Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Luxury EV Future

Luxury EV Future

The MegaCity Vehicle project has been officially revealed with the first ones ready to hit the showroom in 2013

  • Published: 9/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: Motoring

The MegaCity Vehicle project has been officially revealed with the first ones ready to hit the showroom in 2013.

BMW’s illustration of MCV reveals a very efficient package.

- Ah, so BMW believes the future is electric...

BMW says vehicle emissions in the US, Europe and Japan are envisioned to drop by 30% in 2020 when compared to 2008. It also cites a UN report that 60% of the world's population will live in big cities in 2030, 70% by 2050.

That is why BMW is moving ahead with its MegaCity Vehicle project with the first ones ready to hit the showroom in 2013 under a new sub-brand. Electrified drivetrains will be the key ingredient of MCV.

- Is this pic for real?

What you see on this page is an official illustration of MCV handed out by BMW. It previews a very efficient package with compact dimensions and lightweight body.

Dubbed "project i" internally, BMW's MCV started taking shape three years ago and is said to feature a single construction of the battery, drive system and structural and crash functions within the chassis.

- And what kind of power can we expect?

As stated in the sidebar to this story, MCV highlights an electric drivetrain with a single-speed transmission placed in the rear, thus driving the rear wheels.

The reason why BMW thinks one-speed gearbox is enough is that a 150kph top speed should be ample for real-world use. Driving faster than that would simply go against the concept of efficiency - it would just drain more power.

Technically speaking, though, BMW says it can engineer MCV to go faster. But that would require more forward gears translating into a bigger and heavier package. As said earlier, BMW stresses lightweight and compact design for MCV.

- How far can the car go on one charge?

BMW hasn't disclosed any figures for MCV yet, although its two current prototypes - the Mini E and Concept E - are capable of running up to 150 to 160 kilometres on a single charge. And with MCV obviously being lighter in weight than these two, it could go over 200km.

BMW has learned from cars it leased that customers usually recharged their cars at home, despite the availability of charging points in selected areas of major cities.

BMW said MCV will also highlight its Connected Drive technology in which mobile phone-based functions point to battery status and charging points.

- And what if I need to drive more than 200km?

BMW says it is looking at a range-extender system, similar to the plug-in hybrids in the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. In simpler terms, a small conventional petrol/diesel engine acts as a back-up when electricity runs out.

- Hmm... so it's not totally CO2-free...

Well, maybe in the initial stages when the electricity grid isn't ideally spread out yet. But that's the path, as many other car manufacturers believe, the electrification of vehicles.

In fact, BMW has made it a point that MCV also marks a rethink on how cars would be made. There would be more component recycling than ever, and the production should be simpler, flexible and use less energy. So start thinking of factories roofed with solar panels...

- Will MCV be fun to drive like other Bee-ems?

BMW thinks so. With so much of torque naturally available from electric engines, drivers would be able to enjoy lots of grunt right from standstill. It is certainly poised to become a new dimension in driving, as Motoring learned with the Mini E.

And coupled with a rear-drive system (drifters rejoice), the MCV could still be one of those fun-to-drive Bimmers. Let's see whether it would have BMW's much-touted 50:50 weight balance by 2013.

Inside MCV

Body

To offset the 250-350kg rise in weight that is typical of cars with electric drivetrains, BMW is turning to a passenger cell made from carbon claimed to be 50% lighter than steel; aluminium, the Germans say, only helps bring is down by 30%.

BMW's outside partner in developing such a body is SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers.

Drivetrain

A 100kW (136hp) electric system drives the rear wheels in the BMW fashion.

A one-speed automatic transmission ensures the car can go to a maximum speed of 150kph.

BMW says when the throttle is lifted off, the car can slow down and, at the same time, regenerate energy.

Battery

Lithium-ion batteries will store energy better than old-fashioned nickel-metal hydride type.

Although batteries have limited life in automotive use, BMW says they can continue to be of use in other applications that don't require as much power.

Batteries come from SB LiMotive Power Cell.

source : bangkokpost.com


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PEUGEOT 508

From 4 to 5

  • Published: 16/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: Motoring

Peugeot has revived an old badge strategy, which also is apt in bridging the gap between the now-defunct 407 and 607 saloons.

Styling & Packaging

Peugeot has revealed the first details of its all-new D-segment (mid-size) family car, ahead of its public debut at October's Paris motor show.

Interior is moving towards simple architecture.

The 508, first previewed in the 5 by Peugeot concept car in March this year, recalls badging of the 500 series (501-505) and has been developed to replace both the 407 and 607 four-door cars.

With an overall length of 4.79m, the 508 sits between the two outgoing saloons and will tackle traditional rivals like Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S60. The French also hopes to lure buyers of the Audi A4.

Since the 508 has been engineered with Europe in mind, the car isn't as rich in metal as the Honda Accord, Nissan Teana or Toyota Camry - all of which have bigger bodies aimed at pleasing Asians and Americans.

The 508 shares the same Platform 3 floorplan as the Citroen C5, an in-house rival. Peugeot hasn't mentioned anything about the suspension, although hydraulic system is most likely to be the preserve of its PSA partner.

Much of the styling has been carried over from 5 by Peugeot concept car.

Engine & Transmission

Peugeot hasn't disclosed the exact engine range, but only emphasises that there will be automatic stop and start technology to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% in the diesel lineup.

As well, it has been announced that the 508 will get a 200hp hybrid powertrain and four-wheel-drive that emits just 99g/km. This Hybrid4 system has already been highlighted periodically by both Citroen and Peugeot.

The obvious conventional motors are petrol and diesel ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 litres, many of which will gain on turbocharging tech.

Six-speed automatic transmission is expected to follow after the manual variant, a la French tradition.

It remains to be seen whether Peugeot will continue with V6 power shared with Jaguar and Land Rover. Hybrid-tech, however, could replace it in market position terms.

Market & Pricing

As the 407 predecessor hasn't been successful in Thailand due to its imported prices of between B2-2.5m, expect the 508 to do relatively fair too despite its new-found levels of design and interior.

The only option is to build it in Asean, which can't be visualised at this point. Just a day before Peugeot announced the 508 on July 13, the French said it has signed an agreement with its Malaysian partner to re-enforce its position in this region.

Towards the end of this year, Malaysia's Naza unit will produce a saloon version of the 207 to rival B-segment saloons like the Honda City and Toyota Vios. Peugeot says it will come to Thailand via Afta trade agreement.

And in the second semester of 2011, the Malaysia plant will assemble a high-end C-segment saloon. Although Peugeot hasn't been specific, the model is most likely to be Corolla-rivalling 408 - the upmarket four-door version of the 308 hatchback already been launched in China.

Peugeot added that the D-sized 508 will be made in China late next year, but it hasn't mentioned about it being assembled in Malaysia.

source : bangkokpost.com


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Renault's new future

Stylish two-door concept previews new design language and all-electric drivetrain

  • Published: 16/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: Motoring

- This is the Renault DeZir, a concept car that will make its world debut at the Paris motor show in October. At this stage, it is not intended for production but merely to showcase the brand's new design philosophy.

- Penned by Laurens van den Acker, the two-seat experimental car has 21-inch wheels, eyelid-style headlamps, gullwing doors in which the left and right open in opposite directions and no rear windshield (two cameras outside help give a panoramic rear view inside).

DeZir is a rear-wheel-drive sports car.

- The DeZir is a relatively low sports car measuring just 1,163mm in height. It sits on a 2,582mm wheelbase length slotting itself into the class of the Nissan 370Z.

- Power comes from an electrified drive system already employed in some market-ready EVs. The 150hp/226Nm motor drives the rear wheels. Power can be regained in three ways: standard charge of 8hr, fast charge via 400V socket in 20min (80% though) or battery swap at any of Renault's exchange point.

- Apart from the huge torque available from the electric system, the car's slippery surface of just 0.25Cd guarantees decent performance for the DeZir. The 0-100kph is timed in five seconds flat, according to Renault.

ONE LAST THING: The DeZir may just be another outlandish concept car, but Renault could be exploring ways to make good use of Nissan's rear-drive platform. And that could mean a French derivative of the 370Z, or even something smaller than that.

source : bangkokpost.com


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Monday, July 19, 2010

Khao Chamao Health Resort: 'In The Pink'

UPDATE : 12 July 2010


Maneeya Dhammataree

Located within a lush mountainous area of Khao Chamao National Park about 30 kilometers from Rayong province's city municipality, Khao Chamao Health Resort might seem a rather unlikely tourism destination on the surface. But when you examine its concept and offerings in closer detail, it soon becomes apparent that the resort represents a real boon for the growing number of health conscious tourists and travelers, both locally and worldwide.

A Sense of Balance
Khao Chamao Health Resort is an ideal destination in terms of providing guests with the chance to develop or build upon a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The construction, décor and the resort's range of various activities aims to provide guests with a healthier and happier self.

A form of 'declaration of intent' is posted in the form of a printed statement in front of each house. This makes it clear to guests that smoking and drinking (alcohol) are prohibited within the confines of the resort. This declaration ensures that guests clearly understand the ground rules that will shape their stay at the resort, which are aimed at health promotion.

The accommodation at Khao Chamao Health Resort comprises 11 houses. Each house includes two, separate rooms, which are comfortable, but fairly Spartan. The décor is also relatively plain and simple and might not appear to be a key focus. Nevertheless, I noticed when further browsing through the resort that each building features specific colors, which pertain to the resort's overall mission of providing a healthful environment for its guests.


A Colorful Approach
My accommodation featured a combination of blue ceilings and green walls, while I learned that other rooms had similar colorful contrasts, featuring various combinations of blue, green, indigo, orange, pink, violet and yellow. A helpful member of staff explained that the use of these color combinations could help to provide a form of balance in trying to repair malfunctions of a physical nature since colors respond to human electromagnetic waves.

According to the member of staff, blue can reduce the symptoms of migraine and insomnia, while green can help to treat stress and tension. Pink, on the other hand, is said to be effective in improving dysfunctional kidneys, while yellow is said to be good for your joints and can help in treating gout. Orange relates to the digestive system and violet is said to be beneficial for inflamed skin. You can discuss your personal requirements with a member of staff so that you can select the most appropriate room based on those needs.




Heavenly Scents
The second sensation that hits you on entering your room is a subtle aroma. In the room in which I stayed, a subtle scent of orange emanated from a dish of essential oils located on the bedside table. According to experts, orange aroma can help you relax, reduce blood pressure and improve the digestive system. The resort also uses eucalyptus, which is said to be refreshing, can improve concentration and creativity, as well as reducing infection due to aspects relating to aroma therapy.

Crystal Clear
Rather than opting to use delicate craft works, paintings or extravagant furniture, as many mainstream resorts do, Khao Chamao Health Resort puts crystal salt imported from the Himalayas to good use.

While it's clear from its shape and form that crystal salt provides an eye-catching ornament, it also possesses more significant benefits. Comprising up to 84 different minerals, crystal salt is said to help clear the air, which can provide a form of relief for people suffering with allergies, asthma and sinus problems. The crystal is known also for being able to get rid of dust mites.

Moreover, the resort doesn't pamper guests with aromatic baths or massage oils. Rather, each guest receives a packet of salt grains, which have been carefully prepared to provide the ideal compliment for a warm bath. The resort suggests taking this bath before turning in at night. These grains are said to provide a good deal of benefit in terms of producing a detoxifying effect.

Lots to do
Khao Chamao Health Resort also provides a wide range of activities for guests to get involved in, from batik and healthy cooking classes to music therapy, water aerobic or yoga programs. These classes are available on request and the tuition fee is just 100 baht (US$3) per person, per session.


More adventurous types might wish to check out the trek to Klong Hin Pleung Waterfall, which is located about 2-km from the resort and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Finally, I ought to mention the resort's excellent organic cuisine. Since good health is the most important factor at Khao Chamao Health Resort, the menu only features fish, or dishes made from local fruits and vegetables. Although the restaurant refrains from using seasonings or other forms of additives, the chef has nevertheless managed to produce some extremely flavorful and delicious dishes.

Accommodation at Khao Chamao Health resort costs 1,350 baht (US$42) per person, per night on weekdays and 1,750 baht per person, per night on Saturdays and Sundays.

For further information, contact Tel: +66 (0)81 377 6511.

Transport Connections:
Car: Take Highway 3 from Bangkok to Klang district in Rayong province before switching over to Route 3377 to Khao Chamao National Park. Drive for about 10 km along this road before turning right at the next junction. Follow the signs for the resort and continue to drive up into the hills for a distance of about 20 km.

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Legend Maeklong Hotel: Riverside Locale Provides a Sublime Setting

UPDATE : 6 July 2010

Youthapong Charoenpan

During a really enjoyable two-night stay at the Legend Maeklong Hotel in Samut Songkram province recently, I couldn’t help but think of the old adage that 'time flies when you're having fun!'

Our soothing stay at the beautiful resort, which lies right alongside the Maeklong River, provided us with a truly memorable experience. Guests get to enjoy a real taste of the Thai way of life by the river from the resort, which is based in a colonial-style building that dates back to the era of King Mongkut (1804-1868).

Set within a small riverside village, there are two traditional Thai wooden houses and the main building within the resort’s compound, along with lots of tropical plants and flora, including various varieties of plumerias.

Exclusivity Assured
The Legend Maeklong only has 12 rooms, providing guests with a genuine sense of exclusivity. We were certainly quite satisfied with our accommodation in an Amphawa 1 Room (2,500 baht [US$77] per night), which was located in one of the wooden houses.


Our comfortable room had an ample double bed and large windows with a pleasant view of the surroundings. This class of room, which has a standard bathroom, includes a writing table, clothes horse, TV and refrigerator.

Al Fresco Riverside Dining
In front of the main building is a Thai restaurant called Ban Khun Tawee, which features a wooden terrace and several tables that boast a pleasant riverside setting. Hotel guests can make the most of a free breakfast, which includes delicious rice soup with a choice of meats.

There are several other Thai dishes on the menu and they are priced at reasonable levels for a hotel of this caliber. Another positive I ought to mention is the restaurant’s service staff, who were helpful and attentive throughout our visit.


At the end of the day, the main reason our experiences by the Maeklong River were so enjoyable were related to the high standard of the hotel and accommodation, while I would add that the hotel management’s attention to detail was also particularly impressive.

The hotel is currently offering a discount of 25% on full rates on Fridays and Saturdays, and an impressive 50% discount on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday).

For further details, or to make a reservation, call Tel: +66 (0)2 513 4913, or visit the hotel’s official website at http://www.thelegendmaeklong.com/.

Water-Borne Adventures
While there are several opportunities when it comes to exploring the area by boat, you really shouldn't miss the night-time tour along the Maeklong River and Klong Amphawa ('Amphawa Canal'), during which you'll get to see literally thousands of fireflies, which tend to congregate around Lamphu trees dotted along the river bank. This three-hour trip costs 800 baht ($24).

Transport Connections:
Train: Trains depart for Mahachai station in Samut Sakhon province regularly from Wongwienyai Station, which is located about 800 meters away from the BTS station of the same name. On arrival at Mahachai, passengers need to take a short ferry ride across the river to Tha Chalom. On reaching Tha Chalom, you take a train from Banlaem Station to Maeklong Station in Samut Songkram province. The fare is free for locals, or 10 baht (US$0.30) for foreigners.

Car: From Rama II Road in Bangkok, follow signs for Highway 35 (Thon Buri-Paktor Road). Follow this road for about 60 kilometers via Samut Sakhon (Mahachai) and continue straight ahead when reaching a major intersection to Amphawa in Samut Songkram province.

When you see the Rama II Bridge, cross it and keep left for about 500 meters before taking the next U-turn, which will lead you back under the bridge. Continue straight ahead until you come to the next junction, where you will need to turn right into Banlaem Road. Continue along this road until you reach the next intersection, where you should turn right again. Drive alongside the canal for about 1 km. When you reach the next intersection (between Pratummalai Road and Chaiyaporn Road) continue straight ahead for about another 100 meters and you will see the hotel on your right-hand side.


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Peak Position Perfect For a Date With Adventure

Peak Position Perfect For a Date With Adventure
UPDATE : 16 July 2010

Maneeya Dhammataree

One of the most stunning sights you're likely to experience during a stay at Baan Pa Ngam ('Pa Ngam Mountain Lodge') in Prachin Buri province is a sea of early morning fog, which is a fairly common occurrence due to the mountainous terrain that surrounds the resort.

Should you also get the opportunity to stay at the resort, I would also urge you to maximize the experience by participating in as many adventurous activities organized by the resort as possible.

Spectacular Scenery
More commonly referred to by locals as Baan Pa Ngam, the resort can be reached from Bangkok by car in about two hours. The resort is fortunate in that it is located right by two of the kingdom's most impressive national parks – Khao Yai and Thap Lan, providing it with lush, green forested areas, as well as breathtaking mountainous terrain.


The resort offers several alternatives when it comes to log cabins, ranging from in price from 1,200-2,600 baht (US$37.20-80.55) per night (based on up to two people staying per cabin). Don't hesitate to check with the resort if you plan to visit as part of a larger group since it's also possible that the resort can prepare a cabin for groups of between four and eight guests.

Decorated in a simple, rural style, the cabins benefit from a hilltop setting, which provides guests with some impressive views of the lush valleys of Thap Lan National Park, as well as Dong Pha Ya Yen, an area of rain forest located within Khao Yai National Park.

Clean And Fresh Air
The area surrounding the resort possesses the country's highest concentration of fresh air and the seventh best ozone source on the planet, according to owner Nakorn Wudhikanakorn.

Although my visit took place during the summer months (March to June), the temperature was still extremely mild, so I didn't even need to turn on the air conditioner. Nevertheless, the best time to visit is said to be during the rainy season (July-October), when the forested areas are extremely fertile and at their most beautiful.

A Head For Heights
Baan Pa Ngam takes a rather different approach when compared with most other resorts of this type. The resort doesn't possess a dazzling fitness center or swimming pool, sauna, or spa, opting to put the emphasis upon adventurous pursuits close to nature. Due to its mountainous surroundings, many of the activities on offer make good use of the lofty locale.

The Sky Tour (500 baht), for example, is more like a 'cable basket' than a cable car, but it still serves the same purpose, providing guests with a gentle introduction to the lush, tropical rain forest of Dong Pha Ya Yen.

You can enjoy a rather more exciting view by taking the High Flyer (500 baht), which allows you to get around the site by means of a system of slings and cables. The Flying Fox (150 baht) is a similar system that operates at a lower altitude and is therefore safer and more accessible for kids.

But the most challenging option would have to be the Sky Coaster (250 baht), which is almost like a 'reverse Bungee' or a 'human slingshot'.


Making use of centrifugal force, the Sky Coaster sends participants up about 15 meters into the air. Although this kind of activity wouldn't normally appeal, I can say that on this occasion it really put a smile on my face thanks to the view it provided me with of the impressive natural surroundings.

If these activities still fail to satisfy your appetite for adventure, you can always sign up for the resort's abseiling program. This activity requires a minimum of 10 participants, however, which keeps the cost down to just 800 baht per person. This activity takes place on the cliffs surrounding the 70-m-high Weruwan Waterfall.

Those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground can head for the resort's Mountain View restaurant instead, which provides a rather more gentle opportunity to take in the breathtaking vistas.

Hot Stuff
If you get to visit the resort on a Saturday, you'll also get the chance to experience a special Pa Ngam Fire Extravaganza, which takes place at about 8 pm. The performance provides members of staff with the chance to say a special kind of farewell, which provides a magnificent end to the day.


For further information, or to make a reservation at Baan Pa Ngam, call Tel: +66 (0)3 728 2797.

Transport Connections:
Car: Take Highway 304 from Bangkok and continue straight ahead at the Kabinburi intersection in Prachin Buri province for another 48 kilometers. You will know you are near to your final destination once you see a sign for the resort on the right-hand side of the road.

Alternatively, take Highway 305 from Bangkok to Nakhon Nayok province before switching to Highway 33. Turn left at the Kabinburi intersection in Prachin Buri province and continue in the same direction for about 48 km. You will know you are near to your final destination once you see a sign for the resort on the right-hand side of the road.


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Friday, July 2, 2010

A breath of Fresh Air

Volvo's new 3-series rival scores with stylish looks, safety tech and decent driving manners

  • Published: 2/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: Motoring

The all-new Volvo S60 replacing its predecessor, which had a run of over 600,000 units since its launch in 2000, means that the Swedish carmaker waited almost 10 years before coming up with probably the most dynamic car in its product lineup.

According to Volvo, the challenge to incorporate desire and emotion, highest safety standards and make the S60 key to its growth strategy in emerging markets - were key to the creation of this really sporty saloon with loads of advanced technology.

Styling is a key selling point.

The S60 competes against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Lexus IS which is why the sporty design, improved dynamics of the chassis and pedestrian detection technology - a world's first in its segment - make the new S60 is a quantum leap over the outgoing model.

About the pedestrian tech, it sort of blew me away because the car - not the driver - can actually avoid a collision as it engages in full auto brake at speeds not exceeding 35kph and, of course, given that the pedestrian has to be at least 80cm tall for the sensors to figure out when to brake (so your cute dachshund won't make it).

The system will also alert and brake automatically if the car risks hitting another vehicle from behind. At higher speeds, the focus is on slowing the car down as much as possible.

Audio features among attractive spec.

But at the end of the day, the driver is still in charge. And though it's a really neat piece of technology, please don't take it for granted.

Motoring asked Volvo about incorporating this technology for reverse mode (remember those heart-wrenching stories about dads hurrying out to work and trampling their children while reversing out of the garage?) and they said they'll think about it.

The new S60 is loaded with other smart solutions such as optional Adaptive Cruise Control which automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front. Again it operates at speeds below 30kph all the way down to standstill.

On top of parking sensors and a Park Assist camera at the rear, the new S60 also features a "see around the corner" camera up front which gives the driver a 180-degree field of vision.

Knee room in the rear a little tight.

Thailand is getting the 2.0-litre GTDi turbo four-cylinder which is a new engine that is more fuel-efficient and matches a five-cylinder unit in performance terms, while the more refined turbocharged 3.0-litre T6 straight-six won't be coming to Thai shores due to high taxes.

You get a four-door coupe'-like feeling which was lacking in the old model, thanks to a wedge-shaped design incorporating a double-wave shoulder line on the side wheel arches, low stance and compact short overhangs for the front and rear.

It obviously looks more emotional with new rear lights that continue into the trunk lid to give it a low, broader rear end. Other changes are a larger grille, larger Volvo emblem and a more pronounced V-shaped line on the hood directed to the grille. The C-pillar stretches all the way into the tail lamps which creates a "strong sense of motion".

The cabin provided mixed feelings up front and at the rear. I sat in the rear first and found generous head room but wasn't impressed with knee space even though it was 30mm more than in its predecessor.

Its interior has a more extrovert attitude which still preserves its Scandinavian lineage, but is able to angle all instruments and the centre stack towards the driver for a sensation of focus and control. I was smitten by the new three-spoke steering wheel and nice sports seats with extra side supports as standard.

Driver-oriented fascia is a delight.

The six-speed automatic transmission has normal and sports setting; and there's the fun option of sequential manual shifting.

As we navigated rural Portugal, the new S60 hugged the narrow and winding back roads with considerable ease. Exploiting the 2.0-litre's impressive eagerness was a delight when compared to its predecessor.

Handling is improved thanks to thicker piston rods in the front spring struts and shorter, stiffer springs. There are three modes for steering wheel feel from high, medium to low. I preferred high because you don't have to concentrate too much in low mode when it feels light and quick.

Performance has been upgraded to 203hp from 180hp and torque is impressively increased to 300Nm at 1,740rpm from the original mark of 240Nm.

The ride was not bad over road undulation and potholes; the new S60 held its own and was impressive to say the least. Thanks to a new dynamic chassis backed up by electronic systems, it is able to deliver a sporty driving sensation.

Add that with Corner Traction Control and another world first in the Advanced Stability Control, which is a new roll-angle sensor that identifies any skidding tendency early, meaning that the anti-skid system can step in early with precision.

The audio experience is also enhanced with features such as the Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ which comes with a class-D digital 5x130W amp and 12 speakers and enables you to remove distortion caused by the car's acoustics.

All in all, the new S60 scores with a stylish design, great interior and decent driving manners that should enable it to joust with its competition based on its advanced safety technology and freshness.

At an estimated price tag of B2.8-2.9m - in the vicinity of its rivals - the new S60 seems to be a convincing alternative when it arrives on Thai shores later this year.

About the author

columnist
Writer: Alfred Tha Hla
Position: Motoring Reporter

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