Foton Thunder is the latest midsize pickup truck from the said brand. Locally, it has three available variants. There’s the Thunder 4x2 MT, the Thunder 4x4 MT, and the Thunder 4x2 AT. These come with a standard retail price of Php 1,180,000, Php 1,298,000, and Php 1,350,000 respectively.
Size-wise, the all-new Thunder is 5,340mm long, 1,940mm wide, and 1,870mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,220mm for the 4x2 trims, and 3,110mm for the 4x4 trims. It then features a ground clearance of 220mm.
Under the hood of the Foton Thunder is a 2.0-liter diesel AUCAN inline-4 engine. At the most, this engine can make up to 160 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. Torque figures for the 4x4 are then rated at 390 Nm.
Available gearbox options for the Thunder includes a six-speed manual gearbox for the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Only the 4x2 version may come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The local competitors of the 2023 Foton Thunder includes the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Maxus T-60, among others.
Launch
The 2023 Foton Thunder’s variants were launched at different major events spanning the year 2022 to 2023.
First off is the Thunder 4x2 MT, which was introduced at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show. This was then followed by the Thunder 4x2 AT, which was presented at the 2022 Philippine International Auto Show.
The last to be revealed is the Thunder 4x4 MT. This occurred at the 2023 Foton Big Show.
Exterior
The 2023 Foton Thunder’s appearance strikes a good balance between macho, and utilitarian.
All trims come with projector headlamps, and LED front fog lamps. Likewise present on this model is a side-step board, and a sports bar (4x4). The Thunder then comes standard with cargo bed liner, as well as LED taillights.
Completing the look of this Foton pickup truck is a set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Interior
Step inside the Thunder and you’ll be greeted by a straightforward, but comfortable interior built for up to five occupants.
Present inside are diamond-stich patterned leather seats and for the soft-touch surfaces on the interior door cards. Silver trims are likewise fitted onto the dashboard and center console. Extra comfort for the rear passengers are provided with a deployable elbow rest.
The driver is then provided with a push-to-start button, an electronically adjustable seat, a tilt & telescopic steering wheel, and power side mirrors.
Keeping everyone inside the Thunder cool is an automatic air-conditioning system. For the 4x4 trim, it gets a drivetrain mode knob.
>>> Read more information about Foton Thunder:
- New Foton Thunder 4x4 MT variant launched at 2023 Foton Big Show
- MIAS 2022: Foton Thunder brings beefier stance, new 2.0 turbodiesel
Technology & Safety Features
Keeping the Thunder’s occupants entertained is a 10.25-inch touchscreen headunit. For connectivity, it gets Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone mirroring.
Safety is then handled by dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-descent control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill-hold control, etc. Added to the 4x4 trim is a front-collision warning system, a pedestrian protection system, and a mechanical differential lock.
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.