Foton Philippines is pushing its bid to be recognized as a mainstream car brand in the Philippines by launching the much-awaited automatic transmission variant of its Toplander midsized SUV.

Available solely as a 4x2 variant for now, the Toplander A/T is available in two variants: the value-oriented 4x2 EL A/T and the premium-trimmed 4x2 EX A/T.

Both models are powered by a Euro V compliant 2.8-liter Cummins ISF common rail direct injection diesel engine. The higher emissions compliance has been achieved by its Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst). It generates a stout 161 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm of torque from as low as 1,800 rpm.

Mated to the engine is a 6-speed automatic. Sourced from Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, this transmission comes with a manual shift override and four driving modes: Normal, ECO, Sport, and Winter. The EX even gets cruise control.


Outside, it’s distinguishable by its wheels with the EL getting 265/70 R 16 tires and the EX receiving 265/65 R 17 tires. The EX also gets chrome side view mirrors with LED turn signal indicators while the EL goes for body-colored ones, but still with LED turn signal indicators. Both variants are upgraded from the 4x2 M/T variant in that they get chrome window moldings, LED daytime running lights, side step boards, and roof rails.

In terms of convenience features, both Toplander 4x2 A/T models come well-equipped with automatic headlights, rain-sensing-wipers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The EX is decidedly more upscale with standard leather seats and a larger 2-DIN touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free.

Foton is also upping the Toplander’s safety equipping both variants with dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and brake assist (BA). Improving its all-weather stability and safety, they also get Limited Slip Differential (LSD), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with built-in traction control, Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Hill Hold Control. Maneuvering is made easy with reverse parking sensors on both variants with the EX getting the added benefit of a reverse camera.

Assembled at the company’s sprawling Clark, Pampanga facility, Foton Philiippines is aggressively pushing for increased Toplander sales and this can be seen in the pricing. The Toplander 4x2 EL A/T retails for P 1,280,000 while the Toplander 4x2 EX A/T retails for P 1,400,000.

Both variants are available for reservations at all Foton dealerships nationwide with customer delivers to start by end of October.

2018 Foton Toplander 4x2 EL Specifications (4x2 EX Specifications)

• Engine: Cummins ISF 2.8 16-valve SOHC 4-cylinder, turbo diesel
• Displacement: 2,800 cc
• Horsepower: 161 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
• Torque: 360 Nm @ 1,800-3,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed AT
• Fuel System: Bosch controlled, Common Rail Direct Injection
• Front Suspension: Independent Double Wishbone
• Rear Suspension: 5-Link Rigid Axle
• Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
• Rear Brakes: Solid Disc
• Steering: Rack & Pinion, Hydraulic Power Assist
• Tires: 265/70 R 16 (265/65 R 17)
• Overall Length: 4,830 mm
• Overall Width: 1,910 mm
• Overall Height: 1,870 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,790 mm
• Front Track: 1,600 mm
• Rear Track: 1,580 mm
• Gross Vehicle Weight: 2,605 kg
• Curb Weight: 2,000 kg (2,020 kg)
• Payload: 605 kg (585 kg)
• Ground Clearance: 220 mm
• Seating Capacity: 7, in 3 rows
• Minimum Turning Radius: 6 meters
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 liters
• Entertainment System: 1-DIN AM/FM + CD + USB + Aux (2-DIN touchscreen LED, AM/FM Bluetooth + SD Card + USB)
• Safety and Security: Engine Immobilizer; Vehicle Alarm, Electronic Stability Program (ESP); Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); Traction Control System (TCS); Dual SRS Airbags; 3-pt ELR Seatbelts with Locking Retractors; Reverse Sensors; Hill Descent Control; Hill Hold Control; Child Lock; Anti-Pinching Windows; Daytime Running Lights (DRL); Limited Slip Differential (LSD); Central Locking. EX variant: adds Reverse Camera.
• Comfort and Convenience: Keyless Entry with Hold Window Down Control; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; headlamp levelizer; dual air conditioning; steering wheel controls; adjustable meter back light; driver seat height adjustment. EX variants adds: cruise control, leather seats, driver seat height and lumbar adjustment; steering wheel audio control for audio and mobile functions.