Foton Big General pick-up laid bare
Australia on radar as Ford F-150 lookalike launches in China with tough-truck flagship on centre stageThe wraps have officially come off the Foton Big General ute at this week's 2020 Beijing motor show, with a top-spec variant taking centre stage alongside an extreme off-road version.
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highlight the production version of the Chinese brand’s new dual-cab pick-up, also dubbed the Foton G9, which as we have reported carries front-end design cues that are eerily similar to the Ford F-150.That has not deterred Foton Australia or its dealers, which are enthusiastic about selling the Big General Down Under – where it would line up against the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rather than the bigger RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado – if it was made available in right-hand drive.
Taking a leaf out of the Toyota HiLux Rugged X playbook, the tough-truck version of the Big General brandishes a steel front bar with winch, recovery hooks and an LED light strip.
It has upgraded suspension, a lift kit to increase ground clearance and BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, along with flared wheel guards, a redesigned rear bumper, anodised exhaust tip, roof racks with quad LED spotlights, and a complex cargo system in the tray.
The less aggressive, but still highly specified, version also on display in Beijing is fitted with roof rails and a rear sports bar, while the interior appears to have taken heavy inspiration from Hyundai with a similar central infotainment screen, gear shifter and ancillary controls.
Leather seat trim is also included.
The Foton Big General is understood to be based on the same platform as the Foton Tunland ute that is currently sold in Australia with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel (130kW/365Nm).
The Big General will be offered with at least three powertrain options in China, including 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre turbo-diesels, along with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powerplant (177kW/390Nm).
The 4x4 rig hooks up to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but bank on 4x2 versions as well.
Foton Motor Australia general manager Tracie Hobelt told carsales that the importer would “absolutely” consider selling the Big General ute here.
“Our dealers are very excited by the Big General but at this stage there is no confirmation for Australia,” she said.
The new Foton Big General pick-up is priced from 129,800 yuan (about $A27,000). For reference, the Foton Tunland is priced between 102,800 and 198,800 yuan in China, which converts to around $A21,000 to $A41,000.
The Foton Tunland is priced from $36,990 drive-away in Australia, although it is currently out of stock until early 2021.
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