The ongoing 31st Motor Expo in Bangkok, Thailand, is proclaiming unity and a bright future in the region under its theme "Moving Forward Together… ASEAN Autos". And from this year's expo featuring as many as 40 automotive brands from 13 countries, it seems the organisers have selected a rather apt theme.
According to Kwanchai Paphatphong, the Organising Chairman of the Motor Expo, 1.5 million people are expected to visit the expo - an increase of 8.7 percent from last year's crowd. More significantly, sales are expected to peak at 50,000 vehicles - up from 41,000 units in 2013 - with total transactions reaching 54 million Baht.
While the drop in automotive sales is inevitable, no thanks to Thailand's political situation and a slowing economy, the Motor Expo will mark the final buying season of the year. Looking at the cars, the expected target shouldn't be much of a problem. Here are some of the highlights:
BMW M4
We've all seen the BMW M4 in the flesh. In fact we've already tested it. What's so special about this car then, you ask?
Well, it is simply the fact that it isn't in the Austin Yellow (or simply gold) or Yes Marina Blue signature colours. It's in plain white, which is something you don't see very often on our roads. That deserves a mention.
Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the BMW M4 sports a 3.0-litre powerplant that's good for a whopping 425bhp and a mountain-moving 550Nm of torque. This allows the car to finish the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
Chevrolet Captiva Sport Edition
The last time we test drove the Captiva was in 2011. So it was a pleasant surprise when we saw the car again at the show.
This time round, it is clad with spoilers, bodykits and a 'Sport Edition' decal, which separate it from the crowd. Needless to say, the Sport Edition you see here maintains its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that's capable of 167bhp and 230Nm of torque.
There's also a diesel variant available in Thailand, which features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with 163bhp and 400Nm of torque.
Ford Ranger
Enough about the Ford Mustang. Let's move on to something that's more rough and tough - the Ford Ranger.
A common nameplate in Thailand, the diesel-powered 'mini transformer' sports a 2.2-litre powerplant that will have 148bhp and an astounding 375Nm of torque gushed to all four wheels from the word go.
It may be lesser than one of the Mustang's 'smaller' 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, but sometimes less is more. And when it comes to size, character and attitude, the Ranger is second to none.
Honda Mobilio
Based on the Honda Brio, the Mobilio is a compact MPV that will seat seven in comfort. It sports a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that's good for 118bhp and 145Nm of torque.
Local authorised dealer, Kah Motor, will be launching the Mobilio in the first quarter of 2015. There is also a possibility the car will be showcased at the Singapore Motor Show, which will be held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 15th to the 18th of January 2015.
While Mazda Thailand will be expecting a large number of pre-orders for its new Mazda2 before its official launch takes place early 2015, the Japanese carmaker alone sold 6,000 units over a span of 12 days in the 2012 Motor Expo before dropping to 3,000 units last year. But with the Mazda2's good looks and nameplate reputation, it won't surprise us if the number goes up.
MG3Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, British carmaker MG staged an exciting performance at its booth before unveiling the 1.3-litre MG3 hatchback.On site are two versions of the car - a regular model in red or silver and a sport version sporting electric blue sheet metal, clad in orange and white stickers indicating '3' and 'MG'.
The British brand will be marking its return next year after a decade long of absence. The models bound for our local market, which includes the MG3 and the 1.8-litre MG6, will be assembled in Thailand.
Subaru VIZIV Concept
Taking centre stage at Subaru's booth is the stunning VIZIV Concept while sitting alongside is the new Subaru Outback.
Underneath the long bonnet of the concept lies a 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-pot turbocharged diesel powerplant that's mated to a Lineartronic (CVT) transmission. Two electric motors (one at the front and the other at the back) and a lithium-ion battery complete the car's plug-in hybrid status.
While the car was first seen at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Subaru fans can expect to see the VIZIV Concept at the Singapore Motor Show early next year.
Suzuki Lapin ChocolatThere is nothing ugly about this 'Kei Car'. In fact, this exhibit is so adorable it commands at least two cuties to stand beside it.
It may be small and is powered by a minute three-pot 660cc engine, but it is nothing short of grande awesomeness. Sporting strikingly classic, yet contemporary characteristics, the Suzuki Lapin Chocolat delivers 54bhp and 63Nm of torque - just enough to pot around town in style.
The Hustler, a similarly endearing exhibit that was shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, also made its appearance.
Volvo S60 Polestar STCCThe only Volvo car that deserves mention has to be the world champion racing car. The actual racing car that recently won Swedish Touring Car Competition for the second consecutive year joined nine other cars at Volvo's booth at the Motor Expo and there's a reason for that.
The Volvo S60 Polestar STCC is powered by a six-cylinder 3.5-litre powerplant that produces a staggering 420bhp. More relevantly in the world of racing, the car is made from carbon fibre, which enhances its speed and performance, thanks to durability and lightweight. The powerplant is also paired to a six-speed sequential with paddles on the steering wheel, allowing the vehicle to be controlled effectively.
