The Foton Big Show 2023 which commenced on February 10 to 13, 2023, saw three new models launched for the Philippine market. The most notable of these is the new Foton 3.6 Tornado fully-electric light-duty truck. The two other that debuted at the event was the new Harrabas Miler, and the refreshed Traveller 2.0.
The 2023 Foton Tornado 3.6 EV
Out of the three new Foton models, the Tornado 3.6 EV is undoubtedly the star of the show. This is because this truck is the first-ever fully-electric light-duty truck currently available in the local market.
This represents a big step for the brand in providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendlier logistics solution for local businesses. It also signifies the brand’s commitment to clean and green mobility.
Propelling the Tornado electric vehicle (EV) is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that’s paired with an 81.14 kWh liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate battery. This EV powertrain can then generate up to 153 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. It also has a range of around 208 kilometers.
The Tornado 3.6 EV also gets side fairings, as well as blue-colored exterior trim pieces
Thanks to those, the Tornado 3.6 EV can achieve a zero to 50 km/h time of nine seconds, according to Foton. It also has a maximum speed of 90 km/h, and its carrying capacity is rated at 2.1 tons.
Step inside the Foton Tornado 3.6 EV and you’ll find a cabin that looks similar to the regular Tornado truck. But it then gets a digital gauge cluster that displays its battery status and available range.
Also present on the said model is a knob-type gear selector, which is unique to this Tornado variant. Likewise available are manual air-conditioning, reverse sensors, central locking, an auto-adjusting brake clearance system, and anti-lock braking, among others.
A peek inside the Tornado 3.6 EV's front cabin
Pricing for the 2023 Foton Tornado 3.6 EV starts at Php 3,600,000. That’s for the cab & chassis variant. For the closed van configuration, one has to fork over an additional Php 275,000 bringing its price up to Php 3,875,000.
Note that the Foton Tornado 3.6 EV also comes with a five-year, or 200,000-kilometer (whichever comes first) warranty.
There were two other new models launched at the 2023 Foton Big Show. As mentioned above, there’s the Foton Traveller 2.0 which gets a refreshed front fascia, as well as a re-arranged interior that features more space.
The 2023 Foton Traveller 2.0
At the most, this updated van can seat up to 16 occupants. It is then powered by the new 2.0-liter Aucan diesel engine. Note that this is the same diesel four-banger found on the new 2023 Foton Thunder pickup truck.
At the most, the Traveller 2.0’s engine can make up to 160 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The price for the Traveller 2.0 then starts at Php 1,530,000.
The third model to debut at the 2023 Foton Big show is the new Harabas Miler. This is the extended wheelbase version of the said model. It gets a new exterior appearance which includes a windbreaker, LED daytime running lamps, LED signal lamps, and additional chrome trim pieces for the interior.
The Foton Harabas Miler
This commercial vehicle then comes with a cargo capacity of 1.9 tons. Powering the Harabas Miler is a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that can generate up to 129 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is then linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The 2023 Foton Harabas Miler is sold at a standard retail price of Php 1,160,000.
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Know more about Foton Tornado 2024
The Foton Tornado Philippines 2024 is a series of light commercial vehicles that aims to assist Filipinos with their businesses. It is available in various body configurations including F-Van, Refrigerated Van, MPV, Dropside, Fuel Tanker, among others. As for pricing, the light commercial vehicle (LCV) is offered with a starting price of Php 915,000 and goes up to Php 2,510,000 for the 4.5C Telescopic Crane. Under the hood, two engine options are made available. One is the 2.8-liter Cummins ISF turbodiesel engine, while the other is a larger 3.8-liter Cummins ISF turbodiesel mill. Either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed manual transmission is connected to the engine.
In terms of dimensions, the Tornado has various body configurations. But the largest, which is the Tornado M5.2 F-Van, is 6,955 mm long, 2,270 mm wide, and 2,340 mm long, with a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 3,800 mm and 234 mm, respectively. In the local market, this Chinese LCV goes up against the likes of the Isuzu N-Series and Hyundai HD36L.
>>> New and used Foton Tornado 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Foton Tornado Launch
Foton Motor Philippines first introduced the Tornado light truck variant in 2017. Since then, the brand has incorporated modifications in the truck’s safety features to cater to the growing demand for commercial vehicles in the country. Pricing of the latest generation line-up of the Tornado in the Philippines currently ranges from Php 755,000 to Php 1,690,000.
Foton Tornado Exterior
The line-up of light-duty trucks generally follows the design of typical hauling commercial vehicles. MPVs, Dropsides, and the Telescopic Crane come in a white finish while some van variants have a silver box behind the driver’s cabin for the cargo. On the front fascia is the brand’s signature black grille with the Foton emblem in the center. The Tornado Philippines is equipped with 15- to 16-inch wheels, depending on the variant.
Foton Tornado Interior
Since the Tornado 2024 falls under the commercial vehicle category, the cabin isn’t decked with extravagant finishes and extra comfort features. However, the 2-door vehicles can seat 3 people comfortably with ample legroom, high headroom, and dual overhead compartments. Seats are wrapped in gray fabric and the cabin is covered in black matte plastic material. The dashboard is straightforward and simple, which makes it easy for the driver to get used to it.
Technology & Safety Features
All variants of the Foton Tornado 2024 come with rear parking sensors, power steering, and power windows. It is equipped with the bare necessities such as an air-conditioning system and a basic entertainment system capable of playing AM and FM radio, CDs, and MP3 devices.
Platform & Chassis
The line-up of light-duty trucks comes with non-independent longitudinal elliptical leaf spring front suspension mated with hydraulic dual-acting telescopic shock absorbers. At the rear are non-independent longitudinal elliptical leaf springs with auxiliary leaf springs and the same shock absorbers as the front. The newer versions of the Tornado come with a steel chassis that enables the trucks to carry a higher payload safely with more stability.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the Foton Tornado variants are 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines of varying capacities. The top range variants come with a 3.5-liter engine that produces 310 Nm of torque, while the 2E models run on a 2.0-liter engine that powers out 172 Nm of torque. Its engines are attached to a 5-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine has a fuel capacity of 70 liters.
Foton Tornado 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Foton Tornado 2024 price in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Foton Tornado M2E E4 Cab and Chassis | ₱915,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2E E4 Dropside | ₱985,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2E E4 MPV Single AC | ₱985,000 |
| Foton Tornado 4.5C Dropside | ₱1,030,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2E E4 FVAN Rivetless | ₱1,070,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2.6C Cab and Chassis | ₱1,120,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2.6C Dropside | ₱1,190,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2E E4 MPV Dual AC | ₱1,200,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2.6C FVAN Rivetless | ₱1,275,000 |
| Foton Tornado M4.2C Cab and Chassis | ₱1,285,000 |
| Foton Tornado 4.4C Mini Dumptruck | ₱1,310,000 |
| Foton Tornado 4.4C Water Tank | ₱1,310,000 |
| Foton Tornado M4.2C Dropside | ₱1,355,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2.6C MPV Single AC | ₱1,360,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2.6C MPV Dual AC | ₱1,405,000 |
| Foton Tornado M5.2C Cab and chassis | ₱1,440,000 |
| Foton Tornado M4.2C FVAN Rivetless | ₱1,490,000 |
| Foton Tornado M5.2C Dropside | ₱1,545,000 |
| Foton Tornado M6.1C Cab and Chassis | ₱1,595,000 |
| Foton Tornado M5.2C FVAN Rivetless | ₱1,675,000 |
| Foton Tornado M6.1C Dropside | ₱1,775,000 |
| Foton Tornado M2.6C Refrigerated Van | ₱1,795,000 |
| Foton Tornado M4.2C Fuel Tanker | ₱1,805,000 |
| Foton Tornado M6.1C Fvan Plain | ₱1,900,000 |
| Foton Tornado M4.2C Refrigerated Van | ₱1,925,000 |
| Foton Tornado M5.2C Telescopic crane | ₱2,125,000 |
| Foton Tornado M5.2C Self Loader | ₱2,160,000 |
| Foton Tornado M6.1C Telescopic crane | ₱2,255,000 |
| Foton Tornado M4.2C F-Jeepney | ₱2,510,000 |
Foton Tornado Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes in various body configurations
- Reliable engine
- Good payload capacity at a maximum of 5,200 kg
Cons
- Long-term ownership can be a hassle
₱ 755,000 - ₱ 1,690,000
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