The 29th Bangkok International Motor Show continues this weekend. If you want to go, check out this guide on the new cars and how to avoid the notorious traffic jams


Getting there

The smart way

Take the BTS down to On Nut station. If you're daring, take a motorcycle taxi, which is the fastest. The next choice is to either get a taxi or take the shuttle bus provided by the show organisers. There is no designated location for the shuttle bus to park, so just flag down the bus draped in motor show vinyl to get picked up. The shuttle bus is also available from Soi Lasalle and Seri centre.



The not-so-smart way

If you insist on taking your car, drive to the show really early in the morning to secure a parking spot. If you head out late there are park and pay locations like under the bridge at Bang Na intersection, where the U-turn is. Another option is to head to Sukhumvit Soi 105 and follow the signs to a carpark for about 3,000 vehicles. A shuttle bus will then take you to the show.

At the show

An Bt80 ticket gets you entry in to see the cars, motorbikes and the audio and accessories hall. Assuming you're going mainly for the cars, start your viewing at Hal 101-104.

What's hot!

Start at the Mini booth, which has the Mini Clubman as its highlight. Then there's the BMW stand, which has the X6 [above right] on display. Near here there is also the BMW M3 coupe, along with the 3-series diesel and the X3 diesel. If you're a motorbike fan there is also a whole range of BMW bikes on show.

Next door is the Volvo stand with the C30 production version and don't forget to take a peek at the Volvo C30 recharge concept car. Moving ahead is the Yontrakit booth.

Take a look at the Kia Piccanto and Naza Forza, both of which cost under Bt400,000.

The best-looking stand probably goes to Mercedes Benz, with the new SL350 [below left] and SLK 200, both of which are making their world debut (right-hand drive) here. Also check out the CL500 and the ML 320 diesel parked in the rear.

Move on to the Lexus stand to take a peek at the LF- Xh concept car [centre row, right] and the IS- F.

Just behind the Lexus booth is mother company Toyota, which has the most concept cars at the show - the Hi-CT, the FT-HS and the i-Real.

Cross over to the other side to check out the Ford Verve concept, along with special edition versions of the Ford Ranger and the Ford Everest.

Keep moving and enter the Mitsubishi stand to take a look at the all new Pajero and the EZ- MIEV concept. There is also a Lancer here with minor changes.

You'll find the Mazda booth has three modified cars with special body kits along with "the usual" on display.

If you're looking for a new hatchback, head to the Honda booth for a peek at the new Jazz. Or if you want to be little more fun, check out the Civic sport.

Next door is the Nissan Intima concept [bottom], which is the future design direction of the Teana.

If you're fuel conscious have a look at the Chevrolet booth and the Colorado CNG. On sale is a "limited" 20 white Captivas.

Looking for power? The new Subaru STI is on display along with a Group N rally version of the old Impreza, which is up for sale.

Finally wrap up your show with the Hyundai Veloster concept [above left] and a modified version of the Hyundai Coupe. If you manage to take all this in within a few hours and want to keep looking, head to hall 106 to check out the motorcycles. And later there's the accessories and audio halls.

Source: Vijo Varghese / Daily Xpress