These car models are expected to heat up the Vietnamese market in 2016.

The record sales growth rate in 2015 provided the basis for manufacturers to continue bringing strategic models to Vietnam in 2016.

In 2015, the Vietnamese car market witnessed the arrival of numerous new models from various manufacturers. These included new generations like the Mazda2 and Audi Q7, as well as debuts such as the Lexus NX200t, Hyundai Creta, and Mercedes-Maybach S600.

Entering 2016, with confidence in an uptrending market, based on the record growth rate of over 200,000 vehicles sold in 2015, manufacturers planned to continue filling the market with new models, diversifying choices for customers.

1. Honda Odyssey

First appearing at the Vietnam Motor Show in October 2015, the Odyssey carried Honda's hope of opening up a new segment: large MPVs. In reality, the Odyssey wasn't the first vehicle to enter the market; the Mercedes V-Class and Kia Grand Sedona had already done so.

The Honda Odyssey is a competitor to the Toyota Sienna in the US market. Currently, the Sienna is also available in Vietnam, but in relatively small numbers due to low demand and the relatively high import price.

The Odyssey offers spacious seating for seven and uses an Earth Dreams engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC producing 173 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 225 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It features a new CVT transmission. The vehicle will arrive in the Vietnamese market in March 2016; the price has not yet been revealed.

2. Honda HR-V

Since 2014, the trend of using small crossovers has become increasingly popular among Vietnamese customers, due to their maneuverability in city driving while still providing high ground clearance and good visibility. The Ford EcoSport led the way, followed by the Hyundai i20 Active in 2015, and possibly the Honda HR-V in 2016.

The Honda HR-V was launched in Thailand in late 2014, featuring a youthful, sporty design similar to its larger sibling, the CR-V. Powering the vehicle is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. It uses a CVT automatic transmission.

In Thailand, the car is priced from around $25,800.

3. Mazda CX-3

The new generation Mazda CX-3 starts at $23,300 in Thailand.

Looking at the growth rate of the Ford EcoSport and more recently the Hyundai i20 Active, Thaco, like Honda, can hardly sit idly by and leave this lucrative market segment to competitors. This distributor is likely to bring the CX-3 to compete in 2016.

The CX-3 shares the same Kodo design language, inspired by its larger siblings, the CX-5 and CX-9. Safety features include collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, and a rearview camera.

The car comes with two engine options: a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G gasoline engine producing 156 horsepower and 204 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-liter SkyActiv-D turbocharged diesel engine producing 105 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

In Thailand, the CX-3 is priced between approximately $23,300 and $32,200.

4. Toyota Innova

Innova remains unrivaled in the MPV segment in the Vietnamese market. The demand for transporting large groups of people, whether families or businesses in the tourism and transportation sectors, is a major source of Innova customers. However, Innova in Vietnam has not received many upgrades over the years.

The new generation Innova was launched in Indonesia in November 2015, featuring a new design similar to the Fortuner or Hilux. Overall, the Innova still seems to be geared towards developing countries, with a design that lacks significant breakthroughs.

The new generation in Indonesia offers two engine options: a 2-liter petrol or a 2.4-liter diesel, paired with either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. The vehicle comes in three trim levels: G, V, and the top-of-the-line Q. Standard safety features include anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and three airbags.

In Indonesia, the car is priced from $20,600 to $30,900.

5. Toyota Fortuner

The 2016 Toyota Fortuner starts at $35,000 in Thailand.

In late 2015, Ford caused a stir when it officially revealed the price of the 2016 Everest, ranging from 1.25 to 1.63 billion VND. Meanwhile, its competitor, the Toyota Fortuner, currently costs between 910 million and 1.14 billion VND. Many believe that this pricing strategy for the Everest seems to challenge Vietnamese customers, as only true enthusiasts of this vehicle would be willing to spend such a large sum.

At the same time, Ford could indirectly boost Fortuner sales. The new generation of Toyota's model was launched in Thailand in mid-year with a smoother, more polished design compared to its predecessor.

The new generation SUV offers three engine options: a 2.8-liter diesel, a 2.4-liter diesel, and a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. It features a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and cruise control.

In Thailand, Toyota sells the Fortuner in five variants, priced from $35,000 to $46,700.

According to VnExpress