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A variety of fully electric or hybrid vehicles could soon be making their way to Vietnam following the Bangkok Motor Show. Photo: BIMS |
At the recent Bangkok Motor Show, manufacturers from the mainstream to premium segments showcased their latest line-ups. Among them, fully electric and hybrid vehicles took center stage, highlighting the growing strength of the “green wave” in automotive technology.
Many of these eco-friendly models are expected to be introduced to Vietnamese consumers in the near future, including the BYD Atto 3, Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid, and the new-generation Toyota Corolla Cross.
BYD’s Electric Lineup
The Chinese automaker brought six strategic models to the 2024 Bangkok Motor Show in its efforts to enter the Southeast Asian market. Among them, the Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin are expected to attract many visitors.
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BYD Seal. Photo: Paultan |
One of the standout electric vehicles on display was the BYD Seal, a sedan based on the brand’s Ocean-X design language introduced in 2021. Its exterior resembles the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model 3. The BYD Seal measures 4,800 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm.
The standard version of the electric sedan features a rear-mounted motor producing 201 or 308 horsepower. The high-performance version is equipped with two electric motors, one on each axle. The front motor generates 214 horsepower, while the rear one delivers 308 horsepower, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3, also known as the BYD Yuan Plus, is a popular electric vehicle that the Chinese manufacturer has introduced in multiple markets. It is also one of BYD’s best-selling models in Thailand.
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BYD Atto 3. Photo: Riz Akhtar |
According to CarnewsChina, in 2023, the BYD Atto 3 was the brand’s top-selling model in international markets, with a total sales volume of 100,020 units, accounting for over 41.2% of BYD’s sales outside of China.
BYD also showcased the Dolphin, offered in two versions: Dynamic Standard and Premium Extended Range. Both are equipped with a front-wheel-drive electric motor. The premium version produces 201 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds.
According to sources, the BYD Dolphin is expected to be launched in Vietnam later this year, positioning it as a direct competitor to the VinFast VF6.
Familiar Names, New Models
At the event, familiar names to Vietnamese consumers were also presented with new electric versions. Specifically, Mitsubishi unveiled the Xpander HEV, which shares a similar design with the gasoline-powered version currently sold in Vietnam.
The Mitsubishi Xpander HEV features a distinctive rear end with a vertical reflector strip, the HEV logo on the right side, and a driver’s door. The interior remains largely unchanged from the gasoline version, except for the steering wheel positioned on the right for the Thai market.
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Toyota Xpander Cross 2024. Photo: BIMS |
Under the hood, the Mitsubishi Xpander HEV is powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 95 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque. It is paired with an electric motor that generates 116 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.
At the show, the Japanese manufacturer also introduced the Xpander Cross HEV, which sports a more athletic design with additional cladding running from the front to the bottom of the vehicle. This MVP features 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, a unique design not found on the Xpander HEV.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift 2024, recently launched in Thailand in February, also made an appearance at the show. In contrast to the previous model already available in Vietnam, the new Corolla Cross features a more youthful design. It boasts new Crystalized headlights with integrated turn signals and a frameless honeycomb grille for a modern look.
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Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift. Photo: BIMS |
The interior of the Toyota Corolla Cross has been upgraded with a panoramic sunroof and automatic sunshade. According to the manufacturer, the compact SUV now offers a vibrant pink and black color option in addition to the standard black. It also features an electronic parking brake and auto hold function.
The Toyota Corolla Cross 2024 is offered in Thailand with four variants, including one gasoline and three hybrid versions, priced between 999,000 and 1,250,000 Bath.
With the growing appeal of electric vehicles, automakers are expected to accelerate the launch of hybrid and fully electric models to meet consumer demands. According to Toyota dealers, some dealerships in Vietnam have started taking orders for the new Corolla Cross, with plans to introduce it to the local market by the end of the second quarter of this year.
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