MAXUS

T60 to enter PH pick-up truck wars in early 2020

An all-new pick-up truck will soon be duking it out with the likes of the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Strada, and the Toyota Hilux. It's the Maxus T60 and it has been confirmed to arrive in early 2020.
After making an initial splash in the big van market last June, Maxus Philippines will be expanding its product lineup with the T60 midsize pick-up truck. The company has yet to state its exact specifications, but we can speculate what it might have based on what other markets have.
But first let's take a look at its exterior. It has a bold-looking design courtesy of a distinct front grill, and a pair of stylish headlights. It is then complemented by muscular wheel arches, large alloy wheels, as well as a stepboard that allows for easier ingress / egress on the pick-up. Also worth mentioning is its large bed which could hold plenty of cargo.



Moving inside, the T60 gets a touchscreen infotainment system. Now while that is already normal amongst other pick-up trucks, the T60 appears to have a 360-degree around-view monitor system similar to the Nissan Navara's. An automatic climate control system, a multi-function steering wheel, as well as optional leather upholstery may also be available on the local models that will be sold here.
Maxus has yet to state what powers the PH-spec T60. Across other markets, however, the T60 is available with either a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel or a more powerful 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel powerplant. 


Engine by 2.0-liter(134HP) twin-turbo diesel powerplant

The former produces a modest 136 PS with 360 Nm of torque. The latter, meanwhile, cranks out a meaty 214 PS and 480 Nm of torque. This puts the twin-turbo engine on par against the Ranger and Colorado in terms of horsepower and torque.
As for transmission options, the T60 could come with a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, and a six-speed automatic. A four-wheel drive system might also be available, specifically on higher-grade versions. Moreover, a total of three variants will be available for the T60. Our best guess is that they will be 4x2 M/T, 4x2 A/T, and 4x4 A/T.



Aside from the T60 pick-up truck, Maxus also said that they will be opening three more dealerships in Q1 of 2020. With the T60 set to debut soon in the country, Maxus' dealer expansion couldn't have come at a better time.

by Marcus De Guzman