New SsangYong Actyon

By Dr Long

The new SsangYong SUV called Actyon is one of the other few truly new vehicles on display at the Bangkok Motor Show 2007. At 20cm shorter than its elder ugly-‘duckling’ sibling Kyron, plus a coupe-like rear profile, this reskinned model is much fresher, sportier and more desirable. It is also lighter than the Kyron – 1,870kg against 2,004kg. Wheelbase is the same for both models, so likely they are riding on the same platform, though SsangYong isn’t telling on this. Even the engine is the same as the Kyron’s, a 1998cc 4-pot common-rail turbodiesel punching out 141bhp and 310Nm. The turbocharger has been updated with an improved turbine geometry called XGT, instead of the previous VGT. The engine now is also greener now, being Euro-4 compliant (previously Euro-3). Once again, whether all these are all applicable for the Malaysian oil-burners scenario remains a big question mark, since we are pathetically still Euro-1 at the pumps!

Actyon is visibly targeted at a younger audience. The moniker is a word-play between “action” and “young or youth”. Even though categorized as a small-sized SUV, there is enough space and versatility for most sports and lifestyle activities. Performance figures should approximately be the same as the Kyron, but by weighing 130kg lighter, this new Korean SUV will likely be quicker off the block. Possibly having better agility and handling too. Practically even better mileage to every tankful of diesel as well.

Seeing the Kyron and Actyon parked side by side, both designs are quite similar, especially the side profiles. While the front share just a subtle resemblance, the butt of the Actyon is like ‘heaven and earth’ when contrasted with the sagging-bum of the Kyron.
The shapely and sharp big-eyed headlights are very modern, with a single inward-slanting grille (phew! no more double-layered grilles), drawing inspiration from the SsangYong SV-R concept. Even the creased-ribs on the shark-nosed bonnet are the same of the concept car, successfully rendering a muscular stance up front.

The rear screen is very sloping, much like a sports coupè, but the Actyon is tagged as an SUV. A little paradox here but all design elements gelled-together rather well when witnessed in the flesh, or rather metal. What remains to be seen however, is whether Competitive Supreme will launch this leaner, sleeker and more athletic looking SUV-Coupe-Crossover in Malaysia anytime soon.

Pictured above is a jacked-up SsangYong Stavic MPV, displaying its mechanical drivetrain, suspension and floorpan. While below are the equally inspiring dancers after a show routine. Last but definitely not the least are the other - more elegant - SsangYong models at the Bangkok Motor Show 2007!

New Chevrolet Captiva

By Dr Long

One other fresh new model (automotive) spotted at the 28th Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 was the new Chevrolet Captiva. This Daewoo-sourced SUV is powered by a common-rail 2.0L turbo diesel churning out a respectable 148bhp and spinning a twisty 320Nm, through 2WD or 4WD drivetrain.

Options include a 5- or 7-occupants configuration. Will we see the 2.4L petrol version or the modern oil burner variant in Malaysia soon?

BKK International Motor Show 2007: Toyota Hybrid X

By Dr Long

One of the very few concept cars to be showcased at Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 was the Toyota Hybrid X. As the nameplate suggest, this is Toyota pushing the envelope of its Hybrid Synergy Drive further, affording motoring enthusiasts the world over a glimpse into what the next generation Prius could possibly look like.

Sporting an ever more one-box design, this concept is more aerodynamic than the current Prius, with a sharper nose, more rakish windscreen and a very sloping glass roof.

A small near-vertical rear screen blends futuristically as a tailgate, into the chunky rear end. The interior promises more space than ever and versatility too, with rear-swinging back doors (ala Mazda RX-8).

Improvements in electric power-storage technology will enable the next generation Prius to carry a lighter, compact but more powerful lithium-ion battery pack, in place of the current Ni-MH unit. Quite possibly, the next generation of Hybrids from Toyota will have the feature of plug-in charging from the home (or garage) A.C. mains.

All New 2007 Toyota Vios

For Wheels correspondent in Thailand, Mr. Peter Lee, has reported that the all new 3rd generation Toyota Vios will be officially unveiled in Bangkok next week.
To be launched well ahead of the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 (from March 30 – April 8, 2007), the new sub-compact sedan based on the Yaris, is actually a rebadged and tropicalised version of the JDM Toyota Belta.

In a departure from the usual Soluna/Soluna-Vios lineage, this popular sedan is no longer based on a cost-cutting ASEAN market platform. For instance, the 1st generation Soluna was based on the 80’s Toyota Tercel underpinnings. The second generation Soluna-Vios meanwhile, is pretty much an ASEAN only model which was not available in Japan. Both models obviously had no DNA linkages to the previous Yaris/Echo/Vitz hatchback.

On the other hand – and ironically - Toyota Vios’ main competitor, the upcoming all-new 3rd generation Honda City is rumoured to have a bargain-basement ASEAN platform, unrelated to the all-new Jazz/Fit design and structure.

A reversal of roles in the cards for both these highly anticipated replacement models? In Malaysia, the all-new 2nd generation Toyota Vios (we never had the sub-standard 1st gen Soluna anyway) is rumoured due as early as Q4 2007.

Watch this space for more updates as the new Belta…oops! I mean all-new Vios comes unwrapped in Thailand….