The Foton brand had a brief history in South Africa. The Chinese export was brought in as an alternative to the larger, more established light commercial brands in South Africa. Quietly, they shuffled off of the price lists in 2018, largely due to poor sales performances and a volatile local market.
Related: Foton Tunland Granite is an accessorised high-value special-edition bakkie
Foton offered several products while here with the most prolific being the Induna minibus, Thunda bakkie and Tunland double cab bakkie. While they enjoyed a reasonable amount of success in the entry-level and workhorse segments of the local market, it was insufficient to warrant a long-term investment from the overseas head office, losing out to the deeper pockets of GWM.
You'll be able to snap up a used Foton Tunland for next-to-nothing on the used car market, one of only a few reasons why you should be considering one if you're in the market for an affordable single- or double-cab.
Here are 3 more reasons why that's not a bad idea either.
1. Engines
The biggest drawcard to the Tunland range is their diesel engines. Sourced from reputable diesel engine manufacturer, Cummins, the Tunland is powered by a 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel ISF engine that produces 120 kW and 360 Nm torque. Claimed fuel consumption comes in at 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The LD-type engine fitted to the Tunland is the most powerful ISF-series engine that Cummins produces.
2. Good Bones
The engine is one thing, but in the Tunland you can be assured that everything it is bolted to is up to the task. The Tunland features a ladder chassis with a separate passenger safety cell. This frame houses the Getrag 5-speed gearbox and 4x4 drivetrain that features low range options, giving you 2H, 4H and 4L. power is transferred to the wheels via Dana differentials for reliability and durability.
3. Safety Systems
Safety is usually a concern with older Chinese imports but the Tunland offers you dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and height-adjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners. Combined with the high-strength passenger cell and rigid frame construction, the Tunland is fairly safe. It scored a 3-star rating in its 2012 ANCAP collision assessment.
