2009 Bangkok International Motor Show - Volkswagen

VW is taking a more serious stab at the Thai market, and chose to show a number of interesting models at this year's Bangkok International Motor Show. But are they actually going to have a hope of selling these cars in Thailand at these prices?

The most reasonably priced car on show is the Golf, a car that costs well under THB 1 million in Europe. Coming to Thailand in CBU form, the addition of taxes, duties, and transport costs result in the price reaching THB 2,010,000. Of course there will be arguments in favour of the specification level of the Golf, so let's take a look at what you get for your 2 million. For starters there is the fancy 1.4 litre TSI engine that delivers the same sort of power as a 1.8 litre motor, while delivering the fuel consumption of a 1.4. The engine drives the wheels via a equally snazzy 7 speed DSG transmission.

Between the two the Golf can sprint to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200 km/h. Not bad for 1.4 litre motor in a large hatchback. Fuel consumption is about 16.5 km/l, which is also quite good.

The Golf doesn't have leather seats in this specification, but it does have airbags everywhere!

So who is going to buy a THB 2 million Golf? VW will be counting on sales to the spoiled rich kids who want something different and a bit special. There will be enough perception of value to the Golf to at least lure a few buyers.

I could write about the other cars on offer from VW, but actually I would just be repeating myself over and over. They are all overpriced in this market, and VW will really need to build cars here in order to compete. VW is not BMW or Merc, and they simply can't expect anybody to fall for these prices.
Related articles: Read more about the 2009 Bangkok International Motor Show