Bangkok 2018: Suay mak mak girls wrap up coverage

There weren’t any major debuts at this year’s Bangkok Motor Show, but we still managed to show you a wide range of models that are relevant to our market. Some are coming soon, while others belong to the “so near yet so far” category. Green vehicles such as plug-in hybrids and full EVs featured heavily too, as one would expect today.

We kicked off our live coverage from Impact Muang Thong Thani with the crossover of the moment, the Toyota C-HR, in TRD and Modellista kits. The C-HR is a fresh entry in Malaysia, and a new Vios may be following suit.

The Yaris Ativ is a good preview of the next-generation Vios – just replace the Thai eco car spec 1.2L NR engine with a larger 1.5L unit and we’re there, as per Singapore. Toyota Thailand also revealed a TRD kit for the Yaris Ativ at the show, which could be our future Vios TRD Sportivo.

In the coming soon department is the sleek third-gen Mercedes-Benz CLS, design-led Range Rover Velar and the imposing Ford Ranger Raptor, with the Jaguar E-Pace – the brand’s junior SUV – a possibility. Speaking of trucks, the Toyota Hilux Revo Rocco and Chevrolet Colorado Storm in Orange Crush caught the eye with their macho outfits.

There were interesting variants of cars we’re familiar with, but aren’t getting – the Honda Civic Hatchback, now in Rallye Red, is one; and another is the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, a full EV version of our CKD hybrid. The new Suzuki Swift is another interesting car that we’ll never get; the brand having left our market for good.

On Nissan’s stage sat two icons that represent the extreme ends of the carmaker’s range – the Nissan GT-R and the Nissan Leaf. The latest version of the R35 is now officially on sale in Thailand for RM1.67 million, while the second-generation Leaf is set to debut this year, both in Thailand and Malaysia.

Speaking of EVs, you’ll want to check out the Thai-made FOMM One. The funny little thing is claimed to be able to “float on water” in the event of a flood! For two-wheelers, we caught up with two sport bikes, a futuristic concept and a cool scooter from Yamaha.

And as promised above, here’s a wide range of models from Bangkok, although we’re not sure how “relevant to our market” they are! Yours truly and photographer Sherman Sim signing off. You’re welcome.

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