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Bangkok 2012: All-New Ford Territory

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At the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show, Ford Australia is showing off the all-new Ford Territory Titanium to test buyers’ reaction and also to gain exposure in the market. And yes, they have successfully done that. Hundreds of people are surrounding the Territory during the event and some sat into the car to feel the difference. Since the floods last year in Thailand, many consumers have changed their buying preference from sedan car to pickup trucks, PPV (Pickup Passenger Vehicle), or SUV to avoid their car drinks water if the floods come again.

In Australia, the Territory is available in three variants and two engine configurations, these being the Territory TX, Territory TS, and the top-ranging Territory Titanium. Transmission for all the models are available either RWD (Rear-wheel drive) or AWD (All-wheel drive).

Performance wise, there are only two types of engine available for the Territory – the 4.0L DOHC DIVCT I6 petrol engine and the 2.7L V6 common rail turbo diesel engine. The petrol engine gives a maximum output of 195kW at 6000rpm and 391Nm of torque at 3250rpm. However, the 24-valve petrol engine is not really welcomed in Thailand due to the Thai government’s local regulations that imposed a 60 per cent registration excise on all foreign cars with petrol engines over 3.0 liters. With this reason, the 2.7L diesel engine receives a warm welcome in the Kingdom. The diesel engine gives a maximum output of 140kW at 4000rpm and 440Nm of torque at 1900rpm.

The Territory Titanium features an 8-inch color touch TFT screen at the center of the dashboard. It also comes with a satellite navigation system with the traffic message channel. In front of the steering wheel, driver can clear see the trip computer that tells the average fuel consumption, outside air temperature, and distance to empty.

Third row seat is cramped. There is not much of leg room for it. However, third and second row passengers can enjoy the 10.2-inch Alpine rear DVD entertainment system inside the car. The entertainment system comes with two wireless headphones, remote control, and a premium audio single slot CD system with 150 watt amplifier and sub-woofer.

The Territory sits on a virtual pivot control link front suspension and control blade independent rear suspension. Together with the power from the engine, the maximum towing capacity (braked) for the Territory Titanium is 2700kg and 750kg for unbraked.

As for the wheels, the TX model comes with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with P235/60 R17 tires; The TS model comes with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels; The Territory Titanium comes with 18-inch 5 Y-spoke allow wheels. Both the TS and Territory Titanium use P235/55 R18 tires.

Safety and security features such as dual-front airbags, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, crash severity sensor, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), traction control, grade control logic, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), reverse camera, and reverse sensors can be found in the Territory.

Ford Territory’s competitors or similar cars: Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Holden Captiva, Hyundai Santa FE, Honda CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Kluger.

The Territory is without doubt a reliable car not only for the Thai market but also many other countries in Asia. But will we see the all-new Ford Territory successfully go on sales in the Thai market?

March 29, 2012
LIVE from Bangkok: Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class

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Mercedes-Benz Concept A Class on display at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok on March 28, 2012. It is one of the top five highlights for the Motor Show.

March 29, 2012
Details and specifications for the Mitsubishi Mirage

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During the launching of the Mitsubishi Mirage, we mentioned that the car comes in four different trim levels. Today at the Bangkok International Motor Show, we have collected more detail specifications for the Mirage. We hope this could help the Thai buyers as well as global buyers (for the future) to have a better understanding for the trim levels. Let’s start from the cheapest to the top option.

GL (M/T) 380,000 baht

The GL features piano black interior which is the same with all other models but the rear seat is not foldable.

It did not come with the KOS (Keyless Operation System). You will have to use the car key to open the door and to start the car. It did not come with electric folding side mirror. Therefore, there is no button to adjust or to fold the mirror near to the steering wheel.

As for the wheels, it did not come with a nice wheel covers.

Manual air-conditioning; Multimedia screen with no aux-in and USB port.

GLX (M/T) 426,000 baht and GLX CVT (A/T) 460,000 baht

Most of the Mirage potential buyers prefer the GLX model. This is because the price is affordable and it has some extra features that attract the buyers. The GLX is a better model because it comes with ABS/EBD, CD/MP3/AUX-in/USB Port for the audio, electric folding mirror, and wheel covers.

The Mirage GLX is with disposable wheel covers. If you do not look into it carefully, it looks like a sport wheel.

Although the GLX is a better model, it still comes with only one driver’s airbag. There is no airbags for other passengers except driver.

It comes with electric folding mirror but without KOS (Keyless Operation System).

GLS CVT 506,000 baht

The GLS model come with dual airbags, one for the driver and another one for the front passenger. It also added with KOS where the engine will kick off with just one button. With 80,000 baht different, consumers enjoy a set of 14” allow wheels too.

It is completed with Start/Stop button and buttons for electric folding mirror.

GLS Ltd. CVT 546,000 baht

The GLS Ltd. model is the “full option” model. It is almost similar to the GLS CVT but the multimedia screen is able to play DVD. It is equipped with navigation system, Bluetooh technology, as well as touch screen that other models do not have. It also states in the brochure that there will be an extra 5,000 baht add on to the car price for White Pearl exterior color for all models. Click here to see Mitsubishi Mirage Video.

March 28, 2012
LIVE from Bangkok: Chevrolet Sonic

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The Chevrolet Sonic is no longer something fresh in the U.S. market. It has been launched in Detroit for more than a year since January 2011. Many Chevrolet fans in the United States, Canada, Japan, Middle East, and European countries have viewed it and some have even tasted. However, it is something new to the Thai and Southeast Asian automotive market. At the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show, Chevrolet is showing off both the four-door sedan Sonic and five-door hatchback Sonic on their revolving stage.

The Sonic is the replacement for the Aveo but with more powerful engine. It is built on GM’s Gamma-II platform and available in sedan and hatchback. We can clearly see Chevrolet’s renowned signature on the car – the dual-port honeycomb grille inserts. Sleekness, sporty, and agility are words best to describe the all-new Chevrolet Sonic.

In the U.S., the Sonic is available in two variants – the sporty Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L. Together with a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4L turbo version is giving 138hp and 200Nm of torque from 1,850 to 4,900rpm. On the other hand, consumers are allowed to choose either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission for the Ecotec 1.8L version.

Pricing and the detail specifications of the Sonic for the Thai market remained as a secret until its official launch date later this year. The Sonic was well protected in the Motor Show that we can’t really get close to it. Although we can’t touch the car, one thing we could really sure is the Sonic will be a fun-to-drive subcompact car.

“Most people in our target market, place affordability and cost-of-ownership as their top priority. Sometimes this means sacrificing what they really want in a car – design, interior comfort, handling and build quality,” said Mr. Antonio Zara, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, GM Thailand/SEA and Chevrolet Sales Thailand. “The Chevrolet Sonic gives you a real car, one that you would want to drive out to show to your friends and one you will not hesitate to park in front of an uptown club. It is developed to fulfill the lifestyle requirements of young urbanites, with serious considerations for exterior and interior design in addition to comfort and quality. The Sonic is the first-car you want to have.” he continued.

March 28, 2012
The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show (Virtual Tour)

SAWASDEE KA! The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show, it all starts here.

Today is the first day of the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show. We understand that there are many people could not make it especially those who are staying thousand miles away from Bangkok. We flew in today and spent one whole day at the Motor Show. Here is a little thing we created for all our readers from around the world, the Virtual Tour of The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show.

It took us two hours and five minutes to reach Suvarnabhumi airport. Thanks to our lovely friend in Bangkok, Jaidee Kanyala, who picked us up at the airport and straight to the Impact Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani. The distance is about 50km (31miles) from the airport to the Motor Show but it took us two hours to reach there due to the crazy traffic jam in Bangkok. Indeed, we were forced to have our lunch in Jaidee’s car. According to Jaidee, for those who do not drive to the Motor Show, he or she can pick up a taxi/cab from the airport. It will cost around 400-500baht (US$12-$16). The ticket to enter the Motor Show is 100baht (approximately US$3) per person. It is free if you are wearing any Thai school uniforms.

This year, there are many new vehicles are being displayed at the Motor Show including Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class, Toyota NS4, Mazda Minagi, Nissan Townpod, Toyota FT-EV III, Ford Territory, and a few more to name here. The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Mirage were launched two weeks prior to the show to gain more attention from the market before the Motor Show starts.

Large number of eco-cars, hybrid cars, and diesel-powered cars are available at the events. Plenty of potential buyers aim for these cars due to the rising cost of petrol inThailand. Consumers who buy eco-cars are also able to enjoy a lower excise duty as part of Thai government’s effort to protect the environment.

Virtual Tour

Start the virtual tour by clicking the brand/exhibitors (hyperlink below the image) that you wish to go “into” the booth and see their displayed vehicles. Note that we only include car exhibitors in this virtual tour. Accessories, motorcycles, and other non-car related are currently not available.

33rd Bangkok International Motor Show Floor Plan/Activity Zone – Click on the image to enlarge it (Image originally created by Grand Prix International Co.,Ltd) (more…)

March 28, 2012