2020 Maxus T60 4X4 A/T
Chinese automakers are gaining a substantial threshold in the local
automotive market. That can no longer be denied. And they are doing this by
introducing - not cheap - but affordable models that match, if not surpass,
competitors in interior and exterior features. It also helps that some come
in the guise of European brands of good repute, although they have been
designed, engineered and manufactured in China. Take for example the Maxus
T60 4x4 A/T.
Back in 2010, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation acquired Leyland DAF
Vans, successor company to Leyland Motors, a British maker of reputable
cars, buses and light commercial vehicles.
By then, among brands that Leyland carried was Maxus which was used for a
line of vans and light commercial vehicles. SAIC continued the Maxus brand
which has distributorships in Africa, Australia, Europe, Latin America and
New Zealand, among others.
In 2016, the Maxus T60 was unveiled, the first pickup manufactured by SAIC
for the global market. Today, the Maxus T60 has reached the Philippines,
brought in by Maxus Philippines, one of six brand partners under AC
Industrials, an Ayala company.
The Maxus T60 is competing in a crowded local midsize pickup market. It has
a large footprint for the segment at 5365 millimeters long, 1900 mm wide
and 1809mm, and comes with a 3155 mm wheelbase. The cargo bed can
accommodate a 1,020-kilogram payload.
It also boasts of an 800mm wading depth.
Large can also describe the design cues of the T60. Oversized grille.
Upsized fender overhangs that, in some eyes, make the stock OEM 245/65 R17
tires offered in the Philippines seem small. But this can be easily
remedied.
A peak underneath the T60 reveals a suspension system that uses double
wishbones in front and leaf springs in the rear.
The Maxus T60 4x4 AT variant does not lack for the latest in exterior
features. LED Auto Headlights. Daytime Running Lights. Front and Rear Fog
Lamps. Body-colored Rearview Mirrors with Power Adjustment. Rain-Sensing
Wipers. Large Stepboard. And Bed Liner.
All T60 variants offered in the country are powered by a 2776cc Euro-4
compliant diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger and Intercooler
capable of generating 150 Ps at 3400 revolutions per minute and 360
Newton-meters of torque at 2800 rpm.
The T60 4x4 AT comes with six-speed automatic transmission. All that power
and torque provide enough oomph to allow for a 2,500-kilogram towing
capacity despite its 3,050-kg gross vehicle weight.
Three drive modes are available, easily engaged with the controls on center
console - Eco, Normal and Power Mode.
For even braking, the T60 uses front and rear discs.
The T60 also has a large and roomy interior with the 4x4 variant featuring
leather seats. Getting the preferred driving position is easy with six-way
power-adjusting seat. The front passenger gets a 4-way manually adjusting
seat.
Like most top-of-line vehicles, T60 4x4 AT comes standard with the
convenience of a keyless entry with push start system.
The dashboard features a well laid out instrument panel, largish central
vents for the automatic airconditioning system sitting atop the 10-inch
Touchscreen for the Infotainment system that come with USB and Bluetooth
connectivity, Apple Carplay and Mirror-Link that plays through six
speakers.
Second row passengers also benefit from rear aircon vents.
Also adding a lot to convenience is the steering with multiple controls for
the audio system as well as cruise control, among other things.
Safety in the T60 starts with double layer welding technology for extra
strength and durability in the construction of the body.
Adding to safety are dual airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers,
Isofix child-seat anchors.
Active safety features include Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic
Brake-Force Distribution, and Electronic Stabilization Program.
Also standard in the T60 are reverse sensor and camera, tire pressure
monitoring system and engine immobilizer.
The Maxus T60 4x4 AT certainly has all it takes to meet the needs of pickup
owners and more. How to catch the eye and convince those looking for
pickups to try it, or the more affordable T60 variants, is the challenge.