The cold winter cannot stop the enthusiasm. Since the ice and snow season, various activities have been carried out in the northern regions. Among them, the northern city of Harbin has become the most popular northern city with hot search words such as “Ice and Snow World” and “Southern Little Potato”.
Recently, the 2024 Mars Pickup Gasoline Edition Ice and Snow Driving Control Camp with the theme of “Querbin Fire Out of the Circle” officially kicked off in Harbin. We were also invited to join the Mars Pickup in battling the harsh cold environment. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the strength of the Mars Pickup Gasoline Edition in interpreting this ice and snow version of “speed and passion”.
As we enter the test drive area, the Mars pickup truck in the gasoline version is ready. In terms of appearance, the mech-style front face and the stylish phantom, combined with the interstellar sharp waistline, give the Mars pickup a domineering and luxurious temperament. With a width of nearly 2.1 meters and a wheelbase of 3.5 meters, the “Mars Pickup” has become the widest and longest full-size pickup truck in the country, not only bringing a strong visual experience, but also providing a spacious driving and riding space inside.
In terms of interior, the new car is covered with a large area of leather, bringing a luxurious visual experience. At the same time, the passionate orange interior color also provides enough passion for the driver in icy and snowy environments. The 10-way power-adjustable seats, oversized panoramic sunroof, and other configurations not only enhance the driving comfort, but also bring a more open view.
In the field of intelligentization, the new car collaborates with Tencent to create a future-oriented ecosystem, integrating entertainment and service functions to create an intelligent technology cockpit. The Mars pickup also supports the whole vehicle OTA remote upgrade, providing users with efficient intelligent software services, achieving L2.5 level intelligent driving standards.
Facing the biting cold of -30℃ in Harbin, challenges such as icy driving cabins, difficulty in starting cold vehicles, and increased engine resistance are everywhere. The Mars pickup truck gasoline version is equipped with remote preheating function and active intake grille. Owners not only do not need to endure the cold to warm up the car, but also shorten the cold start warm-up time, and the engine can quickly achieve normal operation.
Furthermore, the heated rear seats, heated rearview mirrors, and rear window defogger provide comprehensive protection against extreme cold weather for safe driving.
As the highlight of the event, we will test the handling and driving experience of the Mars pickup on an accurately restored Catalonia ice and snow track.
In terms of power, the Mars Pickup 9 we experienced this time is equipped with a 2.0T Mitsubishi engine, which has a maximum power of 246 horsepower and a torque of up to 220 Nm at 1000rpm, with a minimum fuel consumption of 9.8L per 100 kilometers. In terms of transmission system, it is matched with an 8AT gearbox from ZF. In addition, the new car is also equipped with a BorgWarner four-wheel drive system and an electronically controlled Eaton differential lock.
Thanks to the electric power steering system, the Mars Pickup gasoline version can handle various road conditions such as U-shaped bends and high-speed corners. Whether at low speed or high speed, the vehicle maintains steering lightness and stability. Even at high speeds, the vehicle can accelerate, turn, and brake smoothly without the need for extensive experience in driving on snowy roads.
On the nearly four-kilometer track, with the help of a seven-mode all-terrain driving system including ice, snow, mud, and gravel, “letting loose” is no longer a luxury. Drivers only need to turn the knob to easily switch driving modes, which is very friendly to off-road novices.
Due to the low traction in snow and ice, a four-wheel drive system is necessary. The gasoline version of the Mars pickup is equipped with a BorgWarner intelligent on-demand four-wheel drive system, providing stability for driving in snow.
The Mars pickup truck features a multi-link + leaf spring rear suspension structure, which effectively isolates vibrations. It can easily handle small bumps on paved roads and provides clear feedback even when driving on snow. Thanks to the electronic control Eaton differential lock, it performs well on icy and snowy roads, even in seemingly flat snow fields with hidden potholes. In summary, the excellent performance of the Mars pickup truck in this driving event not only demonstrates its strength, but also reflects Foton pickup’s relentless pursuit of high-end, passenger-oriented, and intelligent development. Currently, the presale of the Mars pickup truck gasoline version has started, with a starting price of 129,800 yuan (18300$). It also offers 0 down payment, 0 interest, up to 5,000 yuan (700$) in trade-in subsidies, a 3-year/100,000 km extended warranty, and lifetime warranty on core components for pre-order customers. As Foton’s flagship product in the pickup truck business, the surprise final launch price of the Mars pickup truck gasoline version is expected to achieve impressive sales performance.