Ford Ecosport

The director of Ford Thailand has confirmed that in 2013, the American automobile manufacturer is set to roll out a compact SUV, the Ford Ecosport. Not much has been revealed but rumors abound that the Ecosport’s engine will be available in 1 Liter ecoboost or 1.5 Liter Ti-VCT, and it will come with 16” alloy wheels.

Toyota New Vios

Not much has been revealed about the next Vios model due for 2013 except for confirmation that it has already passed the car tax refund law for vehicles with 1.5 liter engines. Expect only minor changes but keep your eyes and ears open, though, as it should be rolled out no later than mid-2013.

Toyota 86

After a long break from the sports series, Toyota finally rolls out its latest two-door automobile, the Toyota 86. Available in three lines, the 86 comes as a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, with 1,998cc FA20 Boxer four-cylinder 16 Valve DOHC engine producing 147 horsepower. Prices start from B2.49 million.

Nissan Pulsar

As confirmed at the Bangkok International Motor Expo, Nissan is set to roll out the bigger brother to its Tida, the hatchback Nissan Pulsar. Get it with either 1.6 or 1.8 liter engine and as a six-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission with 16” alloy wheels. Due mid-2013 with prices starting from about B766,000.

Honda Accord

The 2013 Honda Accord is said to be packed with new toys, like the Eco assist function, forward censor warning system, lane watch warning system on side mirrors and a touch screen audio system. Specs include four-cylinder 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine, 2.0L cc 185hp, six-speed manual or automatic transmission with sport mode and push start function. Starting from approximately B1.26 million.

Mazda CX5

In response to the CRV, Fortuner and Captiva, the Mazda CX5 (a smaller brother of the CX7) is expected to hit Thailand in late 2013. Specs include a SKYACTIV-G DOHC 4-cylinder, 2.0L 155hp engine, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, navigation system and push start function. Price TBA.

Nissan Leaf

While the likes of Fiat, Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota are expected to roll out new electric cars in the US and Europe, we Bangkokians will just have to wait a little longer. The first electric car expected to hit our streets is the Nissan Leaf, with 80kw AC Synchronous electric motor generating 107 horsepower, navigation system, push start button and 15” aluminum wheels. Charging is done through a port located in the front of the car. Price TBA.