2022 Foton Thunder to make PH debut next week

Updated Mar 29, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Foton Philippines is looking to grow its passenger car lineup.

Foton Philippines is set to introduce the all-new 2022 Thunder next week at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Foton Thunder teaser photo

The all-new Foton Thunder is bound to arrive soon

This news was confirmed by Foton Philippines itself via a Facebook post with the caption, “A New Power is on the Move.” Although no official specifications have been disclosed, one can expect that the company is hinting that its midsize pickup truck will be utilizing a new and more powerful engine.

Looking at the all-new Foton Thunder models in other markets, the upcoming truck could get a 2.0-liter AUCAN turbodiesel engine that is capable of generating 161 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. This engine makes less horsepower than the current 2.8-liter Cummins, but boasts 25 Nm more torque.

Foton Thunder front  view

2022 Foton Thunder [Note: Photo shows the global model]

The new engine could also come with a 4x4 drivetrain, as the current PH-spec version only comes in rear-wheel-drive. As for the transmission, the new Thunder is expected to use a 6-speed manual gearbox only. If that’s the case, the 6-speed automatic transmission will be discontinued from the range.

In terms of styling, the teaser photo only revealed half of the front end of the Foton Thunder. It does show a new blacked-out grille with the chrome “FOTON” wordmark in the middle, along with sleeker headlights and revamped fog lamp housings. The rear end could feature the brand’s name in huge lettering as well.

Foton Thunder interior view

Interior of 2022 Foton Thunder [Note: Photo shows the global model]

As for the interior, one can expect to see a more premium-looking cabin with the addition of more leather upholstery. The dashboard layout is also redesigned to exude a more modern appeal, featuring a floating-type infotainment screen.

The 2022 MIAS, where the all-new Foton Thunder will make its Philippine debut, will be happening from April 7 to 10, 2022. By then, we will find out which specs will Foton Philippines use to expand its pickup truck presence in the local market.

Catch the latest car releases at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Foton Thunder 2024

Foton Thunder

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 HiluxMitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Maxus T-60, among others.  

₱ 1,180,000 - ₱ 1,350,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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