Auto sales at this year's Bangkok International Motor Show could rise by 15-20% thanks to the easing of Covid-19 measures, recovery of the local auto industry, as well as the introduction of several new EV models.
The show, which opened to the public on March 22 and runs until April 2 at Challenger Hall IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, features automobiles, motorcycles, boats and accessories as well as a used car section.
Auto brands present include Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Bentley, BYD, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Mitsubishi, NETA, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Volvo. Among motorcycle brands at the show are Alpha Volantis, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha.
Organiser Dr Prachin Eamlumnow said: "I am confident this will be another year the Bangkok International Motor Show will grow and help stimulate the economy as well as promote the automobile industry."
Held for more than four decades, the event is considered a major auto exhibition event in Southeast Asia, he added.
According to Dr Prachin, sales of electric vehicles are expected to grow dramatically this year.
"As consumers start to understand the new technology and the lifestyle that comes with it, the government is also offering support in many ways, whether in terms of taxation that results in more affordable prices, or EV production benefits for both domestic and export markets," he said.
BMW M2
Price: 6,499,000 baht
The new BMW M2 features highly aggressive styling with powerful proportions and M design characteristics.
The entry-level M car comes with a turbocharged in-line-six powerplant capable of developing 460hp and 550Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-100kph in 4.1sec and to a top speed of 250kph.
Power goes through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with extremely sporty gearshifts to the rear wheels. The new M2 also comes with M Drive Professional, M Sport Differential and Adaptive M Suspension, all contributing to its fun-to-drive character.
Mercedes-EQ EQB 250 AMG
Price: 3,020,000 baht
The EQB is an electric SUV that's based on the same platform as the GLB, featuring five seats and all the luxuries one would expect from the German luxury car brand.
The electric motor in the EQB provides a maximum power of 140hp and maximum torque of 385Nm. Meanwhile, the 66.5kWh battery provides a WLTP range of 460km and can be charged in 32 minutes (10-80%) via a DC quick charger.
The EQB 250 AMG Line comes with an AMG-styled interior and exterior, along with advanced safety and infotainment systems.
Honda CR-V
Price: 1,419,000-1,719,000 baht
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V takes on a sporty design and is available in both petrol and hybrid powertrains, two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, as well as five- and seven-seat variants.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine pumps out 190hp and is mated to a CVT, offering fuel economy of 14.3kpl, while the hybrid powerplant features a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and two electric motors producing 335Nm of torque, and a fuel economy of 20.8kpl.
Honda Sensing is offered in all five variants and with many convenience and comfort features, making the CR-V one of the most popular Honda models in the market.
Toyota Prius
Price: Not available
The fifth-generation Prius hybrid takes the spotlight at the Toyota booth, and although it's not for sale, the new model could be offered in Thailand in the near future.
Toyota says the sleek exterior design of the new Prius smartly incorporates aerodynamics to enhance fuel efficiency and driving performance.
The interior design follows the "Island Architecture" concept, featuring a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that helps drivers focus on the road. There are 19in wheels, and the vehicle's longer wheelbase provides more space inside the cabin.
Suzuki Jimny
Price: 1,760,000 baht
The Suzuki Jimny is back, with another 50 units being offered to lucky Thai buyers to be announced after the registration period ends on April 2.
The fourth-gen Jimny features rugged off-road styling and capability -- it's equipped with a four-wheel-drive system with a low range that provides traction in tough conditions. There are also hill hold and hill descent systems plus traction control.
The interior features a stylish console with a cool-looking gauge cluster and infotainment functions, LCD display, navigation and cruise control.
MG Maxus 9
Price: Not available
Although the MG Maxus 9 is being highlighted at the MG booth, official launch won't take place until May (pre-booking is available).
The Maxus 9's electric motor produces 245hp and 350Nm of torque, and its 90kWh battery can provide a range of up to 425km (WLTP).
Apart from the futuristic design, there's a dual panoramic sunroof that spans across the front and rear seats and VIP captain seats on the second row with memory, massage and temperature control systems.
Peugeot 408 PHEV
Price: 2,790,000 baht
The 408 PHEV features advanced Peugeot styling in a fastback package along with a futuristic i-Cockpit interior.
The hybrid powertrain consists of a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor developing a combined 225hp and 360Nm, taking the car to a top speed of 233kph. Meanwhile, a 12.4kWh battery provides an electric range of 63km.
The driver gets a 3D 10-inch display while the 10-inch centre touchscreen is also angled towards the driver.
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 30 Years Porsche Thailand Edition
Price: Not available
Porsche is offering a limited-edition 911 Carrera GTS that comes in seven paint-to-sample colours paying homage to every colour for each day of the week in Thai culture. Only 30 units are available.
In addition to the Turbo S centre-lock wheels finished in black/exterior colour two-tone and glossy-black exterior components, the cockpit has bespoke trim pieces finished in exterior colour and plenty of highlights on the upholstery.
Also shown at the Porsche booth is the one-of-a-kind Inspiration Car finished in all seven colours, exquisitely hand-painted by body and paint specialists at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
Prodrive P25
Price: 55 million baht
Rally master Prodrive rekindles memories of the two-door Impreza World Rally Car from 25 years ago, which inspired the Subaru Impreza 22B.
Only 25 units of the P25 were made, each with an original two-door Impreza WRX chassis but with reduced weight, more power and better driving dynamics.
Prodrive says the latest 2.5-litre flat-four boxer engine produces over 400bhp and 600Nm of torque. Combined with a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, WRC-derived launch control and turbo anti-lag, the P25 will reach 100kph from rest in under 3.5sec.
Maserati MC20 Cielo
Price: Not available
The open-top version of the MC20 supercar makes its debut in Thailand as well as in Asia Pacific, attracting show visitors with its butterfly doors.
The MC20 Cielo boasts a Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine producing 630hp and 730Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100kph in 2.9sec and reach a top speed of 325kph.
The retractable electrochromic glass roof takes 12 seconds to open or close, and there's a high-end Sonus Faber sound system offered as an option.
Lexus RZ 450e
Price: 3,870,000-4,190,000 baht
The aerodynamic design of the RZ 450e is complemented by a "Tazuna Cockpit" and attractive features like a colour head-up display, large 14-inch touchscreen, steering wheel touch controls, Ultrasuede seat upholstery and 14 ambient lighting themes.
The car is powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 308hp, and the 71.4kWh battery offers a range of 370km (WLTP). According to Lexus, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% within 30 minutes.
Among many advanced features are DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive, adaptive cruise control, auto parking, as well as Active Sound Control to increase driving enjoyment.
Hyundai Stargazer
Price: 769,000-909,000 baht
Hyundai enters a new market segment with its Stargazer mini MPV that comes in six- and seven-seat variants.
The interior features a digital instrument display and added convenience features; it's also the first mini MPV available with second-row captain seats.
The Indonesian-made Stargazer is powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 115hp and 144Nm, and comes with advanced safety such as emergency braking, lane keeping and safety exit warning.
