Foton launches Toplander SUV, new vans at Big Show

MANILA, Philippines –  Foton Philippines is getting three new heavyweight additions to its fast-growing growing line-up of commercial vehicles with the formal launch of the Toplander midsized SUV together with the XS-sized Gratour and XL-sized Toano vans, all of which were unveiled at the Big Show 2015 in World Trade Center in Pasay City over the weekend.

According to the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, both the Toano and Gratour are destined to make a splash thanks to their space, utility, and flexibility. The Philippine STAR, meanwhile, got an advance test drive of the Toplander in no less than Indiana, USA (see story on page C-4).

Foton Gratour

Bearing a small footprint, the Gratour now becomes Foton’s most affordable offering. The minivan offers either a seating configuration good for seven or eight adults, making it a perfect fit for Filipino families. Solely available as the topline V5 model, it comes with Foton’s first-ever local application of a gasoline engine. The in-house developed Euro 4-compliant 1.2-liter G03 engine makes 85 hp and 112 Nm mated to a five-speed manual. It’s specifically designed for fuel economy, low noise and emissions, and high reliability.

The dual sliding doors open up to what Foton calls best-in-class passenger space in the minivan category. It has a two-tone interior with highly legible instrumentation with both analog and digital gauges. The Gratour also has 13 storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin as well as a simple FM radio with USB sound system.

The Foton Gratour retails for P490,000 for both the 7- and 8-seater models.

Foton Toano

Named after an Italian municipality, the Toano is Foton’s biggest and most powerful full-sized van designed by Foton partner, Mercedes-Benz. Measuring in at a gigantic 5,990 mm in length and 2,420 mm in height, the four-wheeled Toano is definitely a beast. Tractive effort is provided by the same engine found in the Thunder and Toplander: a 2.8-liter ISF Cummins CRDi Euro IV engine with 160 hp and 360 Nm of torque. The sole gearbox is a six-speed manual enabling it to achieve up to 11.5 km/L.

Available in various seating configurations, the Toano maxes out with 18 seats and can still accommodate cargo and luggage. It comes with a slew of safety features such as ABS, EBD as well as rear cameras and sensors.

The Foton Toano comes in at P1,688,000.