Is this 2021 Changan Kaicene F70 pick-up viable for PH?

Remember when Peugeot revealed the Landtrek pick-up truck last year? Well, the model on which Peugeot based it recently got an update. This is the 2021 Changan Kaicene F70, and boy is it a looker.

First revealed in 2019, the pick-up truck recently received a subtle facelift. However, the changes Changan made are so subtle we're having trouble seeing what they actually changed.

At first glance, the front and rear of the pick-up look unchanged. It gets a large black grille with 'Kaicene' lettering (English translation from Kaicheng) on the front and a sleek pair of headlights. The foglights come with black bezels which further give the pick-up a meaner look. Larger five-spoke alloy wheels, silver-painted side steps, black roof rails, and an additional 'Kaicene' lettering on the tailgate round up the updates on the Changan pick-up.

Those familiar with the Peugeot Landtrek's interior will find the Kaicene F70's cabin similar. Still, it features a sleek and modern design. From the touchscreen infotainment to the climate control system, as well as the center console and instrument panel, the Kaicene F70 has plenty of high-tech amenities. It also has plenty of faux metal accents, a two-tone interior finish, as well as leather upholstery that's available on high-grade variants.

Under the hood, the pick-up truck is available with one engine only. It's a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-four that makes a modest 211 PS and 320 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Sorry diesel fans, the 1.9-liter turbo found in the Peugeot Landtrek is not available for the Kaicene F70.

The Changan Kaicheng F70 could be imported into the Philippines but might not be sold under HARI's Changan Motor Philippines Inc (CMPI). Instead, it could make its way to the country via Kaicene, the company's commercial vehicle sub-brand which is managed by Berjaya.

If they could somehow fit the Kaicene F70 with a turbo-diesel under the hood, it might be able to compete alongside other pick-up trucks in the market. And if they do, the Chinese-made truck will be immune to the DTI's safeguard bond against imports.