Launch
The Foton Thunder was first introduced to the Philippine market at the 8th Manila International Auto Show held in 2012. Since then, it has gone through a series of upgrades on its fascia and its interiors. In 2020, Foton launched the latest Thunder variant called Ironman which comes in 4x2 and 4x4 models. The latest models of the Thunder are competitively priced at Php 1,248,000 for the 4x2 and Php 1,468,000 for the 4x4 variant.
Exterior
The most evident upgrade Foton made on the Thunder is the functional and aesthetically gratifying all-metal front and rear bumpers accompanied by front bull bars. It is designed to withstand the toughest roads in style. Matching the grille are LED fog lamps, as well as halogen headlamps and taillights. Both variants of the Thunder ride on 16-inch alloys. The base variant is available in Ibis White, while the 4x4 variant is available in Ibis White, Passion Red, Black, Silver and, Metallic Gray.
Interior
As opposed to the strong exterior, the Foton Thunder’s interior comes simpler and more straightforward. However, because of its massive size, the cabin is expectedly spacious with appropriate legroom and headroom for passengers. The dashboard is decked in black with silver accents. Both variants come with leather upholstered seats as standard. The driver’s seat is equipped with adjustable lumbar support and headrests.
Technology & Safety Features
The Foton Thunder Ironman variants come with the bare necessities in terms of new technology and safety. Its top-spec variant is equipped with rear parking sensors, anti-lock brake system, and a basic entertainment system that comes with a USB port.
Additional features on the Thunder 4x2 AT variant are electronic brake distribution, stability control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, hill start assist, and more modern entertainment system. It comes with a 2-DIN touch screen with MP5, Bluetooth, SD Card, and iPod connectivity capabilities.
All variants are equipped with manual air-conditioning, power steering, remote control power windows, three-point seatbelts, and interior lights.
Platform & Chassis
The latest generation Thunder model of the 5-seater pick-up is delivered with an upgraded 3-inch suspension lift kit. Front suspension comes in the form of double wishbones with coil springs complemented by leaf springs on the rear. Stopping power comes from front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powered by a 2.8-liter Cummins ISF CRDi diesel engine, the Foton Thunder provides the necessary output to perform in almost every type of terrain. The 4x2 AT variant can produce 174 hp and 365 Nm of torque, while the 4x4 MT can yield 161 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Transmission differs for each variant with the 4x2’s engine attached to a 6-speed Automatic transmission and the 4x4 comes with a 5-speed Manual. The engine of the 4x2 sends power exclusively to the rear wheels while the 4x4 Ironman is a four-wheel drive.
