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.

Taking center stage for Isuzu is their IMV challenger, the MU-7.  It was shown in Bangkok with a cut-away view.  Like the Fortuner, the MU-7 is based on a pick-up platform with a powerful turbo diesel engine.
Ford previewed the all-new Focus. Shown here in sedan guise, the Focus is set to replace the aging Lynx.  Like the Lynx, the Focus will be assembled and exported from the Philippines.
Audi's new look A6 with a 3.0-liter V6 and quattro was the marque's center of attention.
The new Mitsubishi Evo IX heralds back to the "normal" nose.  It features more gears and a much more refined AWD system.

photo gallery >