Foton Toplander 2018 Philippines: Price, Specs Review, Interior, Exterior

There’s always a stigma attached to Chinese-badged vehicles, but for some reason, Foton has still been hanging around the local auto market and has gained a remarkable amount of sales for years. In the competitive SUV segment, the company is fairly confident about its Toplander which is believed to shed off the disgrace of “China Car” in our country.

Now, let’s take a look at the Foton’s flagship SUV more closely in this Foton Toplander Philippines review by Philkotse.com which focuses largely on the top-of-the-line EX 4x2 AT.

The Foton Toplander is believed to shed off the disgrace of “China Car” in our country

FOTON Toplander - "Think Again"

The Toplander is not bad looking, to be honest. Some even say that if it is de-badged, no one could think that it’s an offering from a Chinese marque.

Up front, it is decked with a “BMW-like” grille with high-set hood line, big headlamps and chunky fender flares.

The Toplander is not bad looking, to be honest

Moving towards side and rear profiles, the PPV looks clean and quite harmonious. Though there are still some paint imperfections around the door handles, the panel alignment has nothing to complain about.

To our eyes, should Foton use a different grille design, the 2018 Foton Toplander exterior may be more appealing.

Up front, it is decked with a “BMW-like” grille with high-set hood line, big headlamps and chunky fender flares

Moving towards side and rear profiles, the PPV looks clean and quite harmonious

If it is de-badged, no one could think that it’s an offering from a Chinese marque

>>> Related: Comprehensive guide for Chinese car brands in the Philippines

Let’s start with the seating capacity, which is an important factor to consider in buying a car as of course you want to make sure that you can take most if not your entire family. Also known in the international market as Sauvana, the 2018 Toplander can accommodate 7 people. It is pretty spacious, with enough leg room for everyone. However, the back side, or the third row, is best left with smaller passengers like kids, teenagers or young adults.

The 2018 Foton Toplander can accommodate 7 people

In terms of design, the latest Foton Toplander model serves for a functional rather than a stylish cabin. Soft touch materials are present somewhere in the cockpit, yet I still feel as if I’m sitting in 2000 SUV’s cabin. Thankfully, doing penance for this is a neat dashboard equipped with AM/FM Radio, DVD player, Bluetooth, iPod, USB and aux to have your entertainment at the palm of your hands to make you feel comfortable all throughout your getaway.

Other features include headlight levelizer, power windows, keyless entry and central locking system.

In terms of design, the SUV interior design serves for a functional rather than a stylish cabin

The Foton Toplander is motivated by a Cummins ISF 163-PS/360-Nm 2.8-liter diesel engine which comes with a turbocharged intake system, Bosch electronically controlled high-pressure fuel injection system and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) technology. With this kind of set up, you can drive this SUV without worrying if you’re giving out negative effects to the environment.

Well, its fuel economy is admirable for this SUV with an average of 7.9 km/L at an average speed of 14 km/h in city driving and 15.1 km/L on highways at 88 km/h. The Toplander borrows a 6-speed automatic gearbox from Daimler.

The Foton Toplander is motivated by a Cummins ISF 163-PS/360-Nm 2.8-liter diesel engine

Performance wise, the Toplander is perfect to use for off-road travels as it has a non-unibody design. This means the stress that the car goes through is mainly put on the car’s frame or the chassis unlike in a unibody where the stress is felt in the entire car because the car’s body and chassis are one. It also adapts a non-independent rear suspension.

Speaking of handling, weighting in at around 2 tons, it comes as no surprise when the Foton Toplander 2018 makes you feel secure and predictable. In the meantime, steering is quite precise for a PPV.

The Foton Toplander 2018 makes you feel secure and predictable

With reference to safety features, this SUV has dual airbags and 3-point seatbelt with Emergency Locking Retractor, which, in anticipation of crash or collision, tightens itself against the passenger, pulling him towards his or her seat onto safety. It also features Hill Descent Control (HDC) which controls the speeding and braking, tire pressuring system, 4-probe reverse sensor, reverse camera, engine immobilizer, and child lock safety, among others. With these features, you can feel calm knowing that you’re in a pretty safe vehicle.

Overall, the Foton Toplander 2018 Philippines is a good, practical choice for a family who wants to own an SUV that has great features at an affordable price of around P1,488,000. This SUV promises to perfect for you to make those long-planned out of town trips finally come to life. For all intents and purposes, it sure is worth every peso to spend on.

>>> Click to read more car reviews by Philkotse.com