New Cars Market In Thailand For 2010 And Beyond..

[alexbrouwer1]

MRO,

Do you know if there is any news about Honda bringing a CRV with diesel engine ?

And if the Nissan Juke will come, will it be with diesel or petrol engine ?

Regards,

alex

Time for another update:

Chevrolet:

2010: All New Cruze (codename J300) - to be release at the Motor Show with deliveries starting in Jan 2011. Sales target of 10k units/year Updated

2010: Aveo CNG to be released at the Motor Show

2011: New Aveo (codename T300) - June release planned.

2011: New Colorado (codename GMI700) - November release planned.

2011: New Captiva

2012: All-new Colorado-based PPV (SUV)

Ford:

2010: New Fiesta (codename B299) - Released.

2011: New Ranger (codename T6) - Production stated to start mid 2011 with a release date of Nov/Dec 2011, however a surprise early launch is now rumored. Updated

2011: Last minor change for the Escape.

2012: All New Escape model based on 2012 Focus platform.

2012: New Focus

2012: New Everest

2012: Escape discontinued.

Honda:

2010: Jazz, City and Accord all get a minor change.

2011: Jazz Hybrid. Revealed at Paris motor show Oct 2010, confirmed for Thai production. Updated

2011: New Civic (codename 2HC) towards the end of the year.

2011: New Eco car (codename 2CV) to be launched in November 2010, broad availability not expected until late Q1 2011.

Hyundai:

2010: New Tuscon Released.

2010: Hyundai i10 - unconfirmed model -Hyundai has gone quiet, unlikely now. Updated

2010: Hyundai Genesis Coupe - unconfirmed model - Hyundai has gone quiet, unlikely now. Updated

2010: New Hyundai Sonata - release date unconfirmed.

Isuzu:

2010: Isuzu D-Max -Titanium series nanochange released. New "Titanium X-Series" in November. Updated.

2011: New D-Max (codename RT-50) - to be based on Chevrolet engine & chassis. Nov release planned.

2012: New RT-50 based PPV (SUV) to replace the MU-7. Again based on Chevrolet SUV

Note: Come late 2011/2012, Isuzu will no longer be manufacturing pickups or PPV's (SUV) themselves - all will be sourced from Chevrolet.

Land Rover:

2010: Feelander - minor change.

2011: New Evoque to be released mid-year. New Addition.

Mazda:

2010: New Mazda 2 sedan Released.

2010: Last minor change for the existing Mazda 3 Released.

2011: New Mazda 3 - Production earmarked to start in late 2010 in Rayong, for early 2011 release. Updated

2011: New BT-50 (codename T6). To be unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show October 2010, and released Nov/Dec 2011. Primary engine variant revealed to be 2.2L TD with 156HP/380Nm Updated

Mercedes-Benz:

2010: New Benz E-Class - CKD made in Thailand. Released.

2010: S-Class - minor change Released.

2010: New line-up of "Blue Effeciency" models Released.

2010: SLS AMG Released.

Mitsubishi:

2010: Lancer EX white pearl edition Released.

2010: Triton minor change to be released at December Motor Show Updated

2012: Eco-car enters production in Sep 2011 for an early 2012 release. First Thai made car to be offered with a choice of Petrol, Hybrid or All-Electric drivetrain Updated.

Nissan:

2010: All New "March" eco-car - expected in the first half. Released.

2010: Navara minor change.

2010: New Vanette NV200 and Urvan - expected in November

2011: March based sedan

2011: Juke official imports under consideration (already in gray market) Updated.

2012: New TIIDA X12C

2012: New C Segment sedan (codename L12F) to compete with Corolla/Civic/3/Focus. New Addition.

2013: New compact sedan (TIIDA Latio replacement)

Porsche:

2010: New Cayenne S Hybrid released - first import to pass-on advantages of hybrid tax loophole (prices from ~6M instead of ~14M) New Addition.

Suzuki:

2010: Swift - expected in the first half. Released.

2010: SX4 - looks to be canned. Updated.

2012: Eco-car project - unconfirmed.

Toyota:

2010: VIOS minor change. Released.

2010: Yaris nano change.

2010: VIGO nano change. Released.

2010: Corolla Altis minor change (new engines/gearboxes) Released.

2010: Fortuner nano change. Released.

2011: Prius and Prius plug-in. Now Officially Announced & bookings being taken.

2011: VIGO minor change.

2011: New Yaris / Vios

2012: New Camry.

2013: New ALTIS.

2014: New Hilux (codename IMV2)

2014: Eco-car project gets a second chance

Let me know if there's anything I've missed

[MoonRiverOasis]

MRO, is there any updated news on the specs for the honda eco car? Has the release date been relayed? Haven't heard much in the news about it..Thanks..

No updates outside of confirmations that the project is still going ahead. The same concept vehicle we saw back at the last motor show has now been shown in neighboring countries as well, but nothing new has surfaced outside of some speculation over what engine it'll have (which will no doubt vary by market anyway).

so will the new captiva in 2011 be a facelift or just will it be the one with a new 2.2 diesel engine with 182bhp?

http://www.carmagazi...icial-pictures/

It'll be a minor change, will make that clearer next time I update the list

MRO,

Do you know if there is any news about Honda bringing a CRV with diesel engine ?

And if the Nissan Juke will come, will it be with diesel or petrol engine ?

Regards,

alex

Honda reps have been quoted in the past saying words to the effect of gasoline, being quieter, is a better product differentiator for them in the TH market. The truth is production levels are just too low to justify setting up a diesel production line though

There hasn't been any updates on the Juke for a long time now.. It has been in the TH gray market for several months now, but has been a very poor sales performer - my guess is Nissan are very aware of this and will probably drop plans to support it officially.

Edited November 24, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[MoonRiverOasis]

Oh one correction - The Accord minor change has been released now.

[katabeachbum]

Honda reps have been quoted in the past saying words to the effect of gasoline, being quieter, is a better product differentiator for them in the TH market. The truth is production levels are just too low to justify setting up a diesel production line though

There hasn't been any updates on the Juke for a long time now.. It has been in the TH gray market for several months now, but has been a very poor sales performer - my guess is Nissan are very aware of this and will probably drop plans to support it officially.

a few reasons why Honda is not going diesel. One reson used to be lack of auto for diesel, which was solved for European market half a year ago

CRV too low volume in manufactoring as MRO says

Honda dealers/aftermarket are not trained on diesel

Honda (and its buyers) might consider CRV more excusive than Fortuner, due to lack of diesel noise

There is presently a reduced excice tax for cars (CRV is a car regarding taxes) able to run E20. Hondas diesel is in addition 2200cc placing it in a higher tax bracket than its own 2000cc petrol. CRV diesel would in LOS cost 2-300k more than 2,4 petrol. any takers?

Toyota has several nice diesels up their sleeves for Yaris, Vios, Altis-Corolla, but dont want to do them in LOS

[MoonRiverOasis]

Honda reps have been quoted in the past saying words to the effect of gasoline, being quieter, is a better product differentiator for them in the TH market. The truth is production levels are just too low to justify setting up a diesel production line though

There hasn't been any updates on the Juke for a long time now.. It has been in the TH gray market for several months now, but has been a very poor sales performer - my guess is Nissan are very aware of this and will probably drop plans to support it officially.

a few reasons why Honda is not going diesel. One reson used to be lack of auto for diesel, which was solved for European market half a year ago

CRV too low volume in manufactoring as MRO says

Honda dealers/aftermarket are not trained on diesel

Honda (and its buyers) might consider CRV more excusive than Fortuner, due to lack of diesel noise

There is presently a reduced excice tax for cars (CRV is a car regarding taxes) able to run E20. Hondas diesel is in addition 2200cc placing it in a higher tax bracket than its own 2000cc petrol. CRV diesel would in LOS cost 2-300k more than 2,4 petrol. any takers?

Toyota has several nice diesels up their sleeves for Yaris, Vios, Altis-Corolla, but dont want to do them in LOS

Much better explanation than mine

[MoonRiverOasis]

More updates (and a few oversights )

Chery:

2011: H13 van New Addition

2011: A13 sedan and hatchback New Addition

2011: A3 sedan and hatchback New Addition

2011: QQ22 7-seater mini MPV New Addition

2013: un-named Pickup Truck to be locally assembled. New Addition

Chevrolet:

2010: All New Cruze (codename J300) - to be release at the Motor Show with deliveries starting in Jan 2011. Sales target of 10k units/year Updated

2010: Aveo CNG to be released at the Motor Show

2011: New Aveo (codename T300) - June release planned.

2011: New Colorado (codename GMI700) - November release planned.

2011: New Captiva

2012: All-new Colorado-based PPV (SUV)

Ford:

2010: New Fiesta (codename B299) - Released.

2011: New Ranger (codename T6) - Production stated to start mid 2011 with a release date of Nov/Dec 2011, however a surprise early launch is now rumored. Updated

2011: Last minor change for the Escape.

2012: All New Escape model based on 2012 Focus platform.

2012: New Focus

2012: New Everest

2012: Escape discontinued.

Honda:

2010: Jazz, City and Accord all get a minor change. Accord Minor change released.

2011: New Eco car (codename 2CV). Prototype version that's closer to production to be unveiled at the 2010 Motor Show. Two variants to be offered when it goes on sale in 2011, rumors place it having a 1.2L gasoline engine for Thailand. Updated

2011: Jazz Hybrid. Revealed at Paris motor show Oct 2010, confirmed for Thai production. Updated

2011: New Civic (codename 2HC) towards the end of the year.

Hyundai:

2010: New Tuscon Released.

2010: New Starex (luxury version of the H-1). New Addition (released)

2010: Hyundai i10 - unconfirmed model -Hyundai has gone quiet, unlikely now. Updated

2010: Hyundai Genesis Coupe - unconfirmed model - Hyundai has gone quiet, unlikely now. Updated

2010: New Hyundai Sonata - release date unconfirmed.

Isuzu:

2010: Isuzu D-Max -Titanium series nanochange released. New "Titanium X-Series" in November. Updated.

2011: New D-Max (codename RT-50) - to be based on Chevrolet engine & chassis. Nov release planned.

2012: New RT-50 based PPV (SUV) to replace the MU-7. Again based on Chevrolet SUV

Note: Come late 2011/2012, Isuzu will no longer be manufacturing pickups or PPV's (SUV) themselves - all will be sourced from Chevrolet.

Land Rover:

2010: Feelander - minor change.

2011: New Evoque to be released mid-year. New Addition.

Mazda:

2010: New Mazda 2 sedan Released.

2010: Last minor change for the existing Mazda 3 Released.

2011: New Mazda 3 - Production earmarked to start in late 2010 in Rayong, for early 2011 release. Updated

2011: New BT-50 (codename T6). To be unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show October 2010, and released Nov/Dec 2011. Primary engine variant revealed to be 2.2L TD with 156HP/380Nm Updated

Mercedes-Benz:

2010: New Benz E-Class - CKD made in Thailand. Released.

2010: S-Class - minor change Released.

2010: New line-up of "Blue Effeciency" models Released.

2010: SLS AMG Released.

Mitsubishi:

2010: Lancer EX white pearl edition Released.

2010: Triton minor change to be released at December Motor Show Updated

2012: Eco-car enters production in Sep 2011 for an early 2012 release. First Thai made car to be offered with a choice of Petrol, Hybrid or All-Electric drivetrain Updated.

Nissan:

2010: All New "March" eco-car - expected in the first half. Released.

2010: Navara minor change.

2010: New Vanette NV200 and Urvan - expected in November

2011: March based sedan

2011: Juke official imports under consideration (already in gray market) Updated.

2012: New TIIDA X12C

2012: New C Segment sedan (codename L12F) to compete with Corolla/Civic/3/Focus. New Addition.

2013: New compact sedan (TIIDA Latio replacement)

Peugeot:

2010: 207 Sedan (which is a modified 206, not a 'real' 207) to be released at the Motor Show, with deliveries in 2011. Prices starting from just 960k Baht. New Addition

2010: RCZ (2 door coupe based on the 308) to be released at the Motor Show, with deliveries in 2011. Prices 'under' 3M Baht. New Addition

Porsche:

2010: New Cayenne S Hybrid released - first import to pass-on advantages of hybrid tax loophole (prices from ~6M instead of ~14M) New Addition.

Suzuki:

2010: Swift - expected in the first half. Released.

2010: SX4 - looks to be canned. Updated.

2012: Eco-car project - unconfirmed.

TATA:

2010: "Super Ace" One Tonne cab/tray commercial vehicle (think Suzuki Carrier / Hyundai H-100) to be launched at the Motor Show. 1.4L TD starting at less than 400k Baht. New Addition

Toyota:

2010: VIOS minor change. Released.

2010: Yaris nano change.

2010: VIGO nano change. Released.

2010: Corolla Altis minor change (new engines/gearboxes) Released.

2010: Fortuner nano change. Released.

2011: Prius and Prius plug-in. Bookings being taken - deliveries start in December. Updated

2011: VIGO minor change.

2011: New Yaris / Vios

2012: New Camry.

2013: New ALTIS.

2014: New Hilux (codename IMV2)

2014: Eco-car project gets a second chance

Volvo:

2010: New S60 released New Addition

[MoonRiverOasis]

One more addition (prepare for lots of updates leading up to the show)

Chery:

2011: H13 van New Addition

2011: A13 sedan and hatchback New Addition

2011: A3 sedan and hatchback New Addition

2011: QQ22 7-seater mini MPV New Addition

2013: un-named Pickup Truck to be locally assembled. New Addition

Chevrolet:

2010: All New Cruze (codename J300) - to be release at the Motor Show with deliveries starting in Jan 2011. Sales target of 10k units/year Updated

2010: Aveo CNG to be released at the Motor Show

2011: New Aveo (codename T300) - June release planned.

2011: New Colorado (codename GMI700) - November release planned.

2011: New Captiva

2012: All-new Colorado-based PPV (SUV)

Ford:

2010: New Fiesta (codename B299) - Released.

2011: New Ranger (codename T6) - Production stated to start mid 2011 with a release date of Nov/Dec 2011, however a surprise early launch is now rumored. Updated

2011: Last minor change for the Escape.

2012: All New Escape model based on 2012 Focus platform.

2012: New Focus

2012: New Everest

2012: Escape discontinued.

Honda:

2010: Jazz, City and Accord all get a minor change. Accord Minor change released.

2011: New Eco car (codename 2CV). Prototype version that's closer to production to be unveiled at the 2010 Motor Show. Two variants to be offered when it goes on sale in 2011, rumors place it having a 1.2L gasoline engine for Thailand. Updated

2011: Jazz Hybrid. Revealed at Paris motor show Oct 2010, confirmed for Thai production. Updated

2011: New Civic (codename 2HC) towards the end of the year.

Hyundai:

2010: New Tuscon Released.

2010: New Starex (luxury version of the H-1). New Addition (released)

2010: Hyundai i10 - unconfirmed model -Hyundai has gone quiet, unlikely now. Updated

2010: Hyundai Genesis Coupe - unconfirmed model - Hyundai has gone quiet, unlikely now. Updated

2010: New Hyundai Sonata - release date unconfirmed.

Isuzu:

2010: Isuzu D-Max -Titanium series nanochange released. New "Titanium X-Series" in November. Updated.

2011: New D-Max (codename RT-50) - to be based on Chevrolet engine & chassis. Nov release planned.

2012: New RT-50 based PPV (SUV) to replace the MU-7. Again based on Chevrolet SUV

Note: Come late 2011/2012, Isuzu will no longer be manufacturing pickups or PPV's (SUV) themselves - all will be sourced from Chevrolet.

Land Rover:

2010: Feelander - minor change.

2011: New Evoque to be released mid-year. New Addition.

Mazda:

2010: New Mazda 2 sedan Released.

2010: Last minor change for the existing Mazda 3 Released.

2011: New Mazda 3 - Production earmarked to start in late 2010 in Rayong, for early 2011 release. Updated

2011: New BT-50 (codename T6). To be unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show October 2010, and released Nov/Dec 2011. Primary engine variant revealed to be 2.2L TD with 156HP/380Nm Updated

Mercedes-Benz:

2010: New Benz E-Class - CKD made in Thailand. Released.

2010: S-Class - minor change Released.

2010: New line-up of "Blue Effeciency" models Released.

2010: SLS AMG Released.

2010: E 250 CGI Avantgard Estate New Addition - released.

Mitsubishi:

2010: Lancer EX white pearl edition Released.

2010: Triton minor change to be released at December Motor Show Updated

2012: Eco-car enters production in Sep 2011 for an early 2012 release. First Thai made car to be offered with a choice of Petrol, Hybrid or All-Electric drivetrain Updated.

Nissan:

2010: All New "March" eco-car - expected in the first half. Released.

2010: Navara minor change.

2010: New Vanette NV200 and Urvan - expected in November

2011: March based sedan

2011: Juke official imports under consideration (already in gray market) Updated.

2012: New TIIDA X12C

2012: New C Segment sedan (codename L12F) to compete with Corolla/Civic/3/Focus. New Addition.

2013: New compact sedan (TIIDA Latio replacement)

Peugeot:

2010: 207 Sedan (which is a modified 206, not a 'real' 207) to be released at the Motor Show, with deliveries in 2011. Prices starting from just 960k Baht. New Addition

2010: RCZ (2 door coupe based on the 308) to be released at the Motor Show, with deliveries in 2011. Prices 'under' 3M Baht. New Addition

Porsche:

2010: New Cayenne S Hybrid released - first import to pass-on advantages of hybrid tax loophole (prices from ~6M instead of ~14M) New Addition.

Suzuki:

2010: Swift - expected in the first half. Released.

2010: SX4 - looks to be canned. Updated.

2012: Eco-car project - unconfirmed.

TATA:

2010: "Super Ace" One Tonne cab/tray commercial vehicle (think Suzuki Carrier / Hyundai H-100) to be launched at the Motor Show. 1.4L TD starting at less than 400k Baht. New Addition

Toyota:

2010: VIOS minor change. Released.

2010: Yaris nano change.

2010: VIGO nano change. Released.

2010: Corolla Altis minor change (new engines/gearboxes) Released.

2010: Fortuner nano change. Released.

2011: Prius and Prius plug-in. Bookings being taken - deliveries start in December. Updated

2011: VIGO minor change.

2011: New Yaris / Vios

2012: New Camry.

2013: New ALTIS.

2014: New Hilux (codename IMV2)

2014: Eco-car project gets a second chance

Volvo:

2010: New S60 released New Addition

[giibaht]

One more addition (prepare for lots of updates leading up to the show)

Toyota:

2010: VIOS minor change. Released.

2010: Yaris nano change.

2010: VIGO nano change. Released.

2010: Corolla Altis minor change (new engines/gearboxes) Released.

2010: Fortuner nano change. Released.

2011: Prius and Prius plug-in. Bookings being taken - deliveries start in December. Updated

2011: VIGO minor change.

2011: New Yaris / Vios

2012: New Camry.

2013: New ALTIS.

2014: New Hilux (codename IMV2)

2014: Eco-car project gets a second chance

Any idea which month of 2011 that the Yaris will be available for sale?

[MoonRiverOasis]

Any idea which month of 2011 that the Yaris will be available for sale?

Majors usually reserve all-new model launched for motor shows, given the huge amounts of bookings they're able to amass at the events. As there's almost now way they'll be ready to launch at the March 2011 show, that probably means we'll start hearing about it mid-2011 with Nov/Dec 2011 release. More pics and info back on page 10:

[ignis]

No pics for this one, but apparently the design for the next generation Camry has now been locked down, and we should see it hit the Thai market sometime in 2012. Engines are "refined' versions of existing units, so no big surprises there, but the platform itself has undergone big changes and the styling will be all-new.

All New ? now looks like a Vios with a hatch back

[rics21]

No pics for this one, but apparently the design for the next generation Camry has now been locked down, and we should see it hit the Thai market sometime in 2012. Engines are "refined' versions of existing units, so no big surprises there, but the platform itself has undergone big changes and the styling will be all-new.

All New ? now looks like a Vios with a hatch back

vios is one of the best selling car in the whole of thailand.

u can see a vios everywhere, i m guessing that it may be selling as well as the hilux vigo?

[MoonRiverOasis]

No pics for this one, but apparently the design for the next generation Camry has now been locked down, and we should see it hit the Thai market sometime in 2012. Engines are "refined' versions of existing units, so no big surprises there, but the platform itself has undergone big changes and the styling will be all-new.

All New ? now looks like a Vios with a hatch back

As it should, that's a Yaris

[MoonRiverOasis]

vios is one of the best selling car in the whole of thailand.

u can see a vios everywhere, i m guessing that it may be selling as well as the hilux vigo?

VIOS has approx. 60% the sales of VIGO.

VIOS + Yaris + Altis + Camry = ~ 90% of VIGO sales.

[rics21]

vios is one of the best selling car in the whole of thailand.

u can see a vios everywhere, i m guessing that it may be selling as well as the hilux vigo?

VIOS has approx. 60% the sales of VIGO.

VIOS + Yaris + Altis + Camry = ~ 90% of VIGO sales.

that is real good info, MRO how did u get the info.

[MoonRiverOasis]

that is real good info, MRO how did u get the info.

It's my job, well, a part of it

[phutoie2]

Not forgetting the fact that there are some 28 models of the Hilux Vigo to choose from!

[MoonRiverOasis]

Suzuki SX-4 released!

Proof that I should listen more to my sources than the rumormill

1.6L 4AT starts from 799,000 Baht. Bookings being taken at the Motor Expo now,

Edited December 2, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[MoonRiverOasis]

Mitsubishi Thailand have now broken ground on it's new 16B Baht factory in Thailand - which will be the production center for their new eco-car due to enter production in March 2012 (apparently delayed from it's originally projected Sept 2011 production start), with an annual capacity of 150,000 units.

Edited December 11, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[MoonRiverOasis]

Updated 2.5L VGS Turbo Triton and Pajero Sport models now confirmed.

All 3.2L variants have now ceased production, and will be replaced by the higher output 2.5L VGS turbo models in January.

No official word on what the Thai model's HP will be, but the 2.5L VGS turbo makes 176HP/400Nm in other markets (using Euro-IV diesel).

[MoonRiverOasis]

Some more details on the Pajero Sport 2011 minor change have now leaked..

2.5L VGS TD will be tuned for 178 HP (most powerful Thai made diesel - until the new Ford Ranger releases)

Pricing:

2WD GLS - 987,000 Baht

2WD GT - 1,142,000 Baht

Warranty will be 5 years/150,000 KM as standard.

Edited December 22, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[Haooo]

Some more details on the Pajero Sport 2011 minor change have now leaked..

2.5L VGS TD will be tuned for 178 HP (most powerful Thai made diesel - until the new Ford Ranger releases)

Pricing:

2WD GLS - 987,000 Baht

2WD GT - 1,142,000 Baht

Warranty will be 5 years/150,000 KM as standard.

So, how's the new triton, same engine ? The website is still 147HP engine.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Some more details on the Pajero Sport 2011 minor change have now leaked..

2.5L VGS TD will be tuned for 178 HP (most powerful Thai made diesel - until the new Ford Ranger releases)

Pricing:

2WD GLS - 987,000 Baht

2WD GT - 1,142,000 Baht

Warranty will be 5 years/150,000 KM as standard.

So, how's the new triton, same engine ? The website is still 147HP engine.

In the current range only selected models get the 140HP version of the 2.5L engine (Plus models and some GLS grade models) - the lower ones get 116HP 2.5L engine. The same concept will continue for the 2011 minor change. No details yet on which badges will get what engine variant though.

[Ping]

Thanks MRO for an extremely useful thread. Any reason why this can't be pinned?

[JohnnyFeelIt]

Any info on if the 2012 Ford Focus ST will be avail in Thailand, and the expected price?

[neverdie]

There hasn't been any updates on the Juke for a long time now..

Surely they must have broken the 'ugly' stick after creating that monster <deleted> were they thinking and how do they get the design's past the guy thats paying the bills.

[DougLee]

Mitsubishi Thailand have now broken ground on it's new 16B Baht factory in Thailand - which will be the production center for their new eco-car due to enter production in March 2012 (apparently delayed from it's originally projected Sept 2011 production start), with an annual capacity of 150,000 units.

Looks like a Riced up toyota yaris

[MoonRiverOasis]

Any info on if the 2012 Ford Focus ST will be avail in Thailand, and the expected price?

High performance variants are unlikely for the Thai market, as they would attract 50% excise tax instead of 35%, which would make them too expensive for the Ford brand in TH.

Surely they must have broken the 'ugly' stick after creating that monster <deleted> were they thinking and how do they get the design's past the guy thats paying the bills.

Agreed, but it's a surprisingly good seller in Japan and Great Britain, primarily women buyers of course. Apparently it's a superb drive for the money.

Looks like a Riced up toyota yaris

Yes, all mini's do end up looking similar, but this is just the next generation Colt and has similar design cues to the current model (not sold in TH).

[JohnnyFeelIt]

Any info on if the 2012 Ford Focus ST will be avail in Thailand, and the expected price?

High performance variants are unlikely for the Thai market, as they would attract 50% excise tax instead of 35%, which would make them too expensive for the Ford brand in TH.

Understood but aren't all the Focuses for the Asia Pacific / ASEAN region being made in Thailand. One would assume the ST would be avail in places such as Malaysia?

[MoonRiverOasis]

Any info on if the 2012 Ford Focus ST will be avail in Thailand, and the expected price?

High performance variants are unlikely for the Thai market, as they would attract 50% excise tax instead of 35%, which would make them too expensive for the Ford brand in TH.

Understood but aren't all the Focuses for the Asia Pacific / ASEAN region being made in Thailand. One would assume the ST would be avail in places such as Malaysia?

The biggest export market for a Thai-made hot version of the 2012 Focus will be Australia followed by the Middle East, but while the garden varieties will almost certainly be Thai sourced, the hot models might still be home-grown or imported from Germany, as is currently the case with Fiesta (petrol models sourced from TH, diesel econetic version sourced from DE). Even when TRD Australia introduced the supercharged 4.0L V6 Hilux (301HP/453Nm), the base car was imported from Thailand then the hot bits added once landed in Oz... The problem is, Thailand's biggest export market for performance variants is Oz, and they have plenty of R&D and production facilities (like FPV) of their own.

Still, one can only hope we'll see something actually exciting in the sub 2M price bracket one day in TH

Edited January 3, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[PFV]

Any idea if/when the new KIA Picanto eco car will be available in Thailand?

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/kia/all-new-kia-picanto-revealed-1.1007958

Thanks.