Speed Philippines – July 2019

TESTED

56 JULY 2019

DIMENSIONS

4,830 x 2,135 c 1,870mm,

2,020kg

GEEK METER

INTERIOR

56 JULY 2019

TOUGH TRUCK RELIABILITY

Foton Toplander EX 4x2 AT 2019

PRODUCT

TEST NO.

2161

The Toplander is Foton’s answer to the SUV wars dominated by Japanese car manufacturers. Its engine is a derivative

of the famed American diesel truck engine manufacturer, Cummins, which is logical since Foton is a light truck/

commercial vehicle maker.

The Foton Toplander EX 4x2 is an alternative for a mid size SUV, a market that has

been dominated by Japanese manufacturers. It offers almost the same number of

features and passenger amenities. Granted, it has a couple of shortcomings, but

most are superficial. Reliability is the main selling point of the Foton Toplander,

a characteristic that’s a top priority among buyers.

SPEED SAYS

GEEK METER

THE

NUMBERS

WORDS EARL MANALANSAN

The Foton interior is a bit inferior compared to the competition.

The seat upholstery is a little stiff to the touch. On the plus

side, the seats are bigger and the driver armrest is wide enough for

both the driver and front passenger. Controls are easy to reach.

The dual AC system is very cold especially for the driver and

the front passenger. The only drawback to the AC system are

the vents—or the lack of it. There are no dedicated vents for 2nd-

row passengers so they have to rely on the ones on the dashboard.

The 3rd row has only one vent, located at the right side.

INTERIOR

2

1

ENGINE
2.8-liter 16Valve,
Turbocharged
Diesel Engine
TRANSMISSION
6-speed
POWER
163ps @
3,600rpm max
TORQUE
266 lb-ft (360
Nm) @ 3,000rpm
max
BRAKES
Ventilated disc
front, disc rear
SUSPENSION
Front: double
wishbone, coil
springs
Rear: five-link,
rigid axle
TIRES
265/65/R17X 8”
polished alloy
SAFETY
Driver & front
passenger
airbags, ABS
with EBD, Vehicle
Stability Assist,
Hill Start Assist,
reverse camera,
Cruise Control,
Hill Descent
Control, Stability
Control, Brake
Assist, Traction
Control
PRICE
P1,488,000

The 2.8-liter Cummins diesel engine is torquey at lower

RPMs—where you need it most. With the Toplander’s

advertised 3-ton towing capacity, this makes sense. Even at

full passenger and cargo load, the Foton accelerates with ease.

Highway driving is also effortless. The only downside is the

engine noise; Cummins diesel engines employ chain valvetrain

for maximum reliability, but it’s louder than its counterparts.

Visibility is one of the Foton Toplander’s stronger

suits. Big headlights with multiple LED lights

illuminate the way. Driving lamps with DRLs

make things brighter. Signal lights are also

incorporated at the side mirrors.

Its profile is of the universal SUV look, with big

windows and wide bulging hood. It boasts the

muscular look that defines the typical SUV.

Meanwhile, the roof rack, hatch spoiler, and running

boards add pizazz. A combination of straight and curve

body lines accent the otherwise big doors; bulging

fender flares give a performance look.

The 265/65 R17 X 8 tire-rim combination looks

just right for the big SUV. Eighteen-inch tires are

now the norm for SUVs for good reason: bigger

brakes need bigger rims, and stopping the Foton

safely is the priority.