The Pick-Up Truck Thread

Driving and riding in Hua Hin and Thailand, all topics on cars, pickups, bikes, boats, licenses, roads, and motoring in general.
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PeteC
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by PeteC »

Those who remember the real MG sports car may want to weep. However, as trucks go it doesn't look all that bad. Photos at link. https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/172610 ... n-thailand
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2019 MG Extender pickup revealed in Thailand

Is it based on the Maxus T60?

Welcome to MG’s first workhorse: the Extender which has premiered in Thailand, the world’s largest producer of mid-sized pickups.

As MG is part of China’s SAIC, the Extender is based on the Maxus T70, itself an updated version of the T60 featuring tweaked looks and a new engine.

Although the Extender takes part in a tough market segment dominated by the Japanese car camp, the Chinese-owned British brand isn’t going flat out yet.

Initially, the Extender comes with four-door double-cab and two-door extra-cab forms. MG claims class-leading cabin space in the Extender.

The regular cab variant is being planned for a later date aimed mostly at users needing a pure workhorse for carrying around goods.

What’s the engine like?

As the Extender has been developed in time with the T70, it gets a new Euro 6-friendly 2.0-litre diesel-turbo engine developed by General Motors and SAIC replacing the T60’s 2.8-litre variation (Euro 4 and 5) made by Italy’s VM Motori.

Although a twin-turbo variation has been developed for the T70 producing over 200hp, the Extender for Thailand comes with single-turbo one producing 161hp at 4,000rpm and 375Nm from 1,500-2,400rpm.

Transmission choices include six-speed manual and automatic driving the rear wheels or all four. A high-riding 2WD is also available for those who don’t need genuine off-roading ability.

One technical highlight the Extender boasts over its Japanese competition is electric power steering, a feature only found in the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger. As well, the Extender comes with all-round disc brakes.

Is the Extender priced to kill?

Due to intense rivalry in the Thai pickup market, MG has priced all variants of the Extender competitively ranging from 600,000 to just over one million baht.

There are five versions for the extra-cab (dubbed Giant Cab in the Extender) ranging from 549,000-729,000 baht. MG claims the entry-level model is attractively priced and equipped against all of its competition.

The Double Cab has four variants with the range-topper getting 4WD, six airbags, blind spot detection and lane departure warning. The price range is 759,000 to 1.029 million baht.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Nereus »

Badge engineering at its most blatant!
2019 MG Extender pickup revealed in Thailand
Not sure why it is labelled MG in Thailand, but probably just a marketing move. They are marketed in Australia under another name:
The LDV T60 (As it is known in Australia) became the first Chinese Manufactured Utility to score 5 Stars on the ANCAP rating, which has led to a lot of popularity amongst the Australian Utility Community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxus_T60
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Nereus »

SAIC Motor-CP aims to become key pickup player

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/17 ... r#cxrecs_s

SAIC Motor-CP, the Thai-Chinese car maker, is keen on becoming a new player in the local pickup segment, expecting to sell 20,000 pickups per year.

In Thailand, the pickup segment makes up 43.1% of the total automobile market with 225,508 pickups sold in the first half. Japanese rivals Toyota (Hilux Revo) and Isuzu (D-Max) control market shares of 37.6% (84,806) and 33.9% (76,438) of the pickup segment.

US-based Ford (Ranger) was in third place with 23,385 pickups sold, a 10.4% segment share. Other competitors are Mitsubishi Triton (8.1%), Nissan Navara (5.6%), Chevrolet Colorado (2.9%) and Mazda BT-50 Pro (1.4%).

Today SAIC Motor-CP introduced the locally-assembled MG Extender, its platform based on the Chinese pickup Maxus T70.

The car maker offers two categories with diesel engines: space cab (549,000-729,000 baht) and double cab (759,000-1.03 million baht).

Pongsak Lertruedeewattanavong, vice-president of MG Sales Thailand, SAIC Motor-CP’s local subsidiary, said the local pickup segment is dynamic enough for the MG brand to stand apart in this market.

“The pickup market has the potential to grow every year while each brand has its own dominant points to compete in this key market,” he said.

Mr Pongsak said the space cab category will focus on merchants and wholesalers while the double cab will target high-end buyers who drive pickups as passenger cars.

The Extender is made at its assembly plant at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 2 in Chon Buri province.

“We will use both local and imported components and the initial stage of assembly will use 50% local content with plans to increase local content in the near future,” said Mr Pongsak.

Thailand’s pickup production now uses over 90% local content, according to the Federation of Thai Industries while Toyota claims to reach 95% local content for the Thai-made Hilux Revo.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Nereus »

2020 Isuzu D-Max pickup debuts in Thailand

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/177059 ... d#cxrecs_s

One of the country’s most popular workhorses gets redesigned with a bigger body.

It isn’t co-developed with GM anymore, right?

After being on the market for some seven years in second-generation form, the Isuzu D-Max has been redesigned with a new body, overhauled interior and improved engine.

One of the country’s most popular workhorses now gets a bigger and stronger body to compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux Revo, the archrival of the D-Max in terms of sales.

The new D-Max has grown slightly in size with the most notable increase being the 3,125mm wheelbase length, which is 30mm longer than before. Isuzu says the body is 23% more rigid, too. Like before, body styles include standard, extra and double cab. The latter two also have high-riding bodies to choose from.

The interior design has been overhauled more than the exterior and includes a new central touchscreen, more luxurious trim and an array of convenience items depending on model.

Isuzu’s latest mid-size pickup isn’t co-developed with General Motors anymore for the Chevrolet Colorado sibling. Instead, the new D-Max will share its underpinnings with the next-generation Mazda BT-50.

Which engine has been improved?

The 3.0-litre diesel-turbo of the outgoing generation sees its power rising from 177hp to 190hp achieved at the same 3,600rpm. Torque also rises from 380Nm to 450N but is now attained at a more usable 1,600-2,600rpm (the previous range was 1,800-2,800rpm).

This 4JJ3-TCX unit is an evolution of the preceding 4JJ1-TCX and is the second most powerful motor in the Thai pickup market after the Ford Ranger’s 213hp 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel.

A smaller diesel-turbo remains in the lineup for buyers needing a lower price point and better fuel economy. The RZ4E-TC 2.0-litre produces the same 150hp at 3,600rpm and 350Nm between 1,800-2,600rpm.

Transmission choices include six-speed manual and automatic with the usual 4x4 system available in high-end models. While most rivals also use six-speeders, the Ranger stands out with a 10-speed auto.

Depending on body style and drive system in the D-Max, the 2.0 has a fuel economy rating of over 15kpl; the 3.0 has a circa-13kpl figure.

Top models feature six airbags and driving aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Dual airbags are standard across the range costing anywhere between 510,000 baht to 1.157 million baht (the old range was 518,000 baht to 1.02 million baht).

And how different will the BT-50 be?

People at Mazda have been very open about this by suggesting that the new BT-50 will be distinguished from the D-Max in the same vein as how it was differentiated from the Ford Ranger, the partner model of the current generation.

This means that the next BT-50, due 2020, will share the same platform, body structure, engines, transmissions and electrical architecture with the D-Max. Differentiation comes from the exterior and interior design, specs and prices.

With the exception of the MG Extender, most models in the Thai pickup market have passed mid-life in their current generations. They include the Colorado, Ranger, Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara NP300.

The next step for Isuzu will be to develop a successor for the MU-X pickup-based SUV rivalling the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Nissan Terra and Toyota Fortuner.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by PeteC »

Slow day..... Latest offering from Isuzu. Looks good compared to others which have the same stale design for about 5 years now. Apparent add on article to the above from last October.

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Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 3.0 Ddi 4x4 (2020) review

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... 020-review


More photos and specs at link.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Dannie Boy »

PeteC wrote:Slow day..... Latest offering from Isuzu. Looks good compared to others which have the same stale design for about 5 years now. Apparent add on article to the above from last October.

phplc517vPM.jpg

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 3.0 Ddi 4x4 (2020) review

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... 020-review


More photos and specs at link.
I saw one of these on the road the other day in the same metallic orange and it’s a strikingly good looking vehicle, but having just read the review it would appear to be “style over substance “!!


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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by hin »

Take a serious and critical look at every one of the new trucks. Even if the overall design is ‘stale’ notice how the wheel wells continue going higher above the top of the wheels. Ground clearance has not increased tho as the axles are same. Then lean against the side of the box and notice how difficult to reach over the side of the box to put anything into it or take somthing out. Then look at older pickups on the road and notice how much more practical their hight is.

When I was a young guy the first action of any car or pickup customization or “improvement” was to lower it. But the modern trend seems to be going the opposite direction. Pickup designers seem to believe that sitting high makes them look tough. I do not agree. We enjoy our pickup's utility. Needing to carry a step stool to facilitate putting any little bag of groceries in or out does not appeal to me. Have looked under and it does not look like lowering these trucks would be a simple job. We will keep our old one.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by handdrummer »

One advantage to having the truck higher is better visibility down the road and better off-road driving, other than that I don't see the point.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by STEVE G »

handdrummer wrote: Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:05 pm One advantage to having the truck higher is better visibility down the road and better off-road driving, other than that I don't see the point.
The better visibility is the bit I like, I first started to drive when I was in the military and after that I owned several Land Rovers and have had a four wheel drive Hilux for many years in Thailand. When I'm away working, I don't bother with a car, ( Luxembourg now has free public transport, ) but drive various commercial vehicles around the airport.
Consequently, I just don't like driving cars and lower vehicles, I feel like I'm sat on the road! We bought a car in Thailand a few years ago but I couldn't bring myself to sell the truck and now my partner drives the car, I can't get on with it and carry on using the old pickup.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

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STEVE G wrote: Mon Mar 09, 2020 8:05 pm
handdrummer wrote: Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:05 pm One advantage to having the truck higher is better visibility down the road and better off-road driving, other than that I don't see the point.
The better visibility is the bit I like, I first started to drive when I was in the military and after that I owned several Land Rovers and have had a four wheel drive Hilux for many years in Thailand. When I'm away working, I don't bother with a car, ( Luxembourg now has free public transport, ) but drive various commercial vehicles around the airport.
Consequently, I just don't like driving cars and lower vehicles, I feel like I'm sat on the road! We bought a car in Thailand a few years ago but I couldn't bring myself to sell the truck and now my partner drives the car, I can't get on with it and carry on using the old pickup.
At home I drove vans or pickups and liked being able to see the road better. Even with small pickups there was better visibility. Not a good vehicle for dating. :(
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by buksida »

Will be in the market for a pickup in the next couple of months. New ones are around a million, which is beyond budget. Was thinking there may be some bargains about soon with all the business closures and people leaving or not being able to keep up payments.

If anyone knows anyone that needs to shift their pickup for a reasonable price, drop me a PM.

Requirements
Toyota or Isuzu preferable though will consider Ford or Mitsu.
4 Door
Manual preferable
2016 or newer
Low milage
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

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Anyone got any tips on where to look for a decent second-hand pickup that isn't off the chart in terms of price? There must be some about with all that's going on!

Here is what my research has found so far ...

Bahtsold - very few listings and those that are there are way overpriced (550k for a 7 year old truck for example), or at the other end of the country
Kaidee - the majority of listings here are dealers, or 'tents' as they're called in Thai
Facebook buy/sell pages/groups - useless as they're full of freeloaders spamming the pages with their car rental or taxi businesses
Forums - seldom used for buying/selling vehicles any longer
Auctions - have yet to try this as I'm not that knowledgeable with them

I don't really want to buy new, but will as opposed to paying 80% of the price for a five year old one with unknown history. There must be a slew of urgent sale vehicles and repos in Thailand with the collapse of pretty much all tourism related businesses.

Any websites or sources I've overlooked?
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by VincentD »

Try one2car.com. I found one of my vehicles there, but it is mainly 2ndhand dealer centric. Both English and Thai menu.
You can also try taladrod.com, a website where you can list your car for sale for free. They are generally owners selling there so could be a bargain to be had. Note that it is a Thai-centric site so you will need to understand and read Thai.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

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Thanks, yes one2car.com is pretty much all dealers.

I forgot about taladrod.com, it has a handy function to display all vehicles by type, year, and price so you can see at a glance the good valued ones. It's amazing what people are asking for what in other countries would be 'old sheds'!

Looks like there is nothing available locally and we'll need a trip to Bangkok when the time comes.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

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Next-gen V6 Ford Ranger on target to launch next year

https://www.msn.com/en-au/motoring/news ... d=msedgntp

New Ford Ranger with V6 turbo diesel and its VW Amarok sibling are getting closer to launch date.

Ford’s next-generation Ranger ute is likely to launch next year following news from VW that it’s new Amarok – based on the new Ford Ranger ute – will be “for sale by Volkswagen as the Amarok starting in 2022.”

The Ford ute is slated to be available before it, much like the arrangement between Isuzu and Mazda on their D-Max and BT-50, with Mazda, which has followed Isuzu's development lead, launching its model after the D-Max.

The same arrangement is true of VW and Ford, with VW stating in its release that the VW-Ford commercial and electric vehicle alliance will “Produce a medium pickup truck engineered and built by Ford.”

That leaves Ford with an expected ETA on its Ranger of late-2021. And with the Blue Oval leading development and building VW’s Amarok at its Silverton production facility in South Africa, we also expect that the drivetrain options will be Ford.

As we reported back in March this year, VW’s current Amarok V6 engine is likely to be dropped for a newly-developed Ford Power Stroke 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, recently bolted into Ford F150 pick-ups producing 186kW and 596Nm. The engine is an adaptation of the 3.0L Lion V6 (TDCI), itself a variation on the Duratorq 2.7L that served in Australian-built Ford Territory models.

VW CEO Herbet Diess said in the media statement: “In light of the Covid 19 pandemic and its impacts on the global economy, more than ever it is vital to set up resilient alliances between strong companies.

“This collaboration will efficiently drive down development costs, allowing broader global distribution of electric and commercial vehicles, and enhance the positions of both companies.”

Ford CEO Jim Hackett added: “This alliance comes at a time of tremendous enthusiasm about the intersection of increasingly intelligent, connected vehicles in an ever-smarter world.

“This creates a huge opportunity to innovate and solve many of the world’s transportation challenges and deliver extraordinary benefits to customers – even as companies need to be selective about how they use their cash.”

With VW beginning to announce more small details about its next-gen Amarok, we expect Ford will also begin to filter teasers of its new Ranger soon.
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