BANGKOK, THAILAND – 

The Thailand International Motor Expo, otherwise known as the Bangkok Motor Show, took place from 30 November to 10 December 2014, and here we bring you some highlights…

Mazda2 Sedan

The sole world premiere at the Bangkok show was Mazda’s 2 Sedan, the booted version of the recently-launched 2 compact hatchback. The 2 Sedan is an ASEAN-exclusive model, and will be built at Mazda’s Auto Alliance factory in Thailand. Mazda has confirmed that the 2 Sedan will use a Skyactiv 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 115bhp, and that the car will go on sale across ASEAN in early 2015. However, local Mazda dealers Trans Eurokars have not commented on whether it intends to bring in the 2 Sedan to Singapore as yet.

READ MORE: New look at 2015 Mazda2

MG 3

Rumours abound that the MG brand, now Chinese-owned and with a Thai assembly plant, is primed for a return here in Singapore, and if it does, one of the models that could arrive here as part of the brand’s re-launch could be this, the MG 3. The 3 is a compact hatchback that will challenge the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift in the city car stakes, and this current model is actually a facelifted version of a car that has actually been on sale in China since 2011. Better late than never we suppose.

READ MORE: Singapore’s small car options

Honda Mobilio

The first-generation Mobilio was a boxy-looking compact MPV that was available here through parallel import channels only. This new second-generation version though has been confirmed for official import next year by local Honda dealers Kah Motor. Positioned as a budget-priced people carrier, the Mobilio is Honda’s answer to the Toyota Avanza in our region, although expect local units to offer better specifications and features in order to enhance its competitiveness when it arrives here in 2015

READ MORE: Honda Jazz is here again

Subaru Outback

Subaru used Bangkok to announce the Asian debut of its new Legacy and Outback. Both cars offer marked improvements from its predecessors inside and out, and boast more conservative styling for a more toned down and mature look. Local Subaru dealers Motor Image have pencilled in a second quarter debut for both the Legacy and Outback here, and both will have a 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine producing 175bhp. A 3.6-litre Boxer six is also available, but that unit is not earmarked for Singapore as yet.

READ MORE: Subaru Legacy first drive

Subaru Viziv Concept

The Viziv Concept previews a potential future model for Subaru’s line-up, in the form of a sporty coupe-crossover of sorts. The car continued its motor show rounds in Bangkok, after having been showcased at Frankfurt and Geneva, and the futuristic model could perhaps be closer to production than we think. Subaru says that the Viziv could use a hybrid powerplant that combines electric motors syncing up with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel Boxer engine, and perhaps sit above the BRZ as a bigger coupe brother of sorts in the Subaru range.

Hyundai HND-9 Concept

The other major concept car at Bangkok comes from Hyundai, with their stunning HND-9 model taking pride of place on their stand. Built as a statement of intent from the Korean carmakers, the HND-9, which was first shown at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, is a large GT-style coupe that could hint at the design direction of a future Genesis Coupe model. And it’s not just bold and aggressive in its looks too: Hyundai says that under the bonnet lies a 3.3-litre diesel V6 engine that produces 370bhp, which is enough to trouble the likes of the Lexus RC, among others.

READ MORE: Hyundai Genesis review