5 of the best high-tech cars available in Bangkok
The new BMW i8 is a technological breakthrough. But digital gadgets come in much cheaper cars, too. Here are our geeky picks.
10 years ago
Mercedes-Benz GLA200
Features: The new Eco function expertly saves gas by automatically switching off the engine when stationary—but that’s becoming increasingly common. The top gizmo on this Benz is the “attention assist” program, which recognizes signs that you’re about to fall asleep by analyzing your steering and speed. If the GLA200 thinks you need to take a nap, it’ll tell you to pull over.
Specs: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, emission class: Euro6, fuel consumption: 4.3/100km
Price: B2,440,000
Mazda3 SkyActiv 
Features: The “i-Activ sense” (proactive safety system) uses the cameras and even radars on the car to monitor what’s going on around you. For example, if you’ve got someone in your blind spot, a little light turns on in your rearview mirror to tell you there’s something there.
Specs: 2.0-liter petrol engine, 6 speed-automatic transmission, Emission class: Euro6, Fuel Consumption: 5.7/100km
Price: B833,000-974,000 (sedan) and B388,000-1,094,000 (hatchback)
BMW i8
Features: It’s among the most powerful hybrid sports cars out there, meaning it’s got an electric motor but can run on gas for longer distances—and it can outrun a Porsche. But our favorite bit has got to be the key fob. It looks almost like a smartwatch, thanks to its screen which tells you how much range you’ve got left in the car, and other useful info. Oh and that’s how you open the electrically powered scissor doors, too.
Specs: 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and 96kW electric motor, emission class: Euro6, Fuel consumption: 2.1/100km
Price: B11,899,000
Ford Fiesta Eco Boost
Features: The “SYNC” system connects your phone with the car via Bluetooth. It can read you your text messages or even call people up for you, just like Apple’s Siri. Other geeky touches include the rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors—pretty nice touches at this price point.
Specs: 1.0-liter GTDi EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, emission class: Euro4, fuel consumption: 5.3/100km
Price: B749,000 (sedan), B754,000 (hatchback)
Honda Mobilio
Features: On top of the automatic rain-sensing wipers, we’re digging the 7-inch touchscreen monitor with navigation and reverse parking camera.
Specs: 1.5-litre four-cylinder 16-valve engine, 120 horsepower, 5-speed automatic transmission, emission class: Euro 4, Fuel Consumption: 5.9/100km
Price: B597,000-739,000
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