- Ever since its inception, the Mercedes-Benz S-class has ruled the roost in the luxury saloon class. Today, it still does so, even though it has now passed mid-life. It's got a great diesel, comfy cabin and is equally good to drive as it is to ride in.
S350 CDI: still the limo king.
- The Gallardo becomes the first modern-day Lambo that can really serve as an alternative to a Ferrari. When we flew to Spain this year to drive one of the final editions - LP570-4 Superleggera - we were blown away by its intoxicating characterful performance and driving manners.Auto Review , auto shipping reviews.
Superleggera: it doesn’t have to be a Fezza.
- It's still available as a grey import, so the price is unrealistic at B2m. There's a rumour the funky crossover could come from Indonesian production lines via Afta. And the one that performs best is the 190hp 1.6-litre petrol-turbo. Keep praying.
Juke: the one to spice up the brand.
- They say Jaguar took a gamble, and it looks nearly aces. The new XJ is distinctively elegant and offers a peerless balance between ride and handling. But it lacks two key ingredients in Thailand: interior gimmicks for rear passengers and a diesel option.
XJ: radical looks but incomplete.
- The Panamera is a fine Porsche for those finding the Cayenne too un-Porsche or the 911 to purist. There's the sleepy V6, more balanced V8 and speed-manic twin-turbo V8 - all at hefty prices between B13-19m. Roll on the Panamera Hybrid.
Panamera: going green means becoming cheaper.
- You can only get one next year, although we track-tested Lexus's first supercar this year in the UK and found it to have a sensational performance and engine noise from that unique V10, exquisite cabin and easy to drive manners. But it's utterly expensive. Yes, keep that B43m mansion.Auto Review , auto shipping reviews.
LFA: dramatic music and price.
- The Evora is a bag of merits and flaws. It's a proper driver's car with sleek looks, but is impractical and lacks an auto 'box for comfort-loving Thais. An automatic has already been announced, but don't wait for the more powerful S - it only comes with a manual.
Evora: great fun but not the automatic choice.
- Toyota's city car was one of the most memorable drives from the Thai grey market this year. The ultra-compact mover has a smart package and zippy driving characteristics. But don't bet on Toyota selling it here officially at B500k - even Ecocar benefits can't help.
iQ: a car ahead of its time.
- Never mind the E-class Coupe' being based on the C-class, it's a sleek-looking 2+2 that after-market tuners would love to dress up. But even the sporty Benz isn't spared the stock clearance of the dated five-speed automatic transmission used in all four-pot Mercs.
E250 Coupe´: modern style meets antediluvian tech.
- The French has finally taken the Asean market more seriously. So it is building the 308 C-segment hatchback in Malaysia and shipping it to Thailand via Afta scheme. But if its prices double those of the Ford Focus and its likes, then there's no point in selling the Pugg here.
308: looking good at wrong prices.Auto Review , auto shipping reviews.
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