Toyota Fortuner

2.5, 2.7, 3.0 liter. B1,069,000-1,499,000

The Toyota Fortuner now comes in “super white” (yes, it’s a color), but only for the 2.5 G and 2.5 V models. As for the new in-car navigator, you’ll have to splurge on the 3.0 Navi V to get it. Still running on benzene and diesel, the 16-valve engine produces up to 163 horsepower in its 3-liter version. The new front light, tail light, console and front grille, give it a more minimal yet sporty design. Available in white, silver, dark grey, dark steel, black, gold and super white at Toyota showrooms nationwide. Try Phithan Toyota, 292 Surawong Rd., 02-973-1268-9. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Honda City

1.5 liter. B559,000-704,000

After the successful launch of the 2008 Honda City, Honda finally rolls out a minor update. Still running on E20 fuel with a 16-valve engine producing 120 horsepower, this facelift is all about looks. The model comes with a new front grille, front and rear bumper, and a new tail light, for a sportier, more current look. The interior too has undergone some changes such as the new chrome color console as well as the redesigned speedometer with a more futuristic look. Available in black, white, metallic, silver, and two new colors red and brown at Honda showrooms nationwide. Try Phra Ram 3 Group Honda Automobile, 358 Narathiwas Rd., 02-285-2244. Open daily from 9am-5pm.

Nissan Teana

2.0 and 2.5 Liter. B1.246-1.7 Million

This Nissan Teana revamp makes better use of the interior space and offers a more driver-friendly interface. Still supporting the E20 fuel with 24 and 16 valve engines producing up to 182 horsepower, changes on the exterior include a new front grille, tail light and fog light. On the inside, there are more compartments, a new speedometer design, multi-information display and a new air-conditioning and stereo system control design. Available at Nissan showrooms nationwide. Try Siam Kolakarn Trading, 2236 Petchburi Rd., 02-718-0691-3. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.

The New Toyota Prius

On paper, the new Toyota Prius sounds pretty exciting. The new LED headlights are more durable, use less electricity and come with a headlight wiper for snowy days or off-road driving (useful in this town). The LED taillight gives it a sportier look, as do the 15-inch alloy wheels. But what we love is the multi-information display on the console which has all these little animations of how your car is creating or storing energy in real time. The new Prius also comes with traction control and an electronic gear shift. It produces 136 horsepower. Available in white, light blue, silver, black and blackish red at The 2012 Motor Expo and Toyota showrooms nationwide soon. 1.8 liter; B1.19-1.36 million. Available at Phithan Toyota, 292 Surawong Rd., 02-973-1268-9. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus still comes in both four and five doors, and with both benzene, diesel and diesel turbo engines running on E20 fuel. What’s exciting is the new gearbox, allowing smoother shifting, the Control Blade Independent suspension system, which improves the rear wheel drive’s handling, and the new paired clutches in the TDCi Sport model for faster gear shifts. Available in white, black, silver, bronze, light blue and red in 1.8 and 2.0 liter; B809,000-990,000 at Ford showrooms nationwide.
Ford Sukhumvit, 21 Sukhumvit Soi 62, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-332-0046. Open daily 8:30am-6pm.

Volvo V60

The all new Volvo is a sports wagon designed for people who like space and safety but would like to retain an illusion of sportiness despite their two kids and dog. Designed to look more like a coupe than an estate car, the V60 supports E85 fuel and produces up to 180 horsepower. The V60 comes with Volvo’s braking assistance to prevent collisions at pedestrian crosses and on highways. The new cruise control system, too, looks out for you by measuring your distance with the car ahead. Available in white, silver, metallic, red and black in 1.6 liter; B2.249 million at Volvo showrooms nationwide.
Volvo Lumpini, 1028/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-679-9979. Open Mon-Sat from 8:30am-5:30pm.

Toyota Yaris

Toyota rolls out an all-new Yaris focusing on sportier looks, particularly in its redesigned bumpers. Producing up to 109 horsepower with its 16-valve engine, the real highlight of the new Yaris is in the RS model (B734,000). Featuring a new front grille, smoke-color head lights and new 16 inch wheels, the RS also boasts an updated automatic transmission system that allows smoother gear changes. Finally, the new sport suspension system should hold its own even when tackling corners at high speeds. Available in white, metallic, silver, red, grey and black in 1.5 liter; B544,000-734,000. at Toyota showrooms nationwide.
Phithan Toyota, 292 Surawong Rd., 02-973-1268-9. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Lexus GS

The fourth generation of the GS model comes with a 24-valve V6 engine producing up to 209 horsepower. Lexus is now touting a “Progressive Luxury” concept, which just means it’s trying to be sporty and classy at the same time. The car is clearly focused on the driver: the interior and trunk are bigger, the steering more precise, and the display monitor wider (12.3 inches), making it the largest in its category. Available in 11 colors such as white, black, grey, blue and red in 2.5 and 3.5 liter; B4.59-6.69 million at Lexus showrooms nationwide.
Lexus Showroom, Sukhumvit Soi 18 Klong Toey Rd., 02-260-8123. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm.

Mercedes Benz M-Class

The third generation M-Class’ updates are pretty subtle but they really add up. With its diesel engine, intercooler turbo and new seven-speed auto transmission system, the M-Class delivers its 204 horsepower economically. It comes with a new front grille, new LED daytime running lamps, a new front bumper designed to house air intake vents, a sunroof and new 19 inch light-weight alloy wheels. The interior offers more space with wood trims. Finally, the command multimedia system offers internet access while you drive. Available in white, black, brown, silver and grey, in 2.2 liter; B4,490,000 at 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show and selected Mercedes Benz showrooms to be announced.
Mercedes Benz Thailand, 02-614-8888.

Hyundai Elantra

Korean car manufacturer Hyundai rolls out its latest model, the 2012 North American Car of the Year, the Hyundai Elantra. Producing 150 horsepower with a 16-valve engine, the Elantra comes with 17-inch race edition alloy wheels and a curvy design. Inside, you get front electric seats adjustable in 10 directions, a futuristic looking console, button start system and an illuminated speedometer. Outside, the body structure is made of ultra high tensile strength steel, which is both strong and lightweight. Available in white, silver, black, red and light blue in 1.8 liter; B899,000-1.198 million at Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
Streamline Automobile Co., Ltd. 59 Moo 15, Kanchanaphisek Rd., 02-924-7788. Open daily from 8:30am-5:30pm.

Mitsubishi Mirage

1.2 Liter; B380,000-546,000

Mitsubishi launches its first eco car, the Mirage, with a 22 km/liter fuel consumption. Apart from the small 12-valve engine, the Mirage compares favorably to bigger models: seven-inch DVD player and navigation system, automatic air conditioning (GLS Ltd model only), keyless operating system (GLS Ltd only) and an automatic head lamp shutoff system. Other interesting features are the use of high-tensile steel for the light-weight body and a new gearbox that lowers resistance when shifting. Available in eight colors such as white, yellow, green, red and black at Mitsubishi showrooms nationwide. Try Mitsu Sathorn, 40/1 North Sathorn Rd., 02-633-8092-5. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm.

Nissan Almera

1.2 Liter; B429,000-599,000

The first sedan eco car in Thailand, uses a special platform design that’s lighter without compromising solidity. Looking like a blend between the Teana and the Tida, the Almera is pretty big on the inside. Producing 79 horsepower with a 12-valve engine, the highlights of the Almera include the idle stop system that automatically disengages the engine transmission, automatic air-conditioning and the engine start system—nice options in this price range. Available in bronze, silver, black, white, red and blue at Nissan showrooms nationwide. Siam Kolakarn Trading, 2236 Petchburi Rd., 02-718-0691-3. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.

New Suzuki Swift

1.2 Liter; Price TBA

It might look like nothing much has changed, but this little rascal packs a newfound punch. Producing 94 horsepower with its 16-valve engine (pretty impressive for an eco car), the Swift’s surprisingly roomy interior boasts a speedometer and consoles that look much better than the competition’s. The new Swift is also packed with an improved suspension system. Available in red, blue, copper, black, white, silver and grey at Suzuki showrooms nationwide. Siam International Corporation, 5/15 Phayathai Rd., 02-245-1171. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.

Ford Fiesta: The Ford Fiesta isn’t new, but it now comes with a 1.5-liter engine (on top of the 1.4 and 1.6 models) to qualify for the eco rebate. Count B689,000-699,000.