NEW comers
- Published: 27/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
Kia Picanto
Kia Picanto
THE SPECS: Yontrakit Kia Auto Sales is accepting orders for its Korean-built minor-change Picanto A-segment five-door hatchback with 65hp 1.1-litre three-cylinder engine and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic option priced at B398,000 and B479,000 respectively.
WE THINK: The only car in its class to sport four-wheel disc brakes needs a lot of convincing to overcome its previously slow sales due to low-key marketing and pricing that is close to bigger B-segment alternatives.
OR TRY THIS: Malaysian-made Proton Savvy five-door hatchback with 74hp 1.1-litre four-cylinder and five-speed manual or five-speed robotised manual from B399,000 to B469,000.
Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9
THE SPECS: Mazda Sales (Thailand) is taking bookings for its full-size SUV, the seven-seat CX-9. Power comes from a 277hp 3.7-litre petrol V6 hooked up to a six-speed automatic driving all four wheels. The Australian-built vehicle retails for B3.69m.
WE THINK: The CX-9 is competitively priced, thanks to the Thai-Australian FTA. It could sway buyers from smaller five-seat SUVs like the Volvo XC60 and Lexus RX350 who aren't concerned about fuel consumption and want more practicality than the other two.
OR TRY THIS: Locally-built seven-seat Volvo XC90 D5 with 185hp 2.4-litre inline-five turbo-diesel, six-speed automatic and 4WD costing B3.949m.
Proton Exora
Proton Exora
THE SPECS: Phra Nakorn Auto Sales, the official distributor of Proton cars in Thailand, has announced prices for its new seven-seat Exora sub-compact MPV with 125hp E20-compatible 1.6-litre engine with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Prices range from B699,000 to B799,000.
WE THINK: The Exora has good handling and ride balance for its class but with mediocre performance _ like in other Protons currently on sale. And combine that with the versatile interior, it sounds good value as a family-mover against the smaller Toyota Avanza and the pricey Honda Freed.
OR TRY THIS: The Freed with a 118hp E20-ready 1.5-litre and five-speed auto from B894,500 to B1,074,500 featuring sliding doors.
