Foton ETX: A tractor head of the class

MANILA, Philippines -  The mammoth tractor head glistened after the lengthy downpour – its smooth blue finish and the droplets of rain on it reflecting an afternoon sun. I considered the cab and the three rungs it would take to get up there. It was too tempting to resist.

The Foton ETX tractor head, recently launched at this year’s edition of the Manila International Auto Show, is by itself an imposing vehicle even without the trailer it was built to haul. It naturally invites comparison, of course, to what the average person would consider to be the premier – albeit fictional – tractor head: Optimus Prime himself.

Kidding aside, the Foton ETX should easily hold its own among the vehicles in its class. Actually, it is one mean-looking truck that should make the competition in this surprisingly crowded commercial vehicle segment sweat bullets.

The ETX is easily the biggest among contenders, measuring 7,030x2,495x3,325 millimeters, yet tips the scales at a light 9,500 kilograms curb weight (remember, we’re talking about a tractor head here). It boasts a gross combined weight (a figure reached by adding the vehicle’s weight to the maximum weight of its trailer) of 48,805 kilograms. Wow, that’s heavy indeed.

Powering this giant is a capable six-cylinder diesel engine boasting 11.596 liters of displacement. This generates a mind-numbing 1,750 Nm of torque and 420 horses. Couple these figures with the Foton claim that the vehicle starts faster, accelerates more eagerly, displays stronger “grade ability,” and you have one truly sterling tractor head performance.

The ETX can switch from two to four-wheel (or axle) drive – two if it’s not hauling a trailer, and eight if it is. For even greater driving flexibility, the vehicle is mated to a (count ‘em) 12-speed transmission – with lower gears useful when laden with a heavy trailer. A high-low switch gives the driver comfortable and quick access to the higher gears.

As you may guess, braking becomes infinitely more crucial in such heavy vehicles; the folks at Foton have given special attention to exactly that. The ETX features patented WEVB exhaust brake technology which assures the brakes will not fail due to overheating. This, well, breakthrough increases brake efficiency “by more than 50 percent.”

Chassis design, on the other hand, has been evaluated by the renowned Lotus group – resulting in transmission efficiency increase of five percent, according to Foton.

This 10-wheeler can seat three in its surprisingly spacious and appointed cabin. Yes, you normally wouldn’t even think of looking for creature comforts in such a vehicle. Driver and pahinante alike are sure to jump for joy at the prospect of travelling in such a thoughtful set of wheels.

For starters, the air-conditioning is sure to keep the three-passenger complement in the cab cool and relaxed (even if traffic does not). I found the faux carbon fiber accents refreshing. Curtains can be drawn to completely surround the capacious cabin should the occupants decide to nap on a long day’s journey. While we’re at it, there’s surprising room at the back of the cabin to accommodate two dozers. There’s a collapsible upper bunk, and a fixed bunk under it.

Overhead both the driver and passenger sides are two spacious storage bins, and if you look straight up, there’s a portal that can be opened to admit fresh air and light.

The cost of the ETX is P3.5 million, with a low down payment of only P44,795 – exactly the cost of its monthly payments. That translates to only P1,494 per day – very friendly terms, indeed.

The Foton brand is headquartered in Beijing, China, and is known for its commercial vehicles. It is presently the number four auto brand in China (number two in the CV market). The United Asia Automotive Group, exclusively distributes the Foton portfolio in the Philippines, and is aiming to give the competition a serious run for its money via its quality offerings for less. As a clear nod to these Foton value propositions, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has already taken delivery of some 1,000 Foton View ambulances.

Another thing going for Foton Motor Philippines (FMP) is its ever expanding presence over but a short time. FMP already has 14 dealerships and, crucially, 51 service centers across the country. This may ultimately spell the difference for this quality brand hoping to secure a big slice of the commercial vehicle market in the Philippines.

If we go by the looks and features of the ETX tractor head, Foton’s prospects are – simply put – big.