know what's behind you. It's part of the UK driving test, the examiner may ask you "without looking in your mirrors, what's behind you?" I don't think that's possible on a bicycle and most riders are oblivious to what's going on behind them unless they want to turn right where they would check. Why should swerving out be any different to turning right? IMHO it's probably a case of 50/50 blame. Cyclists often get a bad rap, some of it is deserved, we have probably all witnessed cyclists refusing to stop at a red traffic light.

All modern cars are going that way, it's not just EV's.

There’s another issue, British tax year’s end in April

I think a lot of the younger Russians (draft dodgers) are running out of money. Staying away from Russia being a life and death issue and no money is going to result in desperation and consequently serious crime. The authorities need to get to grips with this, perhaps some form of means testing.

Let's not get carried away, you don't need any documentation to submit your tax return, only if they query it. How likely are they to query a foreigner's tax return?

We have done a few where they used the automated system and often that leads on to the full test. The one at the weekend was the full test. If you pick a location like Central Mall, there is competition between them, and they will all do the full test. The different frames with designer labels is bull$hit, they are all made in the same factory. My daughter insists on buying from the opticians here but I have persuaded her that there is no such thing as glasses that improve your appearance therefore they should be as invisible as possible which means frameless. Not all opticians carry them and they are expensive. I buy my prescription glasses from AliExpress where I pay under 1,000 baht for frameless, titanium memory frames with photochromic lenses, I have 4 pairs and they darken pink, brown, blue & purple respectively. I've been wearing one of these pairs for 2 years now and the lenses are still perfect with coating intact. I have little astigmatism and don't correct that. Titanium memory frames require no fitting. The only measurement I need to take along with the prescription is the distance between pupils.

How do March 2024 EV sales compare to March 2023? I am sure Vinny is watching with baited breath