First-ever ‘MINI Expo’ set to present the full MINI family range
Auto & Audio August 07, 2018 15:31
By The Nation
MINI Thailand is set to bring a mix of sporty performance, driving fun and uniquely classic British-inspired design to the halls of CentralWorld for the “MINI Expo 2018” from August 16 to 19.
Leading the line in this latest showcase of cutting-edge automotive innovation in the premium compact segment is the newly upgraded MINI Cooper S Countryman, with a price reduction of up to Bt460,000, followed by the full-fledged members of the MINI family.
The event boasts a full line-up of 17 models, including the MINI Cooper S Countryman with a new profile, the stylishly revived version of the MINI Hatch, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works, plus a range of exciting activities that the true MINI lover should not miss, MINI Thailand said on Tuesday.
The expo will also come with a massive gathering of MINI owners for an exclusive boot sale in “MINI THE BLACK MARKET”, to be held in front of CentralWorld from 3pm to 9pm on August 19.
Preecha Ninatkiattikul, general manager of MINI Thailand, said: “This year’s MINI Expo 2018 is our first-ever annual expo event and a great opportunity for us to connect with current and prospective customers alike. Apart from the full array of MINI models, visitors to the MINI Expo will also experience our MINI Countryman with a new profile.
“The event highlights our commitment to develop the innovative vehicles for fans who adore MINI’s unique appeal – from the classic enthusiast, the adventurers to the speed aficionado who enjoys a go-kart feeling. We are positive that the MINI Expo 2018 will certainly delight MINI lovers from all generations.”
Electric automaker Tesla on Wednesday reported a huge second-quarter loss of $717.5 million — worse than analysts expected — but its share price rose on news the company was on track to become profitable this year.
The company has faced multiple controversies in recent months, many of them stemming from comments made by enigmatic CEO Elon Musk.
The $717.5 million loss was more than twice the $336.4 million loss reported in the same quarter a year ago. Revenues meanwhile jumped 43.5 percent to $4.0 billion.
Tesla said its closely-watched ramp-up of production of the Model 3 has hit its stride after earlier missing a series of targets.
Output of the Model 3, the company’s first targeting the middle market and a major gamble for Musk, met a 5,000 per week benchmark in June and repeated that pace “multiple times” in July.
Tesla said it is on track to hit 6,000 vehicles per week by late August and expects to reach 10,000 per week “sometime next year.”
Shares rose 4.4 percent in after-hours trading to $313.99.
BMW dealer Millennium Auto has introduced a new customer service number featuring IVR (interactive voice response) capable of serving 200 calls simultaneously.
The “1286 Millennium Auto Connect” service is available for customers of BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad at Millennium Auto.
It includes vehicle data, trade-in, service appointments, repair updates, roadside assistance, insurance and Sixt car rental.
By the end of 2018, Millennium Auto says it will have 20 showrooms and service centres in the kingdom.
The factory-customised Ford Ranger “Raptor” is aggressively priced at Bt1.699 million.
Ford updates Thai pickup
Auto & Audio July 27, 2018 14:15
By The Nation
Ford is hoping to accelerate sales of its Ranger pickup truck after recently launching a facelift version for the Thai market.
The 2018 Ranger is also available with a new 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is the most powerful in the market, pumping out as much as 213 horsepower and 500Nm of torque.
Added features include keyless entry and SYNC3 with Thai-enabled Apple CarPlay and Android connection.
With the new engine choice, the Ranger lineup in Thailand now consists of 20 models.
The bi-turbo engine replaces the much larger 3.2-litre engine at the top of the Ranger options. The other two engines are the 2.0-litre (normally-aspirated, new generation) and the old 2.2 Duratoque motor.
Price starts at Bt589,000 for the short wheelbase model to Bt1.7 million for the range-topping Raptor.
Suthavadee (left) posts with the Ferrari GT4Lusso and pretties.
Bangkok to stage supercar show
Auto & Audio July 25, 2018 18:21
By The Nation
The Emporium and EmQuartier shopping complexes are working with high-end auto importers to stage “The Emporium-The EmQuartier Speed Revolutionaire”, featuring premium luxury cars and supercars worth over Bt250 million.
The August 15-26 event will be held at the Quartier Gallery in the EmQuartier and Emporium Gallery in the Emporium.
Suthavadee Sirithanachai, deputy managing director of the Emporium and EmQuartier, said: “Each year we have a variety of different events and the Speed Revolutionaire is in its fifth consecutive year.
“Leading automobile importers are preparing to display their highlight vehicles and launch attractive sales promotions along with the shopping centres.”
Participants include Cavallino Motors Co Ltd, the only official importer of Ferrari in Thailand, Niche Cars Co Ltd, which imports McLaren, Lotus, Pagani, Koenigsegg and Hummer, and AAS Auto Service, the importer of Porsche and Bentley.
Vehicle highlights include the Ferrari Portofino that has just been officially launched in Thailand, priced at Bt201 million. Others include the McLaren 720S at Bt26.5 million, Bentley Continental GT at Bt22.1 million and a limited-edition Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Customers placing orders for vehicles at the event will receive a Platinum M Card and a one-year free parking card from the Emporium and EmQuartier when depositing a reservation fee over Bt500,000.
Suthavadee also said that last year’s event drew a positive response from visitors as well as auto companies taking part.
“The improving economy and sentiment have given us confidence that vehicle sales at this year’s show will be higher than last year. At least 30 vehicles worth Bt500 million could be sold,” she said.
JAPANESE carmaker Honda will learn tomorrow whether it will secure investment privileges in support of plans worth as much as Bt5 billion for a production plant relating to electric vehicles (EVs).
The vehicle giant’s application will be considered at a meeting of the board of the Board of Investment, which has already granted privileges to other carmakers.
Duangjai Asawachintachit, BOI secretary-general, said that Honda’s application, along with those from the other big manufacturers, came as a good sign for Thailand’s EV production in the long term. The BOT conditions for the privileges require EV makers to produce at least one of 13 major EV components for technology transfer in the country. Tomorrow’s BOI board meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Electric batteries, if made locally, will see excise tax on them cut by 50 per cent from 8 per cent to 4 per cent.
Five carmakers, including Honda’s Japanese rival Toyota and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and BMW, have been approved for EV production in Thailand and have opted to invest in electric batteries.
The BOI had earlier extended its investment promotional privileges to three EV investment projects: from Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The first project involves Toyota’s plug-in hybrid EV production on expectation for the launch next year of a Toyota model that has been undergoing technological changes. The project is worth about Bt20 billion.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW are participating in the EV scheme with projects that are each worth no more than Bt2 billion. “Usually, EV makers will team up as partners and EV production will lead to a number of suppliers. If more parts are (locally) made, we will provide (EV makers) with more investment promotional privileges,” Duangjai said.
Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said that, initially, “we’ve agreed with Toyota for (EV) investment due to the relatively fast EV development. Its technological changes will be distinct in two to three years.”
During a trip to Japan last week, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak met Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan’s (TMC) executive vice president Shigeki Terashi and asked the carmaker to invest in a battery recycling plant in the Eastern Economic Corridor. This would accommodate the expansion of the automobile industry with the proposed highest BOI promotional privileges.
A source said TMC has asked about Thailand’s EV infrastructure extending from the number of charging stations and the adequacy of power supply if a number of EVs are charged simultaneously. Reportedly, TMC will focus on a shift in its production from hybrid vehicles to plug-in hybrid vehicles, which allow drivers to switch between the two modes of power.
Along with the Toyota Motorsport 2018 racing event, distributor Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd always make it a point to set up interesting pavilions for each of the five venues held each year.
At the recent Bangsaen Speed Festival last weekend, the Toyota zone was held at Laem Taen and featured a large collection of customised Revo pickup trucks featured in the “Revo Racing Mania”.
The event featured over 20 specially customised Revo pickup trucks from well-known local tuning stables, including Diesel Shop, Thai Chitcharoen Diesel, Ae Turbo Nakhon Pathom, Nut STM, Revozing Thailand Club and PSP, plus a long list of activities. Apart from street concepts, a large number of racing trucks are also highlighted, including drag racers.
Visitors to the Toyota zone were also greeted by a large number of in-house activities.
They included interview sessions with outstanding pickup truck tuners present at the show, a graffiti contest (amateur and pro), synchronise pickup show, mini concerts by Jetrin Wattanasin and Joey Boy, as well as top DJs.
Kitabayashi before the Bangsaen race, where she finished in 8th place.
This year Kitabayashi takes on both roles — as a race driver and team pretty.
Car No.24 in the Vios Lady division.
Exclusive interview with The Nation.
Used car dealership owner Tsuchitori, centre, and Kitabayashi, right, are members of the Advics racing team taking part in the Toyota Motorsport 2018 series.
Kitabayashi, right, poses with another Advics pretty.
Race queen gets behind the wheel
Auto & Audio July 21, 2018 01:00
By Kingsley Wijayasinha
The Nation Weekend
Japanese team pretty Miyu Kitabayashi surprises fans with return to Thailand as a driver in Toyota motorsport series
In 2017, Japanese race queen Miyu Kitabayashi travelled to Thailand to help promote the Advics racing team taking part in the Toyota Motorsport 2018 series as a team pretty, but this year, she returned with a new role – race driver.
Many racing fans would remember the sweet-faced Kitabayashi posing with Advics racers during the five events held last year around Thailand, but few would have imagined her coming back as a racing driver herself at this year’s event.
Advics is a Japanese brake system manufacturer that is active in Japanese motorsports and wants to expand its presence in Thailand, by taking part in the Toyota Motorsport series consisting of Altis, Vios and Revo races.
The 22-year-old is competing in the Vios Lady division along with teammate Ayumi Shijuzuka.
Before the Bangsaen race, Kitabayashi was in seventh place in the standings, finishing sixth in the opening race in Chiang Mai and eighth in the second leg at the Chang Circuit in Buriram.
“I finished in eighth place. I think I had the speed in the race, but I
wasn’t able to overtake the slower cars in front,” she said.
The Bangsaen street circuit is put together once a year and features a large number of exotic races, ranging from supercars to club races. The
3.7-km track is known for its treacherous corners and narrow downhill sections, and although overtaking is possible, it’s not easy, especially with similar-powered cars.
Apart from her office work and being a race queen, Kitabayashi has also raced in a ladies event before in Japan. So when she heard about the opening for a position in the team, she pounced on it.
“The company held an audition for lady drivers to participate in Toyota Motorsport 2018, so I took part and was selected,” she said.
However, Kitabayashi isn’t abandoning her previous job here, as a race pretty. While the male drivers in the team are racing, she switches into the race queen outfit and joins them during the pre-race photo shoot.
Other members of the team actually come from all fields of work, for example fellow Vios Lady driver Shijuzuka is a nurse, while Kentaro Tsuchitori, driving in the Altis One Make Race, owns a used car dealership.
It’s the second year racing in the series for Tsuchitori, who came because he thought “racing in Thailand would be fun”.
The 40-year-old has been racing in Toyota MR2 one-make events back home, and was asked whether he was interested in doing a five-leg stint in Thailand last year.
In the 2018 Altis standings, Tsuchitori was in fourth position prior to Bangsaen with 18 points from finishing fifth and fourth in Chiang Mai and Buriram, respectively.
A quick lap during qualifying helped Tsuchitori gained P2 at the starting line, but after the P1 driver, also from Advics, was relegated to last place on the grid due to a regulation infringement, Tsuchitori moved up to P1, started off well, and maintained his position throughout the race.
“I’m 40 years old already but I will try as much as I can to do well here,” Tsuchitori said after his victory.
Asked to compare racing in Thailand and Japan, his first reply was, “It’s hot here!”
“We don’t have street racing in Japan (only circuits), so racing in Thailand offers a different kind of excitement,” he said. “The racing itself is also much more aggressive here with lots of cars hitting each other during the race. We don’t have much of that back in Japan.”
The next Toyota Motorsport 2018 event will be held in Phuket in September, while the final round goes back to the Chang Circuit in October.
Mazda has introduced the facelifted version of the CX-3 compact crossover, offering increased features for the 2018 model.
The top version from the CX-3 lineup gets a price reduction, while more features have been added, said Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, president of Mazda Sales Thailand Co Ltd.
“We expect a rise in the popularity of the CX-3 compact crossover SUV, which has been positioned as an attractive choice sitting in between cars and larger SUVs.
“The CX-3 responds to a wide range of customer requirements. This is a vehicle that truly reflects the active and adventurous lifestyle of its owner. The CX-3 is a vehicle that has been designed according to Mazda customers’ viewpoints,” he said.
Chanchai added: ”This year the crossover SUV market is coming strong not far behind the SUV market as a large number of manufacturers have been aggressively launching new models into the market, and this has raised consumer awareness for this type of vehicle.
“And although this year all of Mazda’s new products are minor-change versions, the improvements cover the small car, mid-sized car and SUV segments. At the start of the year we launched the Mazda2 2018 Collection, Mazda3 2018 Collection and today we are launching the Mazda CX-3 2018 Collection.”
Auto giant makes amends with Rocco pickup line-up, but rivals ensure stiff competition
When Toyota pulled the wraps off the Hilux Revo back in May 2015, Thailand’s No.1 automaker had very high hopes that the new truck would help it maintain leadership in the Thai 1-tonne pickup market.
But as we have seen things, didn’t turn out that way, and for the first time in many years, Toyota had been beaten by arch rival Isuzu, whom it had dethroned with the Hilux Vigo when it was first launched in the early 2004 under the IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) project that also included the highly popular Fortuner PPV (pickup passenger vehicle) and Innova van.
In addition, American automaker Ford had been highly successful with its Ranger pickup and Everest PPV, growing into a stronger threat to the mighty Toyota empire in this country.
The Revo came with larger dimensions than the Vigo and had a face that shared the same styling as the Corolla compact sedan – something that drew hot debate. Meanwhile, pricing of the Revo is also way up there in the premium pickup segment, ranging from Bt569,000 for the entry standard cab to Bt1.139 million for the double cab with automatic gearbox.
With Isuzu capitalising on the growing popularity of its economical 1.9-litre model and Ford with its high-performance Ranger, Toyota had to make sure the minor-change version due in late 2017 was more appealing to customers.
The Corolla face was quickly booted, and the facelifted Revo, officially launched at the Motor Expo in December 2017, gets a new front end that is based on the Tacoma, the larger Toyota pickup sold in the US market. Toyota also threw in added equipment to the whole line-up to increase its value for money. It’s like Toyota was saying “Sorry for the mistake, now we’ve corrected everything”.
And this actually got things going for Toyota, and helped by strong promotions, sales started to improve. Customers liked the new design, and many even said Toyota should have used it right at the start.
Pricing also ranged from Bt559,000 to Bt1.139 million for the minor-change line-up, but in between there are price changes (both ways) while some new models were added, such as the TRD Sportivo.
However, along with the minor-change Revo, Toyota also launched the Rocco lineup, which is the full-option version with additional add-ons. Pricing ranges from Bt899,000 to Bt1,189,500 for the double cab 2.8G 4×4 automatic that I drove last week.
Apart from the improvements in the minor change model, the Rocco also gets a macho-looking grey and black front grille and foglamp housing, front bumper and fender kit, 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 Dunlop Grandtrek A/T (All-Terrain) with large white markings on the tyre walls, metallic black wideview mirror housing and door openers, sport bar, pickup bed liner, and metallic black rear bumper.
Inside, you also get metallic black trim on the console, and real leather on the steering wheel, door panels, gearshift knob, black roof lining and a smart key for the double cab model.
Climbing into the double cab 4×4 requires a small act of gymnastics, but the side steps do help make it easier than without. The cabin is well-furnished and looks pretty good, but the use of fake leather and stitching for the console and top part of the door panels leaves a bad impression and shouldn’t be repeated in future models.
The multi-function, four-spoke steering wheel has controls for the infotainment system, onboard computer while the cruise control stick is also attached to the steering wheel (not adjustable for reach). The multi-information display system between the speedo and tacho is similar to other Toyota models, and starts off with a graphic of the Revo itself.
The front seats are electrically powered and provide good support, while the rear passengers get good seating space.
While it is easier to use Google Maps than the navigation system provided, the audio section of the infotainment is super impressive, delivering a hi-fi soundstage to the cabin of the Rocco. Click the following link for the audio system review.
Almost everything available has been put inside such as automatic one-touch powered windows on all four doors, automatic climate control with rear air vents and automatic headlights. Only the automatic windshield wiper function is missing (and I don’t know why).
I’m generally not a fan of pickup trucks, but I’m starting to feel the need to have one after driving the Rocco. During the week that I had it, there was some heavy rain in Bangkok and I was faced with flood situations several times. But that wasn’t a problem with the Rocco and its 215mm ground clearance – which also proved very helpful when driving over roads with poor conditions filled with potholes.
When purchasing large items, like a sofa, I also need to use the store’s delivery service and wait many days because my compact sedan doesn’t have the space. But with the pickup, I could right away carry not only the couch but even larger stuff.
Meanwhile, the 2.8-litre direct-injection diesel turbo engine is also impressive in many ways. First, the engine tone and noise level is at a very livable level. It’s not noisy to the ears, and for a pickup truck, the volume is well-contained even under hard acceleration.
There are 177 horses under the hood along with 450Nm of torque, which is available right from 1,400rpm and makes driving the Rocco pretty effortless. Driving in normal mode and keeping the “ECO” light on most of the time, I turned up an average 10.4 km/litre, which tells that fuel economy isn’t a strong point here.
But what’s impressive is the performance you get. For a more sporty drive, press the “Power” button next to the gearshift lever and the Rocco turns into an angry beast. The throttle response becomes instant and intense. And the Rocco leaps forward with brute force when you sink the pedal with all the torque pushing the truck ahead.
The six-speed automatic gearbox is also a gem, providing good performance as well as smoothness. I love it when I lift off the throttle and it shifts down a gear automatically, convincing me to drive in automatic rather than using the manual mode. The steering provides a beefy feel, but I feel it is on the heavier side. The suspension, double wishbones up front and leaf springs behind, performs nicely at low speeds, offering good vibration absorption and firmness.
However, the Dunlop all-terrain tyres might not be the best choice if you’re not going off-roading or driving on dirt roads often. On the highway, the ride of the Rocco starts to feel choppy if you don’t get a perfectly smooth road, and the driver can easily start to get nervous (as I did).
I liked the pedal feel offered by the braking system, as well as the powerful stopping performance it offers. I never felt scared when stopping hard in the Rocco, thanks to the linearity and braking stability.
It’s obvious that the Revo line-up is now more attractive than it was three years ago, and it could help win back a good number of die-hard Toyota fans. But competition is this market is fierce, and with Ford coming up with its Ranger Raptor, others, including Toyota, needs to be well prepared.
The Rocco is the first answer from Toyota, but it could still have a difficult time battling against the highly rated “New Kid in Town” like the Raptor, which for a start is coming with a bi-turbo engine, 10-speed transmission and a beefed-up suspension.
Toyota Hilux Revo 4×4 2.8G AT Rocco specs
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with turbocharger and intercooler
Displacement: 2,755cc
Bore and stroke: 92.0×103.6mm
Compression ratio: 15.6:1
Max power: 177ps/3,400rpm
Max torque: 450Nm/1,400-2,800rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Ratios: 3.600/2.090/1.488/1.000/0.687/0.580
Final drive ratio: 3.909
Average fuel economy: 13.7 km/litre
City: 11.7 km/litre
Highway: 15.1 km/litre
Average CO2: 193 g/km
Driving system: Differential lock 4-wheel-drive
Suspension (f/r): double wishbone, stabiliser/leaf spring
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