Chinese automaker Foton has been available locally for nearly a decade, offering light commercial vehicles that range from people movers to double-cab bakkies. With this workhorse slant to its product line-up, we are going to determine whether the brand offers vehicles that are good for families.
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At the time of writing, the brand's local website listed that there were three Foton models available locally, all of which are variants of the Tunland bakkie.
Tunland Single Cab
The entry point into Foton's local line-up is the Tunland single cab, which is available in basic Workhorse guise, a Comfort Off-road variant and a Luxury Off-road variant.
In terms of safety, the ANCAP crash test programme tested the Tunland range in 2012, awarding it a 3-Star rating. The Tunland singe cab is powered by a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine sourced from Cummins and is mated to an Aisin-sourced manual gearbox. This combination produces 96 kW and 280 Nm of torque
Verdict: Since this is a single cab bakkie suited for commercial applications, it is not ideal for families.
Tunland Double Cab
The Tunland Double Cab is a more family-friendly Foton model, having made its local debut nearly a decade ago. In terms of safety, the ANCAP crash test programme tested the Tunland range in 2012, awarding it a 3-Star rating. There were no top tether anchors for child restraints, which is not ideal when looking for its suitability as a family vehicle.
The double cab is fitted with the same 2.8-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine, however, it produces 120kW and 360Nm of torque in this guise, consuming fuel at a rate of 8.3 L/100km and offering a braked towing capacity of 2 500kg.
Verdict: While the double cab variant of the Tunland is better suited to families than its single cab sibling, its average safety rating and aging platform mean that it is not ideal for families.
Tunland Granite
The Tunland Granite is a local development and is a double cab Tunland with a host of added features such as new alloy wheels, Cooper All-Terrain tyres, a toolbar, a nudge bar, leather seats and a tonneau cover. The same safety rating applies for the Granite, with the basics such as ABS and dual airbags.
Verdict: The Granite, like the double cab Tunland, is less than ideal as a family car, simply because of its lack of safety items.
