Bright Lights, Big Show: 26th Bangkok Motor Show

March 31,2005

THE FLOODLIGHTS BURNED BRIGHT, reflecting on the metal skins of more than a hundred cars on display, as the Bangkok International Motor Show opened its doors on 24 March 2005. The Bangkok Show, now on its 26th year, retains its reputation as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. Enormous exhibition halls and dazzling introductions by the car companies greeted the press and the visiting public.

Despite the stated theme of the “Power of Nature,” luxury cars took center stage at the show. Mercedes-Benz erected a two-story display area complete with a lounge on the upper floor; the elegant audio equipment was provided by Bang& Olufsen. The latest iteration of the clever A-Class hatchback was launched at the show. “We take pride in the A-Class breaking the conventional barriers of what a Mercedes-Benz can be,” said Mr. Roelof Lamberts, General Manager, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Thailand. The A combines the roominess and safety of a midsize sedan with the fuel economy and diminutive footprint of a subcompact car. Also on hand were the CLS four-door coupe and the ultra-luxury Maybach 62, with a 550-hp/900 Nm V12 engine, and an interior akin to that of a business jet.

BMW showcased the 5th generation of the 3 Series, marking the 30th anniversary of the benchmark sports sedan. The new 3 is bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, with a choice of engines ranging from a 150-hp 2.0 inline 4, a 163-bhp 2.0 turbodiesel to a 258-hp 3.0 inline-6. Variable-ratio active steering is available on the 6-cylinder cars, while all models are equipped with run-flat tires that eliminate the need for a spare. The face-lifted 7 Series, sporting more-conventional and less eye-catching front and rear ends, was also on hand. Sister brand Mini displayed an orange convertible, and a bright red coupe was mounted on an overhead platform for dramatic effect.

Audi launched the new A6 3.0 Quattro, with the new corporate grille reminiscent of those on the company’s pre-war racecars. Volvo had a bi-fuel V70 among its lineup of sharp sedans and the XC90 SUV. Just beside them, Jaguar featured the new aluminum chassis XJ sedan. Beneath the draped Land Rover ladies was the new Discovery SUV, while the sleek new Lexus GS300 sedan was alluringly mounted on a turntable.

Mainstream buyers also had much to celebrate on the show floor. Ford paraded its attractive new Focus sedan and hatchback, as well as a wild WRC version with a skyscraper rear spoiler. Beside our Philippine-made Lynx sedans was the stunning new Mustang GT, all muscle and mean angles clothed in black paintwork. Honda displayed Jenson Button’s weekend cruiser, the BAR-Honda F1 racecar. The new Stream mini-MPV and the beady-eyed Odyssey drew the biggest crowds among the lineup of road cars.

The traditional AUV was supplanted by the latest-generation body-on-frame minivans and SUVs developed in Southeast Asia. Alongside the Innova minivan, Toyota displayed its third IMV, the Fortuner SUV. The Fortuner packs a 3.0-liter common-rail diesel engine mated to a four-wheel drive system, with an upscale interior that includes rather tight third-row seating. Isuzu countered with its MU-7, based on the D-MAX engine and chassis. Local manufacturer Thai Rung had its own pair of SUVs, the Isuzu-based Adventure Master, and the Exciter, based on the Nissan Frontier.

Sci-fi concepts were sparse, among them the Toyota Fine-N fuel-cell car and the i-unit personal robo-scooter. Nissan also had its fluorescent green Redigo. Mitsubishi had a pair of impressive present-day conquerors, the Paris-Dakar champion Pajero Evo, and Lancer WRC. The latter’s road-going counterpart, the Evo IX, looks more sedate than its predecessor, but with more performance: 407 Nm, four-wheel drive, 6-speed manual, and active yaw control. Mazda’s rotary-engined RX-8 four-seat, four-door sports car also burned a lot of retinas, particularly in its canary yellow paint scheme.

Peugeot featured the 307CC with retractable metal roof, while Lamborghini had several supercars on hand, including a vertically-mounted Murcielago roadster. Kia had its full lineup of practical cars and minivans. In the expansive Chevrolet area were the Colorado pickup and the Optra Estate. Ssangyong featured the functionally odd Rodius, while Suzuki had the APV minivan.

Motorbikes took up nearly a whole pavilion, with Thai manufacturer Tiger competing for attention with Japanese brands Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki. Accessory and equipment manufacturers who showcased their technology included Bosch, Carry Boy, Thule, and Bridgestone tires.

A day of touring the motor show left us aching but foolishly smiling, and not just because of the gorgeous ladies. For us, the show was a beacon of what the Philippine industry can achieve, given the right support from the government and the public. We left the BITEC center as the fireworks display blazed in the night sky, only regretful that we were not driving one of the fantastic vehicles on the show floor. The Bangkok Motor Show will be open only until 3 April 2005. If you can’t pack up and head to Thailand immediately, there’s no need to wait for next year.

On 28-30 April 2005, our own international-caliber Manila Motor Show will take place at the World Trade Center. The latest models and even some future vehicles will be on display from all major car manufacturers and distributors. The main objectives of the show are to draw the public’s attention to the formidable lineup of the country’s legitimate car companies, and to help boost the local car industry. Visitors can expect special financing deals during the show, as well as test drives of the latest driving machines, on and off-road. For more information, please call Ruby Ocfermia or Teresa Morales of Worldbex International at (02) 531-6350, (02) 534-3615, or log on to www.manilamotorshow.com.

By Jason Ang | Photos By Jason Ang

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.