New Foton Thunder 4x4 MT variant launched at 2023 Foton Big Show

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.

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