27 February 2013
Closing the Gap | 2012 Foton Thunder 2.8L CRDi 4x2 MT
Words by Beeboy Bargas | Photos by Christopher Kho
2WD and 4WD pickup trucks are an intriguing kind. Why? First of all, pickup trucks are basically hauling vehicles for items that one would not normally put in an SUV; like something fairly large, heavy, and most probably dirty, or smelly. They're also regularly used by utility companies and all sorts of fleet services for cargo transport. But what makes them really intriguing is how today's lifestyle has made pickup trucks de riguer for bringing mountain bikes, dive gears, motorcycles, and what have you. It’s even no longer uncommon to see the fairer sex drive them on the streets.This brings me to the latest test unit Foton has generously lent me. Having driven Foton's old pickup truck some three years back, one could easily tell that this Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer still had some miles to go in terms of closing the quality gap to its American and Japanese counterparts. Think how Korean cars were back in the 80's and early 90's. But that was before. Now, Foton is presenting its second generation pickup truck called the Thunder. And dare I say, if you're a serious buyer who is more concerned with getting what you to do in a pickup truck, then the Thunder should be for your serious consideration.
Published in
Pickup
30 July 2012
The Brute Ute | 2012 Mitsubishi L200 GX Single Cab
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
Australia has always been a motoring anachronism, the last haven of the great, American full-frame V8 sedan. Aside from the Commodores and Falcons, though, Australia is also home to the deliciously ironic “ute” (short for utility). It’s as informally laid-back as its name suggests. It’s simply a two-door car (often with a snarling V8) with a pick-up bed out back. Note: Car. While two-door pick-up trucks are available elsewhere, none quite capture the sporty, red-neck flavor of the “ute”.
Enter the L200. Though based on the Mitsubishi Strada, it’s bereft of rear seats, body-cladding, and even power windows and mirrors. As such, it weighs in at a mere 1,525 kilograms - over 400 kilograms lighter than the top-dog 4x4 and 200 kilograms lighter than the base-model 4x2. Even better, it’s lowered to within scraping distance of the ground, giving it a sporty stance despite the tallish tires.
But is it really a “ute”? Sadly, no. But rear wheel drive and a turbocharger spell fun any which way you spin it, even if it’s attached to a pick-up. Just look at the GMC Syclone. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, just yet...
Published in
Pickup
Words and photos by Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera
Nowadays, accessing the internet is much easier and cheaper than it was 10 years ago, especially with the advent of “Wireless Fidelity” or Wi-Fi. This invention has significantly changed how we access information and have become so abundant that malls, buses, and airplanes now have it. Not to be left behind, Universal Motors Corporation (UMC) tricked out their best pick-up truck to create the Navara Tech Xtereme.
Published in
Pickup
01 February 2012
Riding High | 2011 Toyota Hilux 3.0G 4x4 AT
Words and photos by Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera
Six years after it was first launched, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has finally released a new D4D Hilux. Despite the fresh front fascia and updated interior, it’s no secret that this is a sleek facelift. While this move has garnered mixed reactions from the market, as the line goes, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Let’s find out how much Toyota's renowned pickup has improved in its latest incarnation.
Changing Faces
The Hilux's enlivened look resembles the current Land Cruiser - with emphasis on the large horizontal chrome grill and swept headlights. A couple of exterior updates include newly sculpted bumpers, a re-designed hood scoop, side mirrors with integrated repeaters, and fresh 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Published in
Pickup
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Ever since its advent, the pick-up truck has been and always will be predominantly used for utility. It’s the industrial revolution’s gift to farmer John that led him to trade in the good ol’ trusty horse and carriage for a set of four wheels. And after almost a hundred years since the first pick-up ever rolled off the production line, people have found more and more ways to exploit its versatility. It’s more rugged than a van, more practical than a delivery truck, and more ravishing than the two combined.
Despite all the benefits that a machine may offer over its live counterpart, nothing can really replace the loyalty and kinship of a noble steed. Enter the Mitsubishi Strada GLS. The 2010 edition of the Strada 3.2 GLS Sport is a new buck ready to be broken in.
Published in
Pickup
