Foton Toplander: A worthy contender

One of the most hotly contested segments in the local auto industry is the pickup-based passenger vehicle (PPV), also known as the midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Competition here is so intense since Filipinos are big fans of diesel-powered seven seaters.

Chinese automaker Foton has its own bet in the Toplander.

So how does this SUV fare against its Japanese and American counterparts?

Cebu Daily News got a chance to try this tough people carrier for a weekend via the Gateway Group, which operates Foton Cebu South in highway Linao in Talisay City.

Many would say that the Toplander may not be able to match the quality of its Japanese and American rivals but it has its own advantages, and one glaring is its pricing.

The Toplander is way more affordable than its hyped rivals, and it doesn’t sacrifice anything since it basically can do what an SUV is supposed to do. Only without much fanfare.

Here are some of the highlights of the Toplander:

It’s easy to drive

If wifey can drive it, it means it’s a good vehicle to drive. Steering is easy, visibility is good and ride height is high. This makes driving really easy for either men or women.

It’s spacious

Head room and leg room is decent in the first two rows. Long trips around Cebu will be comfortable because of this. Can’t say the same for the third row, though. That’ll be good for just city trips.

There’s enough cargo space

When third row is folded to the floor, there’s more than enough space for your grocery bags or children’s school bags. It may take a bit of effort to fold those third row seats, though.

It has power

Although not the top in its class, the Toplander’s 2.8-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine produces decent numbers: 161 horsepower and 360 newton meter of torque. Transcentral Highway? No problem even with seven on board.