NEW comers
Lotus Evora
- Published: 26/06/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
THE SPECS: Niche Cars, the authorised importer of Lotus, is taking orders for the all-new Evora which is powered by a Toyota-sourced 280hp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that's coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices start at B7.9m depending on options and first deliveries are expected in August.
WE THINK: It may be unique with a 2+2 mid-engine layout, but ditch those rear seats and enjoy its true performance: 0-100kph in 4.9sec.
OR TRY THIS: Although fractionally slower by 0.8sec, the Porsche Cayman equipped with a 265hp 2.9-litre flat-six and six-speed manual for B300k less.
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Mercedes-Benz E-class
THE SPECS: Independent importer BRG is taking orders of the all-new E-class saloon, available in several engine variants. Prices range from B3.85m for 170hp E220 CDI and B4.15m for 204hp E250 CDI, both using the same 2.0-litre four-pot diesel. The B6.9m E350 CGI comes with a 292hp 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit. BRG claims that deliveries can be made within two months from now.
WE THINK: Since you need to wait for two months for right-hand drive, it might be better to go for the official model from Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) that's coming anytime. As well, Thai-built versions are due at the end of the year.
OR TRY THIS: If you want to stand out from the crowd, a Jaguar XF in 219hp 3.0-litre V6 and six-speed automatic form costing B6.89m.
