The Thunder certainly had my attention at P1.298 million for a 4x4 pickup truck with an automatic transmission. With minimal effort on Google, I saw Foton Philippines' posts/reels about this model, including the Outback trim level doing donuts on the lahar field in Pampanga.
Intrigued, I booked a test unit and was pleasantly surprised to get this variant with a retractable awning, a couple of outdoor chairs, and tents. It would have been perfect for a camping weekend, but work got in the way of a good time.
Like the Outback trim level, this Thunder 4x4 has plenty of accessories that take its look a notch higher. The wide grille already gives it a mean resting face, but it is the front nudge bar, the fender flares (with reflectors), the 18-inch Black Rhino wheels, and the Nitto Terra Grappler tires complete its can-do-anything appearance.
It is important to note that the façade of this Thunder 4x4 A/T is setup to look like the Thunder 4x2 Sports. If this look speaks to you, consider putting the 4x2 AT Sports in your shortlist.
As bold and audacious as the façade is, especially with the brand name in red, its heft makes the bed appear short and shallow. It may also have something to do with the accessories over it; I'm not sure. Have a look at the photos, and you be the judge.
Its overall styling appeals to me. With this setup, the Thunder looks ruggedly handsome, can handle rough terrain, and even lets you get some R&R wherever you go. Plus, it has modern equipment, like LED taillights, daytime running lamps, and fog lamps, which you may not find on some rivals. Bottom line, it's a win-win.
Be careful driving into parking lots because the added height will damage low-hanging lights and signages.
Unlike most modern vehicles, the Thunder comes with a not-so-smart key. Yes, it will allow you to unlock by pushing a button on the door handle, but it is not as responsive as it should be and requires several attempts. The same is true for the push-to-start system. Perhaps it’s just a weak battery in the fob, that can easily be replaced.
Aside from that, that cockpit gets a thumbs-up from me. It has plenty of premium materials, such as quilted panels, padded surfaces, leather trim, faux carbon fiber, and silver accents. The design feels like it belongs to an SUV rather than a pickup truck.
It has a touchscreen infotainment monitor without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), which is a downer. It has a leather multi-function steering wheel (with paddle shifters) and a multi-information display between the analog gauges. The user interface is basic and easy to operate.
I wish the leather seats were more snug. At least the second row is more bolstered than what you get from other pickup trucks, and it even comes with a drop-down center armrest with cupholders. Add extra USB ports (there are only two in the center console) and vents at the rear on the wishlist.
The Thunder 4x4 uses a 2.0-liter Aucan turbo-diesel engine that sends 161-PS and 390-Nm of torque to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with a locking differential. Those numbers don't overwhelm you but will be enough for your average off-roading adventure or hauling job.
Because the torque kicks in early, acceleration is good, especially when I put it in Sport mode. Normal mode will still deliver excitement, but Eco mode makes it feel sluggish. The engine doesn't have to rev over 2,000 RPM to get pulling power for overtaking maneuvers, which is good for fuel efficiency. In mixed driving conditions, it returned 9.5 km/l.
Driving comfort is typical of a pickup truck. It's bouncy, but that's okay if it can take the punishing potholes on SLEX and EDSA. I wouldn't say I like it when you're in a crossover, and it's all comfortable and cozy, and then there's a loud ‘BANG’ after hitting that deep crevasse near Guadalupe.
Because of the accessories over its roof, I expected a lot of wind noise. That probably contributed some to its fuel consumption, which I expected to be at least over 10 km/l.
What surprised me was the Thunder's agility. Despite the extra millimeters from the fender flares and the extra weight from the awning, it moved gracefully even in tight confines and heavy traffic. It was easy to steer around when changing lanes, which will appeal to lifestyle buyers.
Potential buyers love that in addition to standard safety features, it also has an electronic stability program, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, dual front airbags, a reverse camera, a front collision warning system, and pedestrian protection.
In its current form, the Foton Thunder 4x4 A/T brings a lot to the table without burning a hole in your pocket. Sure, it will have to tweak a few things, but that's how vehicles (with any brand) get better. If you want a cost-effective pickup truck that matches the specs of leaders in the segment, listen to what Foton PH is saying and hear its Thunder.