Foton Tunland Bakkies Hit SA – Pricing and Spec
Signalling a grand return in the South African market, Foton intends to become a commercial vehicle distributor to be reckoned with. Within the lineup of vans, trucks and minibuses are bakkies too with the Tunland leading the charge. Here is what the local market will be receiving and how much it will cost.
Over the past few years, China has slowly crept its way into the mainstream, by introducing competitively priced products that intend to disprove beliefs of poor build quality and inferior manufacturing. This is Foton’s grand return to the country since its inception in 2008 and as before, it intends on earning a piece of the light commercial vehicle segment with a lineup of bakkies, one that will grow in time. There will also be a link with BAIC and Foton vehicles in the local market courtesy of the Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd., (Foton Motor) being a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd (BAIC), a state-owned, publicly traded automotive manufacturer.
The Foton fleet will be sold in collaboration with Combined Motor Holdings Limited (CMH) and likely the most frequent to roll off of the sales floor will be the Tunland Double Cab 2.0 Diesel and Tunland Hi Rider Single Cab 2.0 Diesel. Both models feature robust exteriors and oil burners for propulsion but Foton claims the mill ensures excellent performance and reliability for both personal and commercial use. Originally debuting as the Foton Tunland Yutu in 2019, the model remains relatively fresh amidst a fierce segment, with a tech-outfitted interior. In 2022, a fully electric model was launched featuring a range of 536 km but there is no NEV iteration of this bakkie expected for the local market.
Marius Smal, CEO of Foton SA, emphasized the unique attributes of the Tunland range: “Many small trucks and bakkies have four wheels, an engine, and are reasonably reliable. The Foton G7 pickup range has all this and more: it’s sexy, features future-proof styling, and boasts a 3-ton towing capacity. Best-in-class pricing, robust performance, and like-for-like specification in comparison with traditional brands – all the right ingredients for ‘fun and business’, at the right price.”
Between the six-strong single cab and double cab lineup, the inclusion of a 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor remains the only option for buyers with outputs claimed at 120 kW and 390 N.m. Two 6-speed manual iterations are available, with the sole single cab and the entry-level Luxury derivative of the double cab lineup. The remainder of the offerings are outfitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission that can deliver power to the rear or all wheels. Other useful information includes a ground clearance of 210 mm, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (via a 12.3-inch infotainment screen), a 3-ton towing capacity and a plethora of tech and safety features across the range. Included throughout the range are ABS brakes with EBD and the 4×4 models have a mechanical diff-lock for enhanced off-road ability.
Foton Tunland G7 Pricing
- G7 Single Cab Manual 4×2 Workhorse – R319 900
- G7 Double Cab Manual 4×2 TL Luxury – R399 900
- G7 Double Cab Automatic 4×2 TL Luxury – R469 900
- G7 Double Cab Automatic 4×2 TLX Super Luxury – R499 900
- G7 Double Cab Automatic 4×4 TLX Luxury – R559 900
- G7 Double Cab Automatic 4×4 LTD Super Luxury – R599 900
This includes a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty, 5 year roadside assistance and 3 year/50 000km service plan
Decently outfitted, the single cab is further kitted out with USB, ports, reverse park distance sensors, electric windows, a two-speaker sound system for the aforementioned smartphone replication and 16-inch steel wheels. Moving onto the double cabs, the Luxury 4×2 features alloys one size up, cruise control, driving modes and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The exterior features LED DRLs and headlamps. Safety tech is ramped up with dual airbags and ESC.
One grade further up in TLX guise, a raft of driver comforts come standard including heated and vented electric front seats, keyless entry and running boards. In terms of safety, automatic headlights are equipped alongside the standard airbag configuration with side and curtain airbags. Sitting atop the rest at just shy of R600k is the LTD Super Luxury which once again ramps up rim size to 18-inch, equips a sunroof above and wireless smartphone charging in the centre console to an interior that features ambient lighting. Safety features further include blind spot detection and collision warning.
While current units are imported directly from China, Foton does plan on assembling at BAIC’s local facility from 2026 onwards, with the hopes of gaining a foothold on the African continent.
