Thailand International Motor Expo All Set To Roll

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AUTOMOTIVE

International Motor Expo all set to roll

Kingsley Wijayasinha

The Nation

Nissan Esflow

BANGKOK: -- A record number of orders are expected to be placed at this year's Thailand International Motor Expo, to be held at Challenger Hall, Muangthong Thani, from Friday to December 10.

Event organiser Kwanchai Paphatphong says the government's First Car Buyer Programme will continue to boost the auto market.

"The Motor Expo will serve as an important meeting place for auto buyers and sellers," he said.

The expo each time serves as the last car-buying event of the year, and auto companies often launch new models and offer highly attractive campaigns in order to maximise sales before the year ends.

A total of 38 automobile and nine motorcycle brands are participating this year, and as much as 50,000 orders are expected to be placed.

More than Bt55 billion is expected to be generated by the Motor Expo, and 1.6 million visitors, up from last year's 1.3 million, are expected.

"This year's Motor Expo will feature four future technologies, which are convenience, efficiency, safety and eco-friendly, and goes in harmony with our theme," he said.

The theme of this year's Motor Expo is "Meet Tomorrow's Cars Today".

"There is also a large number of highlights, including concept vehicles, that will be on show. A large number of automobile manufacturers will also be introducing new products," Kwanchai said.

Among the auto brands participating are Audi, BMW, Brabus, Chevrolet, Citroen, Deva, DFSK, Ford, Grand Carryboy, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Mitsuoka, MTM, Nissan, Peugeot, Proton, Ruf, Sammitr Green Power, Skoda, Ssangyong, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Wiesman. Motorcycle brands include Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph, Benalli, Keeway, Ducati, UDA and Racing Boy.

CONCEPT VEHICLES AT THE EXPO

Hyundai HED-8

The HED-8 is the latest hybrid concept car from Hyundai, designed by the European Research and Development Centre of Hyundai in Germany. It was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show this year and will be unveiled across Asean at the Motor Expo 2012.

HED-8 was designed under the concept of "Modern Premium". It is a compact (C-segment) modern luxury 4-seater sports coupe that focuses on aerodynamics with a "penthouse roof". It features LED headlights and large sports doors that swing open upwards. The HED-8's 1.0-litre three-cylinder gasoline engine produces a maximum power of 61hp plus another 109hp from an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. In gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the HED-8 has a range of 700km with CO2 emissions of only 45g/km. Meanwhile, the range in EV mode is a respectable 120km. The top speed of the hybrid concept is 145 km/h.

Mazda Shinari

The Shinari is a 4-door sports concept sedan in the style of a coupe, developed under the "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design concept.

The Shinari was first shown to the media at the Design Forum in Milan in 2010, and made its first public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show that year.

Shinari gained widespread admiration due to its modern and outstanding design.

Mazda engineers dedicated exhausting hours in designing the vehicle, which is "influenced by the power that exists in nature, the graceful movements of wild animals, the swift movement of the cheetah while pouncing on a prey, and the fast and powerful movements of a kendo fighter".

The interior is sporty with four bucket seats for a comfortable journey and a cockpit-like layout of instruments, controls and seating for the driver.

Nissan Esflow

Though employing the same technology as the Nissan Leaf - the world's first mass-produced family electric car - the Esflow concept is a RWD two-seater electric sports coupe, with truly sporty performance while retaining eco-friendliness.

A generous glass area from the wrap-around windscreen and extended side windows back to the rear pillars gives the car a transparent look as well as good forward visibility. The proportions and lines of the new Esflow, especially its long nose, apparently share a lot of the DNA with the old Fairlady Z classic.

The chassis is made from light-weight aluminium. Twin electric motors, mounted above the axis of the rear wheels in a mid-ship position, independently control the rear left and right wheels and produce enough torque for the Esflow to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds.

Tata Megapixel

Developed by Tata design centres in India, the UK and Italy, the Megapixel concept is a small four-seater electric city car for the mega city, with an onboard petrol engine generator to recharge its lithium-ion phosphate battery on the move, enabling a range of up to 900km with a single tank of fuel. Hence the moniker "REEV" (Range Extended Electric Vehicle). CO2 emissions are just 22g/km and fuel economy is a staggering 100 km/litre under a combined driving mode.

The integrated lamp and grille of the Megapixel sweep back over the front wheel arches to render a dynamic front end. Entry/exit is easy thanks to its double-sliding door system and B-pillar-less design.

The car's electric drive has four independent electric motors, one at each wheel. When parking, the motors drive the wheels in opposite directions, while the front wheels can be turned nearly at right angles, enabling a remarkable 2.8-metre turning radius.

PRODUCTION VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Honda Brio Amaze

Honda's latest eco-car (the 10th model that the company has launched this year) comes in four-door body style and is powered by the same 90hp 1.2-litre engine. Prices range from Bt454,000 to Bt521,000.

Range Rover

The Range Rover has long been considered the most capable production vehicle in the world, and this is the fourth-generation model. It has an all-aluminium monocoque structure, which is a first for an SUV body that helps to reduce the vehicle's weight by 420kg compared to its predecessor. The 4.4-litre V-8 turbo diesel engine produces 339hp.

Subaru XV

Subaru has finally launched the XV crossover, which is based on the Impreza sedan. The XV is made in Malaysia and exported to Thailand under the AFTA, in order to keep prices competitive. The XV is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC Subaru boxer (horizontally opposed) engine mated to a new CVT automatic transmission.

Nissan Pulsar

Nissan is actively expanding its product line-up in Thailand and has unveiled the all-new Pulsar five-door hatchback, which would be officially launched next year. The Pulsar, featuring a "sports emotional" theme, comes with LED front and rear lights, and engine choices of 116hp 1.6-litre (HR16DE) or 131hp 1.8-litre (MRA8DE), each with a dual injector system mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz

The new A-Class will be drawing a large number of new and younger customers to the Mercedes-Benz booth. The A250 AMG Sport, priced at Bt2.49 million, is powered by a 211hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with as much as 350Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.6 seconds and the top speed is claimed to be 240km/h. The normally aspirated A180, meanwhile, gets 122hp from a 1.8-litre engine and is priced at Bt1.89 million.

Volkswagen Amarok

The Amarok is the most expensive pickup truck sold in Thailand, retailing at approximately Bt1.8 million. It comes with a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo TDI engine capable of producing 177hp and 420Nm, and is mated to an 8-speed ZF transmission.

It also comes with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system along with ABS brakes and Electronic Stability Programme.

MTM R8 Spyder

The beefed-up Audi R8 roadster has a 5.2-litre V-10 direct-injection engine that has been modified to increase power from 560 to 606hp, driving all wheels to accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 3.7 secs and reaching a top speed of 325km/h.

RUF RT 35

The RUF RT 35 Anniversary commemorates the 35th anniversary of the German tuner. It is powered by a twin-turbo twin-intercooler 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 630hp of max power and 833Nm of torque. It comes with 20-inch wheels (8.5 front and 11.0 rear).

-- The Nation 2012-11- 28

[mogandave]

I thought it opened Thursday, no?

[ignis]

Nissan Pulsar

Nissan is actively expanding its product line-up in Thailand and has unveiled the all-new Pulsar five-door hatchback, which would be officially launched next year. The Pulsar, featuring a "sports emotional" theme, comes with LED front and rear lights, and engine choices of 116hp 1.6-litre (HR16DE) or 131hp 1.8-litre (MRA8DE), each with a dual injector system mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

So is the New Tiida ? [how very dull the March that been to the Air pump and blown up.. sigh]

Why not the Jazz like Nissan ?

Or better why not there funny new one ?

[JAS21]

Mr Morgandave

We are off this afternoon, it's only Press this morning ... hope to see the new MU-7, tomorrow is Charity Day and then Friday is open to the public.

[JAS21]

No ... no new MU-7 ... said maybe talk about it mid next year for delivery end of year. New X-series highlander with overdrive ... 20Km/Ltr quoted. Not sure if overdrive only on top of range model which is 972000Baht.

[asiawatcher]

Freedom of choice ensures continued development in design and technical, but really do we need so many options with in each of the vehicles?

[thailoht]

No ... no new MU-7 ... said maybe talk about it mid next year for delivery end of year. New X-series highlander with overdrive ... 20Km/Ltr quoted. Not sure if overdrive only on top of range model which is 972000Baht.

Thanx for the early news about the Mu-7!

Now I can settle down and fixate on the competition of the new technologies between the other car models - especially those in the SUV class!

[mogandave]

Mr Morgandave

We are off this afternoon, it's only Press this morning ... hope to see the new MU-7, tomorrow is Charity Day and then Friday is open to the public.

Public can't get in tomorrow?

[JAS21]

I don't think you can get in tomorrow ... The X-series Highlander seats are very smart and they have dumped the Kenwood for something much better

[thailoht]

I don't think you can get in tomorrow ... The X-series Highlander seats are very smart and they have dumped the Kenwood for something much better

Cool seats! They put the 'Red Stitched' seats that I bought to shame!

.... and a system better than the Kenwood!?? I have to see this because the Kenwood unit that came with my Isuzu is nice in itself and has a lot of bells and whistles!

[funcat]

I don't think you can get in tomorrow ... The X-series Highlander seats are very smart and they have dumped the Kenwood for something much better

...how can seats be smart?!

[JAS21]

Yes they replaced the Kenwood with this, the problem with the Kenwood is that when you are moving around the screen (in the bottom right hand corner anyway) it is so easy to trip it back to the menu. My wife has a big problem with it as her nails are not exactly short and even I trip it back quite often. We spent a while talking to the guy who seems to run the Customer side of Nakornluang and he said the same.

By the way if you want Isuzu I suggest you try them ... they have been excellent with us. We use the Chaengwattana dealership, the one just past Central ... that dealership is back at Expo on Sunday 2nd.

[rchapstick]

Pardon my "newb-ness" here ....

Missus and I are in the market for a new car. Is there any real advantage to buying at the show versus shopping dealerships? Do they come up with show-specific promos that are really worthwhile (beyond the usual throw-ins of some crap plastic extras)?

Obviously it is nice to compare and contrast several competing models at once, but do others have experience buying at the show?

Also, changing gears, any word if Nissan is showing the new Teana? I've seen the US version of the redesign and it is definately a step up over the 2012 version.

[mogandave]

Yes they replaced the Kenwood with this, the problem with the Kenwood is that when you are moving around the screen (in the bottom right hand corner anyway) it is so easy to trip it back to the menu. My wife has a big problem with it as her nails are not exactly short and even I trip it back quite often. We spent a while talking to the guy who seems to run the Customer side of Nakornluang and he said the same.

By the way if you want Isuzu I suggest you try them ... they have been excellent with us. We use the Chaengwattana dealership, the one just past Central ... that dealership is back at Expo on Sunday 2nd.

I thought the Kenwood was great, but it did take a little getting used to.

I love having built-in GPS and bluetooth, and the new back-up camera is great.

[thailoht]

Yes they replaced the Kenwood with this, the problem with the Kenwood is that when you are moving around the screen (in the bottom right hand corner anyway) it is so easy to trip it back to the menu. My wife has a big problem with it as her nails are not exactly short and even I trip it back quite often. We spent a while talking to the guy who seems to run the Customer side of Nakornluang and he said the same.

By the way if you want Isuzu I suggest you try them ... they have been excellent with us. We use the Chaengwattana dealership, the one just past Central ... that dealership is back at Expo on Sunday 2nd.

I thought the Kenwood was great, but it did take a little getting used to.

I love having built-in GPS and Bluetooth, and the new back-up camera is great.

Thanks for the dealership tip!

I had looked at that 'bottom right hand corner' thang as a minor annoyance when compared to the overall great features and customizable settings of the Kenwood. The replacement model unit looks sleek, especially with those large selector buttons along the sides. Do you know the name and model of the replacement model?

[JAS21]

Yes they replaced the Kenwood with this, the problem with the Kenwood is that when you are moving around the screen (in the bottom right hand corner anyway) it is so easy to trip it back to the menu. My wife has a big problem with it as her nails are not exactly short and even I trip it back quite often. We spent a while talking to the guy who seems to run the Customer side of Nakornluang and he said the same.

By the way if you want Isuzu I suggest you try them ... they have been excellent with us. We use the Chaengwattana dealership, the one just past Central ... that dealership is back at Expo on Sunday 2nd.

I thought the Kenwood was great, but it did take a little getting used to.

I love having built-in GPS and Bluetooth, and the new back-up camera is great.

Thanks for the dealership tip!

I had looked at that 'bottom right hand corner' thang as a minor annoyance when compared to the overall great features of the Kenwood. Your replacement model unit looks sleek, especially with those large selector buttons along the sides. What is the name of the model you have now?

Yes Nakornluang are really good, if you go to Chaengwattana Branch say you know John and Sue and you will get well looked after ... you need a Thai speaker though, if you don't have one I'll lend my wife ... but only to talk!! ... as we are not far from there.

No thats not my unit unfortunately it's a photo I took yestyerday and it's installed in The new X-Series ... sorry I didn't look to see if it's in the new V-Cross.

There is a chance that I might put my pearl white top of the range V-cross 4*4 up for sale in a while.

[thailoht]

Yes Nakornluang are really good, if you go to Chaengwattana Branch say you know John and Sue and you will get well looked after ... you need a Thai speaker though, if you don't have one I'll lend my wife ... but only to talk!! ... as we are not far from there.

No, that's not my unit unfortunately it's a photo I took yesterday and it's installed in The new X-Series ... sorry I didn't look to see if it's in the new V-Cross.

There is a chance that I might put my pearl white top of the range V-cross 4*4 up for sale in a while.

Are you looking to get one of those new X-series?

About the V-Cross: How much of the dealership warranty remains on your (4 door, 3.0L?) truck? How many km is on the odometer and what upgrades have you added to your truck?

[JAS21]

Yes Nakornluang are really good, if you go to Chaengwattana Branch say you know John and Sue and you will get well looked after ... you need a Thai speaker though, if you don't have one I'll lend my wife ... but only to talk!! ... as we are not far from there.

No, that's not my unit unfortunately it's a photo I took yesterday and it's installed in The new X-Series ... sorry I didn't look to see if it's in the new V-Cross.

There is a chance that I might put my pearl white top of the range V-cross 4*4 up for sale in a while.

Are you looking to get one of those new X-series?

About the V-Cross: How much of the dealership warranty remains on your (4 door, 3.0L?) truck? How many km is on the odometer and what upgrades have you added to your truck?

No, no Hi -Lander for me ... althought it did look the biz and the overdrive is good news. I talked to the Tech guy (K.Jirayuth) at Tri-Petch months ago and said that it needed another gear as the fule consumption increases quite a lot when you get above 85-90Kms.

I have the top of the range V-Cross auto 4*4... got it in March and we have used to quite a bit, it's just had its second 10000Kms service. It's pretty standard except for the electric Carryboy. It does have very expensive Lamina window film. Lamina have five grades of film and I had the top grade fitted. It's got to 5yr/100000Kms underbody paint ... needs checking every year. Some special carpets that my wife wanted. Probably never gone above about 125Km/Hr. Think the warranty on most bits is 3 yrs.

There is still a 3month wait for one.