Malaysiaminilover

Category: Thailand

Cars in MML garage from Thailand

Honda City Hatchback Makes World Debut at Thailand International Motor Expo 2020

It’s finally here in Thailand! The 2021 New Honda City Hatchback has made its world debut at Thailand International Motor Expo 2020. Everything almost looks the same with the sedan version until you see the rear of the car. The hatchback body style features a longer roofline to meet the roof spoiler, which is placed above the tailgate with a rear window that looks similar to the Honda Jazz or Honda Fit. For the market in Thailand, the City Hatchback is selling in three variants, S+, SV, and RS. S+ is the most basic variant that is priced at 599,000 baht, SV is the mid-spec variant that is selling 675,000 baht, and the top-ranging RS is priced at 749,000 baht. These three variants features the same 1.0 litre (998 cc) three-cylinder VTEC Turbo engine which produces 122 horsepower and 173 Nm of torque. It’s more than enough for a light-weight B-Segment car. Other than City Hactchback, we also see City e:HEV Sedan and Civic RS Turbo version. Here’s the full video of Thailand International Motor Expo 2020.

As you can see from the video, the most eye-catching car at the Toyota area is no doubt the Toyota GR Yaris and the Toyota GR Supra. Toyota GR Yaris is not the ordinary Yaris where we often see on the street, this three-door pocket rocket features a G16E-GTS 1.6 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 261 PS and 360 Nm of torque. It takes only 5.5 seconds to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h and all the way to the top speed of 230 km/h. It’s definitely something exciting to see in today’s automobile world.

As for Mazda, we see Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda CX-30 100th Anniversary Edition. These three cars come in special white and they are fitted with Mazda’s 100^th Anniversary badges on both the body and seats. On the other hand, Porche launches the New Porsche Panamera as well as Porsche Taycan Turbo. Details can be found in the video too. As for Audi, the most attractive car is the green Audi RS 4 Avant Quattro. This is a family car yet with sport cars heart. The rest of the highlights at this Motor Expo are all-new Ford Ranger, Lexus IS 300h, MG EP, MG HS PHEV, 2021 Nissan Skyline GTR R35, Nissan Kicks e-POWER, All New BMW 4 Series Coupe (G22), Mercedes-AMG GT R, Tesla Model X and others. Of course, there are also a lot of beautiful car model at the motor show as usual, because this is Thailand, the land of smile!

January 25, 2021
Drive to Thailand: Phang Nga to Phuket

There are many piers on the way to Phuket from Phang Nga. These piers have boats to a few famous islands around such as James Bond island, Phi-Phi island and more. I continue my journey as my fuel level is getting low. I am really curious to know that how far a Mini Cooper can really go if it is filled up with 50 liters of RON 95 petrol.

Driving through Thepkasattri Bridge (beside Sarasin Bridge) Phuket. Sarasin Bridge is the first bridge built that linked Phuket island to the mainland of Phang Nga province. Built in 1067 and this bridge is only 700 m long. Now, all cars have to go through Thepkasattri Bridge in order to go Phuket island.

Welcome to Phuket…

A colorful hotel in Phuket that matches my Mini Cooper color – Holland Resort Phuket.

Now that my mileage indicator shows 73,105 km. In Malaysia border, I filled up nearly 50 liter of RON 95 petrol and this tank of petrol traveled 601.5 km.

In order to track fuel mileage for my car, I drive to a PTT petrol station and fill up Gasohol 95. It costs 1400 baht for 47.72 liter. That’s about 2 liter of RON 95 left in my fuel tank. Perhaps this shows that my car uses about 48 liters of RON 95 fuel to travel 601.5 km. In conclusion, the fuel consumption is 12.53 km/l (29.47 mpg). According to Edmunds, a standard ’05 MINI Cooper gas mileage is 24 mpg city and 33 highway. As I drive around Hatyai, Trang, Krabi and Phang Nga town, I am considered getting a very good mileage. The latest 2015 MINI Cooper F56 fuel consumption is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Compared to that, I am still considered the Mini Cooper R50 a reliable car for long journey drive. What do you think? Now that I am still wondering how far can my Mini Cooper go with a mixture of 47.72 liter Gasohol 95 and 2 liter of RON 95. This tank of petrol will be used to drive in Phuket down town and let’s see how far it can go. Perhaps it can last for about 400 – 450 km. See the top 10 fuel saving tips if you would like to know how to save fuel for more mileage.

Hard Rock Café, Patong Beach Phuket, Thailand.

Lastly, I have checked in another hotel in Phuket town, Shyne hotel. I’ve selected this hotel because it has a good car park for my car. My car has a great place to rest for another journey and it has a great buddy too, a red modified Nissan Juke with 19” sport wheels. This Nissan Juke belongs to a young lady who is also the daughter of the hotel owner.

Day 1: Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

Day 2: Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Phang Nga to Phuket

March 30, 2015
Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

The driving experience from Krabi to Phang Nga was the best compared to Dannok to Hatyai or Hatyai to Trang. The scenery is so beautiful and you see gorgeous moutains almost everywhere during the way to Phang Nga. There is an Elephant mountain because it looks exactly like an elephant standing there.

The famous Elephant moutain in Phang Nga

The Dairy Hut Farm in Phang Nga. It is a very special place before entering Phang Nga town. (more…)

March 30, 2015
Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

The “Drive to Thailand” journey continues from Hatyai to Trang. Trang is a very small town and I decided to drop by for delicious local food. I notice there is not much of petrol station in Thailand compared to Malaysia. Therefore, it is always recommended to fill up your fuel tank whenever you see a petrol station. In Thailand, there are a few different types of petrol. The RON 95 that is commonly used in Malaysia is considered as expensive petrol in Thailand and not every petrol station sell it. You can only find RON 05 (Benzin 95) in PTT, Esso, Chevron, PTG, Susco, and Pure. However, it is not easy to locate these petrol brands except PTT and Esso. In case you can’t find RON 95, there is an option to go for Gasohol 95. Gasohol 95 and Gasohol 91 is commonly used due to the fuel price in Thailand is expensive.

This is what you need in your car – A reliable GPS system to bring you anywhere (see what is the best GPS system for cars).

I was supposed to travel to Trang through Phatthalung but somehow the GPS brought me to Tamot.

This is one kind of petrol station you will see during your way. Do you dare to pump fuel from this to your Ferrari, Hummer, Lamborghini or even MINI? Well, I have fill up to full tank at Malaysia border and the computer in my car shows that my fuel can still travel for 400 km so I bet that the MINI can arrive in Phuket without the need to pump any petrol.

Turn left to Trang… The weather is 35.5 Celsius (95.9 Fahrenheit) to the highest 37.5 Celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit).

Trang 41 km. It is getting closer.

And here is the iconic fountain in Trang + roundabout + a beautiful yellow MINI Cooper.

It’s about 150km from Hatyai to Trang and another 150 km from Trang to Krabi. The car is full but the driver is hungry, it is time to hunt for delicious food in Trang, Thailand.

Now the stomach is filled up. The journey continues from Trang to Krabi, one of the most famous places in Thailand. It took about 2 hours to arrive at Krabi. I decided to spend a night at this famous town and I have checked in Tairada hotel. Tairada hotel is a new hotel in Krabi. It doesn’t ranked good in Tripadvisor because of the location is bad for travelers without a transport but it is perfect for people who travel with cars.

Day 1: Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

Day 2: Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Phang Nga to Phuket

March 30, 2015
Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

It has always been my dream to drive a car to Thailand. A few days ago, I have decided to start my journey with a ‘05 Mini Cooper R50 from Penang, Malaysia to Phuket, Thailand. In Google map, the total journey is about 655 km and it requires 8 hours and 17 minutes for the entire journey. I care nothing about the 8 hours drive because I know it is going to be different when you are on your steering wheel.

Years ago, I was planning for this trip but during that time I was thinking to drive my 1972 MK3 Mini Austin. However, I gave up this mind and decided to go with my MINI Cooper R50 as it is newer and more reliable. The current mileage is 72,360 km (44,962 miles). Before the journey begins, I replaced four new tires for my car as the journey may continue to Surat Thani -> Hua Hin -> Bangkok -> Nakhon Ratchasima -> Khon Kaen -> Nong Khai -> Vientiane (Laos). I have selected Good Year GT3 175/65 R15 tires for both front wheels and Toyo NanoEnergy3 195/55 R15 tires for both rear wheels. The purpose of this setting is to test and review both Good Year and Toyo tires. Both of these tires are highly rated in many car related blogs and forums.

Brand New Toyo NanoEnergy3 195/55 R15 Tires

As for the engine oil, MINI always recommended Castrol Edge but I have selected BMW Super Power Oil SAE 5W-40 Fully Synthetic oil. This type of engine oil is made in Germany and it has a very good feedback from an experiment. It is more economical compared to the Mobil 1 and Castrol Edge. In fact, I do believe it will be good for any type car engines. We will see how the engine oil changes after 10,000km run.

So, what else to prepare before driving to Thailand? A GPS device (see what is the best GPS system for cars), a reliable car mounting kit, 12v car charger, a spare tire, and a steering lock. It is also recommended to bring some spares along such as hose, plug cable, coil, fuel pump, spark plugs, belts, and a length of wire, radiator cap and fuses.

The journey begins… It took less than 2 hours from Penang to Bukit Kayu Hitam as the distance is only approximately 150km. For those who never drive to Thailand, you will need to know that there are a few things to get ready before entering Sadao, Thailand. First, you will fill up your petrol station because the petrol price in Thailand is much more expensive. There are Petronas, Caltex and BHP at Changlun town. Second, you will need to find an insurance agent in Changlun town. There are a few but it is recommended to go for the reputable one. The Thai Insurance of coverage for MINI Cooper is only RM16 for 9 days and RM25 for 30 days. This is because the engine capacity for a MINI Cooper is only 1598cc. The Car Insurance of Coverage Thai is compulsory. You will be fined 10,000 Thai baht if there is any police road block and you can’t show them the insurance policy. This type of insurance covers body injuries ONLY and does not cover third party vehicle should you meet with an accident in Thailand. For drivers who want to purchase third-party insurance to cover someone else’s car during your trip, you will need to buy it at Hatyai town. Once the car insurance is settled and the fuel tank is full, the journey continues.

At Malaysia border, it is very easy as you can drive through the immigration and hand over your passport to the officers. It is about 1 km from Malaysia border to Thailand border. At Thailand border, you will need to park your car at the car park (on your left) and walk to stamp your passport. Proceed to the “Custom Form” area and hand over your car registration card. The officer will give you a SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM (For motor car and motor cycle temporarily imported or exported). This form stated your registration number, engine number, chassis no and some of your details. Read carefully and I notice that Malaysian drivers will be fine 1,000 Thai baht per day and up to a maximum of 10,000 THB if you don’t leave Thailand within the given date. Under the Guarantee Agreement, I noticed there is a sentence saying “I hereby guarantee myself to pay a sum of 7,500,000.00 baht upon a promise that if I commit a breach of this agreement”. A friend of mine who often drive to Thailand told me that is the amount of money you have to pay in case you lost your vehicle in Thailand. Thai government imposed this law is to avoid someone else from selling the car after they drive to Thailand. OMG! 7,500,000.00 baht is approximately $230,000 USD and that is the price for a brand new Lamborghini Huracan in the United States. My advice? Bring an extra steering to brake lock if you are driving to Thailand.

Once my car entered Thai border, the first town I drive through is Dannok. Dannok is a popular town for many Malaysians. My journey continues until I see a sign board YALA 179 km. I drive for another 60km and pay a visit to the famous Hatyai town. In Malaysia, it might take only 30 minutes for 60km distance but it takes me an hour to drive from Dannok to Hatyai due to the traffic and the road condition.

Day 1: Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

Day 2: Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Phang Nga to Phuket

March 30, 2015