Over the years, the SUVs are becoming very popular in Thailand as they are versatile in use and provide greater flexibility in driving than general cars. It is also suitable for traveling as a group with a space that can be used freely. As for the height of the car, it is higher than a usual sedan car, making it possible to wade through more obstacles whether driving in the city or traveling long distances. The SUV market in Thailand is growing steadily, causing automakers to turn their attention to new models being launched all the time especially in the B-Segment, the entry-level or compact. Some companies add hybrid technology as a selling point and some focus on performance. Let’s explore in the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show, which models of SUVs are most interesting?

TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a multi-purpose SUV that stands out with a sleek, agile exterior design and a spacious interior. It is comfortable with luggage space that can be modified in various types. It also provides excellent silence within the cabin to meet every usage and every lifestyle. It is complete with functions of use of convenient equipment such as electric tailgate opening-closing with kick-activated electric tailgate opening-closing sensor and surround view camera with a 3D view (Panoramic view monitor). It also comes with a new automotive structure architecture TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) which provides superior performance. Along with Toyota’s world-class standard safety system (Toyota Safety Sense), you can be confident in every driving situation as it comes with a 1.8 liter engine, both gasoline and the latest 4th generation hybrid model that provides both responsive acceleration and fuel efficiency. The starting price is at 989,000-1,199,000 baht.

HONDA HR-V e:HEV

Honda HR-V e:HEV reflects the SUV that truly meets everyone’s needs in every aspect. Sporty exterior design Fastback catches all eyes, elevating the sport to the next level with the RS model in an exclusive sport design around the car. It is perfectly matched with versatility, responding to every usage, spacious and comfortable cabin. The rear seat can be folded smoothly in many ways. It is also equipped with advanced functions such as a hands-free electric tailgate with automatic shutdown when the remote key is away from the car (Hands-free Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close) and a Full Hybrid driving performance, powerful and friendly. It is a collaboration of 2 electric motors that delivers fun driving performance, powerful, responsive with a maximum torque of 253 Newton – meters, excellent fuel economy up to 25.6 km / liter. All the sub-models are also equipped with safety technology of Intelligent Honda SENSING that combines complete functions. The starting price is at 979,000-1,179,000 baht.

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is based on the Kodo: Soul of Motion concept inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Emphasizing simplicity but beauty, “Less is More” with simple lines, but sleek and powerful. According to the typical crossover SUV, the interior still stands out with meticulous design, using only premium grade materials. The model installs an electric sunroof, BOSE® surround sound system, and comes with a new color, Bronze, Platinum, Quartz under the 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine. SKYACTIV-G provides excellent driving performance and flexibility for all applications both in the city and outside the city. It has a maximum power of 165 horsepower, maximum torque of 213 Newton-meters, fuel economy up to 15.4 kilometers per liter and supports E85 fuel. It comes with a 6-speed SKYACTIV automatic transmission that responds to driving precisely at every speed, making driving fun in every route and every dimension of use. The starting price is at 989,000-1,199,000 baht.

NISSAN KICK e-Power

The all-new Nissan Kicks E-Power is a unique compact SUV delivering the power and performance of an electric vehicle without external charging. It comes with e-Power technology that combines the strengths of the combustion engine technology and driving with a Nissan-exclusive electric motor.  Consisting of an electric motor EM57, a generator and an inverter that generates electricity from a 1.2-liter, 12-valve, 3-cylinder internal combustion engine. DOHC type (Double Overhead Camshaft) e-Power system.

It produces a peak power of 95 kW (129 PS), a peak torque of 260 Nm (Nm) and uses a 1.57 kWh (kWh) lithium-ion battery with four modules. It features “One technology. – One-Pedal” which allows the driver to accelerate and slow down with only the accelerator making driving experience much easier especially in heavy traffic city driving. It also comes with an intelligent driving system, cutting edge technology and advanced safety equipment from Nissan Intelligent Mobility (Nissan Intelligent Mobility). The starting price is at 889,000-1,049,000 baht.

HAVAL JOLION Hybrid SUV

The HAVAL JOLION Hybrid SUV comes with a design that combines classy and luxury with state-of-the-art construction in order to make driving fun. It has a spacious  and comfortable interior with two tone decoration. It is outstanding with a 12.3-inch high-resolution touch screen center display. The rear passenger seat comes with a center armrest and air conditioning vents at the rear to help raise the level of comfort even further. It can also be folded down to increase the cargo space. The HAVAL JOLION Hybrid SUV uses the GWM LEMON platform, the same intelligent modular platform as the All New HAVAL H6 Hybrid SUV that provides a superior driving experience. Ready to drive to full performance with a 1.5-liter engine, combined with an electric motor that produces a maximum power of 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 375 Nm, with a DHT transmission built to support a variety of hybrid drivetrains when working with the engine. It provides a powerful and fuel-efficient drive. The starting price is at 879,000-999,000 baht.

MG ZS  

MG ZS comes with a new design that looks sleeker both in the front and back. Adding more sportiness and hidden luxury with a design under the concept of BRIT DYNAMIC. It is sporty, luxurious, typical of British automobiles with a two-tone sports cabin and the use of SOFT TOUCH materials to decorate. This allows a more advanced view with a PANORAMIC sunroof.  It is considered a smart car from the installation of an intelligent i-SMART operating system that allows car users to connect, monitor and operate various systems inside the car via mobile phone, therefore, responding to the new generation who likes both technology and various utility of SUVs. It is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve gasoline engine producing a maximum power of 114 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 150 Nm at 4,500. rpm, combined with a new 8-speed CVT automatic transmission with European safety standards. The starting price is at 689,000-799,000 baht.

PEUGEOT 2008 SUV

The ALL-New 2008 SUV comes with a different design that catches everyone’s eye, perfect for the new generation. Intense and sharp in every dimension according to the style of automobiles from France Guaranteed sharpness with the Red Dot Design Awards 2020, reflecting the lion’s pride in every aspect. High-tech cabin ‘i-Cockpit’ that has been improved to a special level with technology ‘3D i-Cockpit’ as a head-up display 3D floating closer to the driver’s eye. Taking security to the next level while the ‘Compact Steering Wheel’ is easy to control and feels firm. Fun to drive with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, PureTech technology, 129 horsepower (HP), which responds well to every lap. Power is transmitted through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels making it a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient car. It comes with confidence in all road conditions with 4-wheel disc brakes, paired with a tight suspension, European style. The selling price is at 1,249,000 baht

SUBARU XV EYESIGHT

Subaru XV EyeSight presents a new crossover SUV style with a new upgraded exterior. It comes with a new front grille shape, 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors, automatic angle adjustment when reversing, and LED headlights. It has an automatic leveling with additional amenities in the cabin, 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with seat position memory function. It also has a 360-degree surround view camera and 6.3-inch multi-function display. It is enhanced with new safety technology EyeSight, an intelligent eye system that recognizes driving conditions in advance of the risk, which has a newly developed Dual X-MODE system with Snow/Dirt functions and Deep Snow/Mud adding more confidence in every adventure. It has been added with SI-Drive mode that can adjust the acceleration as you wish. It allows the vehicle to be more responsive and Intelligent mode for smoother driving and better fuel economy. In terms of performance, it uses a 2.0-liter Boxer gasoline engine that produces a maximum power of 156 horsepower, a maximum torque of 196 Nm, transmitted with a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission with a 4-wheel drive system with All-Wheel Drive. The selling price is at 1,299,000 baht.