The Philippine automotive scene definitely digs the pick-up truck segment making it one of the highly contested categories in the market. Filipinos like vehicles that offer ample ruggedness and sophistication, and many pickups perfectly fit the bill.
So when the Maxus Philippines brought home the T60 pick-up truck, they had to be sure they have enough to battle it out against the big boys from Japan (Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max) US (Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado), and Korea (Ssangyong Musso).
It was just March this year (a few days shy before the country experienced lockdown) when the Ayala-backed marque started offering the T60 to local buyers. But does it have what it takes to run along with big-brand workhorses? Let’s all find out here.
Dimensions
The Maxus T60 4x4 stands 5,365 millimeters long, 2,145 mm wide and 1,809 mm high with a 3,155 mm wheelbase. While the dimensions are comparable to competitors in the market, it has a roomy leg and headroom (even at the rear), which erases earlier notions about pick-up trucks.
This means that while it is mainly considered as a worker, it can also be enjoyed for long drives too.
Although elders might find it difficult to climb inside the T60 (a common problem with pick-up trucks), the 800-mm wading capacity shows that it is high enough to tackle floodwaters with ease.
Exterior
On the outside, the Maxus T60 gains the attention of onlookers with its wide front rectangular grille and a very commanding emblem. The absence of neither sweeping lines nor bulky formations gives it a sporty look, complementing its athletic aura. It sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and is accorded with aluminum stepboards, the T60 is a no-frills, no-nonsense workhorse.
The 4x4 variant has LED for its headlights and Daytime Running Lights to match. These are the only the difference compared to its 4x2 counterparts. This means that the Auto Headlight function, Front and rear foglamps electric side mirror adjusters and step boards are also fitted in the lower versions.
Interior
On the inside, The Maxus T60 4x4 perfectly combines a black interior with silver accents, giving it ample details for that elegant touch. Giving additional intricacy is the black leather seats with red stitching. Fitted with more plastic details than leather, the T60 is easier to clean.
Talking about the seats, the Maxus T60 enjoys a six-way power adjustable seat for the driver while the co-driver still has the four-way manual.
Engine
Fitted in the Maxus T60 4x4 is a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, capable of delivering more than 150 horsepower and 360 Nm of pulling power, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It also has three drive modes to choose from, ranging from—Eco, Normal to Power—with just a push of a button located near the air-conditioning panel. Shift to 2H to 4L can be adjusted on the fly too.
While it is quite lower in price than its competitors in the market, it gets the job as far as hauling cargo is concerned. Also, the steering is quite responsive, making it an easy choice for an urban daily.
Feature
The large steering wheel is not that busy, making sure that you can focus on the road more than anything else when driving. The 10-inch touch-screen infotainment system gives clear characters and easy connectivity as it is also Mirror Link- and Apple Carplay-ready with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
However, far from the quiet cabin of the Maxus G10, the deadening for the interiors of the Maxus T60 could use an upgrade to further enjoy the six speakers fitted inside this latest pick-up contender.
A push-start button and rear air-conditioning vents are also present in the Maxus T60 4x4, giving it ample convenience features.
To ensure safety, the Maxus T60 has been reinforced with Double Layer Welding Technology, complemented by dual front airbags, ABS-EBD, reverse sensors and reverse camera, among other host safety features that come standard across all variants. Exclusive to the 4x4 kind is the electronic stability program.
Conclusion
With the price pegged at P1.278 million, it is still by far an affordable mover in the lot. A good consideration, the Maxus T60 can now enjoy the attention of buyers that are on the lookout for an alternative for the top dogs in the yard. After all, reliability needs no price tag.
Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV
Maxus to add T60 pick-up to PH lineup
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