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SHOOTOUT

The Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta are decent choices for those bored with mainstream Japanese. So which is the one to go for?

Published: 10 Dec 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

It's good to see Chevrolet and Ford with some good-looking products for the Thai B-segment hatchback class, mostly dominated by their blander counterparts the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris.

While the American nameplates may have a strong presence in some other markets around the world, both are still second-tier brands in the Thai passenger car market when it comes to sales volume.

Because of this, the Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta could be considered two new alternatives for buyers wanting something a little exciting if they aren't too concerned about the strong after-sales benefits of Honda or Toyota.

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GerBo
Post : 11
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Discussion 6 : 20 Dec 2012 at 18.546
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What I always wonder in Thailand is the lack of choice in car brands and types. In Europe I can sometimes not make a choice in brands and when I made a choice I have to think which type of that brand. Secondly what I always wonder are the "old" types. In Europe for instance we have already a total new Ford Fiesta and here they call the present model in Thailand "All New Ford Fiesta"?? It's actually very weird because Ford Thailand promotes itself as the "hub" for south-east Asia with it's Ford-models.

Same with safety, in Europe normal 4 to 6 airbags and "ALWAYS" ABS and in Thailand be happy if you get 1 or 2 airbags and ABS not always.
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durieu
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Discussion 5 : 17 Dec 2012 at 01.415
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It is always the same story, the best cars and the best models for the best price are not for Thai people… They are for the free world. I cannot understand why the Thai consumers do not require the abolition of this stupid import taxes witch prevent them to have a real choice as in so many other countries! In France, for the price of this Sonic, you can get a Mini or a Citroen DS3!
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jaydee
Post : 35
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Discussion 4 : 16 Dec 2012 at 14.334
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The Sonic has won international praise for a range of options such as 10 standard air bags, 6-speed manual, 1.4 turbo, 1.8 and even diesel - none of these are available in Thailand where even the LTZ has only two air bags and a 1.4 little more powerful than the outgoing Aveo. It's a shame that Chevy didn't come out with a game-changer, even putting E85 compatibility would have been better than what you get with the Thai Sonic.
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saharat
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Discussion 3 : 15 Dec 2012 at 22.323
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When will the Buick wei lai be available ? or maybe something from Lifan motors...lol
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saharat
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Discussion 2 : 14 Dec 2012 at 07.302
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Those prices are much higher than what the sticker price is in the states.you can almost buy a mazda for that price.
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pointoffew
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Discussion 1 : 10 Dec 2012 at 19.041
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Why does the "factfile" mention price and fuel tank size, but not economy?! Worse, it's not properly mentioned in the entire article, while that numbers are known.
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Western Delights | Bangkok Post: auto