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

Foton – a Chinese marque, first broke into the Philippines in 2006 with its aim of making the local market its strategic export hub. If in SUV segment, it serves the Toplander as flagship, mentioning van category, it has the View Traveller. Some say that the Foton View Traveller is a Hiace clone, but it’s absolutely not outdone by this hot van from Toyota as well as other vans in the market. With an attractive look from outside and decent features, the Traveller is believed to make your ride funnier and more comfortable than ever.

Now, have a deeper insight into the van via this Foton Traveller Philippines review by Philkotse.com.

The Foton Traveller is absolutely not outdone by this hot van from Toyota as well as other vans in the market

>>> Want to learn more about the Foton Toplander? Click here

The View Traveller represents an innovative look of a minivan with strong and dynamic structure. Right the first moment you eye it, you’ll realize it greatly resembles the Toyota Hiace, as mentioned earlier. Regardless of this, it’s still a good-looking and modern van. Particularly, a bubble roof makes it bizarre when compared to the tall roof of the car it tries to mimic.

The View Traveller represents an innovative look of a minivan with strong and dynamic structure

Also worth noting in the Foton Traveller exterior is a chop on the side profile where the extra wheelbase has been included, and exceptionally large overhangs. Contrary to a big body, a “tiny” set of 15-inch wheels somewhat gets us disappointed.

Contrary to a big body, a “tiny” set of 15-inch wheels somewhat gets us disappointed

If you are looking for a stronger design with more interior space, you can take a look at the Isuzu I-van 2016 for sale. However, each one has its own pros and cons, so let's move on to the next part of this review. 

Even though there are some unfinished plastic trim, the Foton Traveller interior does not give you a feeling of driving a “made-from-China” van at all. In fact, even many Japanese models themselves abuse hard plastic on the inside.

While vans like the Urvan and Grandia come with similar seating configurations, the View Traveller’s extra length and width provide passengers with a pass-through aisle between the seats and simultaneously uphold the 3-across seating. Seats in the van are well-shaped with full back and reclining mechanisms.

The Foton is one of the biggest vans in the current market and has more than 10 seats, yet the space and comfort it exudes are more reminiscent of an 8 or 9-seater.

The 2018 Foton Traveller interior does not give you a feeling of driving a “made-from-China” van at all

Apart from elegant design, exceptional comfort, and functionality, the Foton View Traveller 2018 is also installed with some advanced equipment, high-tech infotainment and stereo features including MP3 and CD player, USB, Aux-in and 4 speakers. Besides, parking sensors and the tailgate mirror, keyless entry, rear air-conditioning are all ready for use.

The Traveller is also installed with some advanced equipment, high-tech infotainment and stereo features

The Foton View Traveller is equipped with a 2.8L 16-valve Cummins ISF turbo diesel engine, which is well capable of 130 horsepower and 280 Nm of peak torque, with a view to providing more economical results for the vehicle’s performance in all kinds of terrain.

Being a people carrier, acceleration numbers is of no concern to the View Traveller, but in actual fact, the vehicle still delivers a decent acceleration and is able to top out 145 kmph.

The vehicle delivers a decent acceleration and is able to top out 145 kmph

Gas mileage of 6km/L in heavy traffic appears reasonable, given its weight and power on hand.

Regarding ride and handling, riding this van is much like driving a bus. Yes, this is a nice bus with long-geared steering and a tall driving position. Body roll can be felt yet not as much as you think of a Chinese-badged van. Overall, braking and handling are both tidy and secure while the ride is relatively soft but the damping is under control, barring over large bumps.

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

>>> Foton Traveller for sale at cheaper prices on Philkotse.com

At this moment, the 16-seater Foton View Traveller 2018 sets you back P1,495,000. With this price tag, the View Traveller, admitedly, is an excellent value for money vehicle when pitted against its contenders.

To sum up, the Foton Traveller in the Philippines is probably the roomiest van you can get for your money, even compared to locally assembled rivals from the Japanese carmakers. And when it comes to quality and refinement, it's even much better than several of them. So if you don’t mind driving a Chinese-branded van to get around with your big family, seriously take this one into consideration.

>>> Read more car reviews for hot-selling models in the Philippines on Philkotse.com