Foton PH gets approval for light-duty vehicle with 1.6L engine

Last year, Foton held the global launch of the Wonder mini pickup truck. Available in single and dual-cab body styles, the Wonder will serve as the brand's smallest light-duty vehicle that will be available as an electric vehicle (EV) or with a 1.6L naturally-aspirated engine.

At the time, Foton Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) distributor United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) only confirmed that it would be arriving in the Philippines in the future. However, it appears the company is already preparing for its eventual arrival soon.

Recently, we received word that FMPI has received regulatory approval for an upcoming light-duty vehicle that's powered by a gasoline engine that displaces 1599cc which translates to 1.6L. It has a reference mass of 1,290 kg and a maximum mass of 2,550 kg. After doing some research and cross-checking the numbers, it seems the Foton Wonder will be making its Philippine debut soon.

Based on what other markets get, the ICE version of the Wonder pickup truck has a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that makes a humble 120 PS and 152 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to a 5-speed manual transmission.

As mentioned earlier, an EV version is also available which can cover up to 280 km on a full charge and can be recharged to full capacity in 48 minutes. Also worth mentioning is its 3000mm wheelbase which is comparable to midsize pickup trucks.

Other details regarding Foton's mystery light-duty vehicle are still a mystery. But should FMPI actually bring the Wonder pickup truck, it could take on the likes of the Suzuki Carry and Toyota LiteAce as the brand's most affordable utility vehicle.

We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any new information regarding Foton's new light-duty vehicle before its eventual reveal.