The Foton Thunder pickup truck has received a new variant for the Philippine market. It was launched at the 2023 Foton Big Show event at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
The 2023 Foton Thunder 4x4 MT variant
Designated as the Thunder 4x4 MT, it expands the said truck’s variant lineup. To jog your memory, this includes the Thunder 4x2 MT which was launched at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show, and the Thunder 4x2 AT, which we got to use on a media drive to Clark, Pampanga.
The new Thunder 4x4 MT, as per its name, was developed to offer off-road capability. That said, it might suit one’s needs as a lifestyle or adventure vehicle. It can likewise perform as a utility vehicle. So what features does it have to demonstrate such versatility? Well, let’s check it out in detail.
Exterior
Appearance-wise, the 2023 Thunder 4x4 MT mirrors the style of the 4x2 variants. Its front end remains aggressive thanks to its large grille that proudly displays the “Foton” branding, the same one found at the two-tone tailgate. Below that is a wide air vent, flanked by LED front fog lamps.
This is the customized model with additional offroad-oriented parts
Also present in this new variant is a pair of sharp-looking projector headlamps. Further up the fascia is a muscular hood.
Its side likewise shares the same details as the 4x2 trims. Present are black-colored, power-folding side mirrors, sturdy black step-boards on either side, and two deep character lines.
The side profile on the new trim is then enhanced with the addition of several decals. At the bottom of the front door is a 4x4 decal, while the rear door and the side of the cargo bed get a futuristic blue and grey visual. Completing the look of this Thunder variant is a set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
It comes with a sports bar
A pair of LED taillights frame the cargo bed that comes with a sports bar and protective coating as standard.
Its dimensions are also similar to the 4x2 variants. Specifically, the Thunder 4x4 is also 5,340mm long, 1,940mm wide, and 1,870mm in height. Its wheelbase though is 110mm shorter than the 4x2 trims. It also gets the same amount of ground clearance at 220mm.
If one wants to dress up the Thunder 4x4 MT, then note that several optional exterior accessories are available. Among these are a set of Jaos mudguards, a beefy steel bumper with auxiliary lighting, and a set of off-road-ready 17-inch wheels.
Its tailgate looks identical to the ones on the 4x4 variants
Interior
Inside the Thunder 4x4 MT is a cabin that’s good for up to five occupants. The dashboard and center console from the 4x2 trims were carried over to this new 4x4 variant, and so the latter retains a straightforward black and silver trimmed design.
Like the 4x2 AT trim, the 4x4 trim comes with diamond stitch patterns
Present to provide comfort for its occupants is an automatic air-conditioning unit. The seats are then clad in leather, and these come with diamond stitch patterns for extra style points.
Also available in this new trim are electronically adjustable seats, a 6-inch digital trip meter, an analog gauge cluster, and a push-to-start button.
A view of its rear cabin
The rear cabin then gets a foldable armrest. An ambient lighting system was then added to the 4x4 MT for added visual flair.
Tech & Safety
Keeping the occupants of the Thunder 4x4 MT entertained is a 10.25-inch touchscreen head unit. Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring software. The said display is then linked to a four-piece speaker system.
A view of the Thunder 4x4 MT's cockpit
Standard safety features present aboard this new Thunder trim include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-descent control, electronic stability control, and hill-hold control. Added to the 4x4 MT trim are front-collision warning and pedestrian protection.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Foton Thunder 4x4 MT is the same 2.0-liter diesel mill that’s present on the 4x2 trims. At the most, this engine can make up to 160 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. Note that this is the new AUCAN diesel engine that was developed in-house by Foton as a replacement for the old Cummins engines that the previous generation Thunder used.
A picture of the Thunder 4x4 MT's 2.0-liter AUCAN diesel engine
Paired to the said engine is a six-speed manual gearbox. This transmission then sends power to all four wheels. For those who are serious off-roaders, note that the Thunder 4x4 MT also gets a mechanical differential lock for optimized traction on uneven terrain, especially when one or more wheels are lifted off the ground.
Furthermore, a knob for three drivetrain modes is also present. These modes include a 4x2 high, a 4x4 high, and a 4x4 low mode.
Check out the blue ambient lighting
The Thunder 4x4 MT then uses the same double wishbone front, and leaf spring rear suspension setup. So just like the other trims, this new one can likewise carry up to a ton of cargo. It also has a towing capacity rated at three tons.
Price
Pricing for the new 2023 Foton Thunder 4x4 MT starts at Php 1,298,000. For the dressed-up version that’s fitted with off-road oriented parts, the price is then bumped up to Php 1,400,000.
For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.
Know more about Foton Thunder 2024
Foton Thunder is the latest midsize pickup truck from the said brand. Locally, it has six available variants with a starting retail price of Php 1,080,000.
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 include 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 2024 Foton Thunder include the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Maxus T-60, among others.
>>> New and used Foton Thunder 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Foton Thunder Launch
The 2024 Foton Thunder’s variants were launched at different major events spanning the years 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.
Foton Thunder Exterior
The 2024 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 a 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.
Foton Thunder 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-stitch patterned leather seats and 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 is 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.
The 2024 Foton Thunder is comparable to most pickup trucks in the market when it comes to having a one-ton cargo capacity. It is also on-par with most of its competitors when it comes to engine outputs with some exceptions.
When tech is concerned, however, the Thunder is a bit slim. It doesn’t have much in the way of driver-assistive features, and it doesn’t get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.
- Stylish looks
- Peppy engine
- Comfortable interior
- No Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lack of driver-assistive safety tech.
Foton Thunder 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 EL MT | ₱1,080,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 EL AT | ₱1,150,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 MT | ₱1,180,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x4 MT | ₱1,298,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 AT | ₱1,300,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 AT SPORTS | ₱1,385,000 |
Foton Thunder FAQs
1. What kind of engine is the Foton Thunder?
The Foton Thunder is equipped with a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, which is capable of producing up to 174 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque.
2. What is the fuel consumption of the Foton Thunder?
The average fuel consumption of the Foton Thunder is around 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers or approximately 12.7 kilometers per liter.
3. How much does the Foton Thunder cost?
The price of a Foton Thunder can vary depending on the specific model, with prices ranging from around PHP 1,080,000 to PHP 1,385,000.
4. How many seater is the Foton Thunder?
The Foton Thunder is a midsize pickup truck and is typically designed to seat up to five passengers, with two seats in the front and a three-person bench seat in the back.
5. Is the Foton Thunder a good car?
The Foton Thunder is a midsize pickup truck that is known for being affordable, reliable, and capable of heavy-duty work and off-road driving.
₱ 1,180,000 - ₱ 1,350,000
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