The Maxus T60 in the Philippines is a midsize pickup that comes in a double-cab layout. The pickup truck made its official debut back in 2016 at the Guangzhou International Motor Show in China. It is the first Chinese made pickup that comes with 6 airbags. It rides on a ladder on frame chassis and can be had in either 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain layout. It comes with a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine and two transmission options. It is manufactured by SAIC motors and is sold under the Maxus brand since 2016.
The T60 is the first pickup truck made by SAIC motors that was designed for the global market. With global safety standards in mind, the ladder on frame truck was able to score a 5-star rating on the Australian New Car Assessment Program.
Launch
Maxus Philippines launched its first-ever pickup truck in the country on March 5, 2020, with prices starting at under P1,000,000 for its base variant. As an affordable alternative to the ever-popular pickup segment in the Philippines, the T60 comes equipped with a 4x4 system and an automatic transmission for a lot less than the competition.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Maxus T60 midsize pickup rides on a ladder and frame chassis. For suspension, the Chinese made truck comes with double-wishbones at the front and leaf springs at the rear. The vehicle rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/55/R19 series tires.
Powering the pickup is a 2.8-liter variable geometry turbocharged diesel Euro 4 compliant engine. It produces 148hp and 360 Nm of torque. The diesel fed powerplant can be had with either a 6-Speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
Driving Performance
The Maxus T60 drives like a pickup truck, firm and sturdy. With heavy steering and a suspension tuned more for carrying heavy loads, the T60 feels substantial in less-than-stellar road conditions. The power delivery is like any other diesel engine, with a surge of power and torque coming in the upper rev ranges. The suspension is stiff and more tuned for robust performance and load-bearing capabilities. Meanwhile, the steering is on the heavy side and is appropriate for the weight and class of the car, however, it lacks a bit of feel. The dimensions of the truck are also just enough to be comfortable to pilot in tight spaces, but not too large as to be too much of an encumbrance in the city.
Technology Features
The T60 even at its price point comes with a set of tech features that are more than enough for your daily needs. You get a 10-inch infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay functionality, as well as a set of 6 speakers along with Bluetooth connectivity options as well. Lower-end variants will get a smaller screen along with 4 speakers. Also added to the spec list is a backup camera with dynamic gridlines and parking sensors. Complementing the multimedia experience, you get steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
You also get a tire-pressure monitoring system that can output to the monochrome display in the gauge cluster which also serves as your trip computer. Adding to the creature comforts you also get a 6-way power-adjustable seat along with an automatic climate control system.
Exterior
The front fascia of the Maxus T60 gives off a strong face. At the center is a large grille with vertical bars that stretch out to the LED headlights. The vehicle comes with roof rails, fog lights, automatic mirrors, four cargo tie-down points at the rear, mudflaps for all the wheel arches, rain-sensing window wipers, side steps, sports bar, and a tub liner that comes in acrylic material.
Interior
The Interior of the Maxus T60 comes with a black and silver color scheme. Black for the dashboard, seats, and door sides, while silver is used for the roof and pillars. The vehicle comes with cloth and leather options for seating material. The leather material has the added bonus of having red contrast stitched added to it.
Safety
Safety features in the T60 include dual front airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, an engine immobilizer and ISOFIX child seat tethers.
The Maxus T60 is a new player in the midsize pickup truck segment in the Philippines. It is one of the most affordable 4x4 options out there and costs only P1,328,000 for the top of the line model. Brought in by the Ayala Corporation, does the T60 deserve a spot on your short list?
The 2020 Maxus T60 pickup truck made its debut on Philippine soil earlier this month with a price tag starting at under a million pesos and enough features to make a splash. Caco goes Behin...
