Honda Brio

This new subcompact is inspired by Honda’s new “Man maximum, machine minimum” philosophy. It’s designed to fit more people into the car and saves space by making the engine smaller. It also features a new look for Honda: bold, compact and aggressive. While we love a car that’s small enough to fit into almost any parking space, the 90 hp engine sounds a bit underwhelming.
Price: B399,900-508,500
You might also like: Nissan March Hatchback
Where to buy: Try Phraram 9 Honda Cars, 819 Rama 9 Rd., 02-719-6830/-8. www.honda.co.th

Mazda3

2011’s redesign turns this formerly mundane model into something truly sporty and luxurious. New options include the 265-watt Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System, auto leveling Xenon headlamps and clear-lens LED tail lights. What makes this car stand out is that the front fascia takes its design cues from the well-known concept car, the Nagare. If the Mazda2 is a tad too small for your needs, this is an ideal solution. It’s also assembled in Thailand.
Price: B966,000
You might also like: Nissan Versa, Lexus CT200h
Where to buy: Siam Motor Sales, 1055 Moo 12 Bangna-Trad Km 4 Rd., 02-731-2723. www.mazda.co.th

Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2.0 GT

The 2001 Lancer EX just got an infusion of sportiness thanks to the all-new Magnesium paddle shifters located on the steering column, bi-xenon headlights and retro looking Hi-Contrast gauges, as well as 18-inch sport wheels. The 2.0 Liter MIVEC engine is now matched to a 6-speed CVT gearbox offering quicker shifting than the previous model. Convenience is upped as well with a push-button engine starter and steering wheel based control buttons. If you’d like something even more special, check out the limited White Pearl Edition, which comes coated in—you guessed it—a White Pearl paintjob.
Price: B1,051,000
Comparable Models: Mazda 3, Toyota Altis
Where to buy: Try United Motor Sales Co., Ltd. 1793/3 Sirinthorn Rd., 02-434-7831/-50. www.mitsubishi-motors.co.th

Mercedes CLS

For better or for worse, Mercedes has come up with something truly unique: a sedan that only seats four people. That’s right, their massive flagship only has two back seats. They certainly aren’t riding Honda’s “Man maximum, machine minimum” trend. Call us biased, but this vehicle is plagued with the same problem as every Mercedes—it’s only available in the standard bland color choices. However, this isn’t a major drawback as the beastly new 382-hp V8 keeps it exciting. Styling is conservative and macho, and German-engineering means no detail is overlooked.
Price: TBA
You might also like: Audi S6, BMW 7-series
Where to buy: Try Benz BKK Vipawadee, 99 Soi Vipawadee 40, Chatuchak, 02-930-1888. www.mercedes-benz.co.th

BMW K1600GTL Motorcycle

The ultimate touring bike comes in the form of the all-new K1600GTL. It uses a six-cylinder engine that’s rated at 160-hp. For comparison, your neighbor’s Honda Jazz uses a four-cylinder engine that makes 89-hp. This bike, on the other hand, has an ultra light magnesium and aluminum engine and frame. To put it briefly, you’ll be the fastest thing on two wheels, not to mention the bike is designed for extreme comfort as well. We like what we see.
Price: B1,500,000
You might also like: Ducati Multistrada
Where to buy: BKK Motorcycle Co., Ltd. 4334/5 Charoenrat Rd., 02-673-3106.

BMW X1

Do you demand plenty of space but refuse to get an unsexy SUV? The fix is here. The all-new BMW X-1 is based on the 3-series platform so it performs just like a sporty sedan, but has the same cabin space as its older siblings, the X3 and X5. It’s classified as an “urban sports activity vehicle” and we think it fits the bill nicely. You no longer need to buy a truck outfitted to cross the Sahara if you’re just looking to cruise around Bangkok in style.
Price: B2,149,000
You might also like: Audi Q5, Mercedes GLK
Where to buy: Try Millennium Auto Ladprao Co., Ladprao Soi 112, 02-935-2000. www.bmw.co.th

Nissan March Sedan

The only thing worse than a boring two-door car is a boring four-door car. The upside is that this vehicle is practical and affordable. The new sedan version of the March will make its debut in Thailand following successes in India and Mexico; it will also be produced domestically as well. You’re not going to impress anyone with this set of wheels, but you will be making a wise choice in helping the environment and your pocket.
Price: B375,000
You might also like: Honda Brio
Where to buy: Try Newton Service, 36/9 Moo 14 Boromrachachonnanee Road, 02-887-6500. www.nissan.co.th