Foton Tunland 4x2 - Taking The Value-For-Money

Foton continues its charge for a larger slice of the bakkie segment

Well specced and aggressively priced against its rivals, Foton is hoping to make an impression on the sales forecasts of the popular Toyota’s Hilux and the latest Ford Ranger with prices starting at $27,467.

Foton Tunland 4x2

As with the Foton 4x4, launched in October 2012, the new 4x2 uses the same Cummins-sourced 2.8 liter turbo diesel that dispatches 120kW and 360Nm of torque. Euro 4 compliant, the engine’s tolerance levels have been adjusted to allow it to run on 500ppm diesel for local conditions although, as a compromise, the 20 000km service intervals are now set to 10 000km.

As with the Foton 4x4, launched in October 2012, the new 4x2 uses the same Cummins-sourced 2.8- liter turbo diesel that dispatches 120kW and 360Nm of torque

As with the 4x4 variant, the new 4x2 Foton also rides on a ladder frame chassis and its willing engine has sufficient urge to not require additional gearshifts on steeper inclines or when traversing thick sand. While coarse at low speeds, the Foton’s drivability is aggravated by a rather stubborn gear action. The clutch is light though and the gearshifts are far more decisive than the previous 4x4 derivative.

Even without a load on the back – the Foton offers a payload of 925kg – the 4x2’s suspension contained the bumps and potholes encountered on the mix of back roads on the local launch route.

Taking the value-for-money angle that appears to match its sales strategy, the Tunland’s interior appointments across the Comfort and Luxury models include air conditioning, a USB and MP3 compatible audio system, electric windows and six cup holders. Luxury models add features such as leather seats, rear park distance control and a tonneau cover for the load box. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range. Concerning safety, dual front airbags, ABS and EBD, along with daytime running lights, are standard.

Luxury models add features such as leather seats, rear park distance control and a tonneau cover for the load box.

The Tunland is covered by a three-year/100 000km warranty and a service plan for two years or 40 000km. Single-cab versions will be rolled out in the second half of the year while extended cab Tunlands are expected towards the end of 2013.