Toyota Prius

Buzz: Thailand makes its own Toyota Camry Hybrid but tree-huggers are still holding their breath for the arrival of Toyota’s very original hybrid car, the Prius. Officially launched last month, this is the third generation of the Prius, which comes with a bigger engine (1.8-liter instead of 1.6) and a more aerodynamic design.
Type: 5-door sedan
Highlight: The best Toyota hybrid car so far is pretty sporty despite its green street cred.
Best for: Eco-friendly drivers who put in enough kilometers to justify the higher price but smaller fuel consumption.
Price: B1,190,000-1,270,000

Volvo S60

Buzz: The 2011 version of Volvo S60 actually first appeared during the October fashion shows. The point? This car offers modern European elegance and aims to compete with BMW and Mercedes.
Type: 4-door sedan
Highlight: The pedestrian detection with auto break system that stops the car automatically. Too bad it failed during a demonstration in Sweden early this year and the video went viral.
Best for: Executives typing on their BB while driving.
Price: B2,990,000

Chery A1

Buzz: If price is your first priority and you don’t mind driving a Chinese car, Chery is the cheapest of the bunch and actually sports a rather cute look for a small city car.
Type: 5-door hatchback
Highlight: At this price, don’t expect any highlights other than the price tag.
Best for: A couple or family needing a second car.
Price: from B398,000

Chevrolet Cruze

Buzz: First launched in the USA early this year, the Cruze will be replacing Optra in Chevrolet’s compact-sedan car category. The engine is more economical to fit America’s depressed economy but the bold exterior and sporty interior fittings should lift your mood.
Type: 4-door sedan
Highlight: The interior is pretty luxurious for this category
Best for: Those who want an American car but know that a compact Japanese car is the reasonable thing to get.
Price: B729,000-1,149,000

Citroen DS3

Buzz: A year after its introduction in Europe, the DS3 finally drives into. The car is segmented in the same class as Mini One so you can expect sporty designs and flashy colors that come with a sport 1.6cc engine.
Type: 3-door hatchback
Highlight: The French design is pretty exotic here—although in France, Citroen is closer to Chery than to Mini.
Best for: Hipsters who think even the Fiat is too mainstream.
Price: B1,490,000

Minor Revamps

Ford Focus

After introducing the all-new Fiesta, Ford performs a minor revamp of their long-running Focus. B809,000-1,169,000

Honda Accord

We’re still waiting for the new all-new Accord that just launched in the USA but this tweak does offer better fuel efficiency for those who just can’t wait. B1,265,000-2,940,000

Essentials

The 27th Thailand International Motor Expo runs through Dec 12 at IMPACT Challenger 2, Muang Thong Thani.