FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Looking for a new vehicle? Head to the Motor Expo

Looking for a new vehicle? Head to the Motor Expo

Besides concept cars, the actual stars of the auto show starting this Saturday will be the Mazda2, Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan X-Trail

The automobile market may have headed downhill by more than 30 per cent this year, but for those looking to purchase a new ride, the 31st Thailand International Motor Expo is definitely the place to go.
Roaring off this Saturday and on the road until December 10, the Motor Expo features the latest models plus concept vehicles.
Organiser Kwanchai Paphatphong feels as much as 50,000 orders could be placed for new vehicles at this event, which is expected to generate as much as Bt54 billion.While Hyundai and Subaru will display the HND-9 and Viziv concept cars, respectively, the stars of the show are actually production models such as the Mazda2, Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan X-Trail.
While the 5-door hatchback version of the Mazda2 hit Japanese roads several months ago (it also won the Japan Car of the Year award), the sedan version will make its global debut at the Motor Expo.
Mazda executives say that "pre-orders" will be accepted for the Mazda2, while the official launch will be held early next year.
The Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo Skyactiv diesel engine producing 105hp and 250Nm mated to a 6-speed automatic, boasting an average fuel economy better than 23km/l (actually 26.4km/l) and lower carbon dioxide emissions than 100g/km. This allows Mazda to take advantage of Eco-Car Phase 2 privileges whether in terms of investment or a low excise tax rate of 17 per cent.
The Mazda2 comes with features previously offered in larger models, such as i-Stop (auto engine start-stop), i-ELOOP (regenerative braking), a controller knob, a MZD Connect communication system, a 7-inch display screen, voice control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
The official pricing has not been released yet, but expect this car to be priced from Bt600,000-plus for the entry level model to mid-Bt700,000 for the top model.While the Mazda booth at the expo is guaranteed to witness heavy traffic, so is the Honda booth, thanks to its new HR-V.
First introduced as the Vezel in Japan last year, the HR-V is a small crossover with an attractive design and E85 compatibility. Thailand is the third country after Japan and China to get this model, and Honda’s plant here will also export it to Asean markets.
It has a 1.8-litre engine developing 141 horsepower and 172Nm, mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 7-speed paddle shifters.
The HR-V features a generous package including a panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights and LED tube taillights, a 7-inch Advanced Touch Screen audio system with Siri voice command (for iPhone 4S and above), a 7-colour adjustable ambient meter with LCD and Multi Information Display, two USB ports, HDMI, a power outlet, smart entry, and multi-utility seats with three adjustable modes – Utility, Tall and Long.
And that’s not all: also offered are Electric Parking Brake, Automatic Brake Hold ( holds the brake automatically so the driver doesn't have to press the brake pedal all the time when stationary), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA); Hill Start Assist (HSA); Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), 3-angle rear-view camera and six airbags.
The HR-V price ranges from Bt890,000 for the S version to Bt975,000 for the E and Bt1.045 for the EL version.
Meanwhile, the new Triton pickup is also set to attract a large crowd at Mitsubishi’s booth. The truck gets a new power plant – a 2.4-litre MIVEC VG turbo diesel with 181 horsepower and 430Nm. According to Mitsubishi, acceleration has improved, while fuel consumption is down by as much as 20 per cent and carbon dioxide emissions cut by 17 per cent. The available gearboxes are 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic with Sport mode. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains are available.
The new Triton has more cabin room plus lower cabin noise compared to the present model, and gets up-to-date features including smart entry, HID headlamps, an “open cab” function (Mega Cab model), ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control), rear-view camera and HSA (Hill Start Assist).
Only the double cab version will be offered presently, with introductory prices (until December 31) ranging from Bt791,000 to Bt1.008 million inclusive of first-class insurance for 1 year.
Nissan is another brand that will be welcoming lots of guests, thanks to its new X-Trail SUV.
Priced from Bt1.172 million to Bt1.325 million for the three-trim level 2.0-litre model and Bt1.551 million for the top 2.5-litre model, the X-Trail boasts a considerable number of attractions, including many segment firsts.
These include a 3D 5-inch colour display meter and LED projector headlamps that are first-in-class, providing multi-driving information and daytime running lights, an Around View Monitor, Active Engine Brake and Active Ride Control, a 3-row “5+2” seating interior with a power-sliding panoramic sunroof and an auto-lift gate.
The new 2.0-litre direct injection engine pumps out 144 horsepower and 200Nm while the older 2.5-litre motor produces 171 horsepower and 233Nm. Both come with CVT featuring 7-speed manual mode and 4WD. 
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