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Foton has entered the light commercial segment or bakkie market in simple terms, with the Foton Tunland G7 range, which landed in South Africa in the middle of 2024. And as we see more and more models traversing local roads, we got the keys to find out what it is like to drive, and more importantly, what you get for the budget-friendly price.
Related: Foton Tunland G7 2.0 TD Double Cab TL manual (2025) Review - Entry-Level Foton Surprises
From what we saw with the entry-level offering, we can only expect the higher-specified TLX 4x4 to impress even more. But before we get into the details, remember you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here and search for new or used Foton Tunland models on AutoTrader here.
Styling
While styling is very much a subjective matter, personally, I have to admit that I enjoy the design, especially up front, of the Tunland G7. The sharper and narrower LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights give the car a sporty look upfront, while the black grille with the black Foton lettering says it means business and is ready to work.
Move down the side, and the 17-inch wheels nicely fill the wheel wells. The side mirrors and door handles also get a Spark Grey paint colour, which sets them apart from the rest of the vehicle. Assist occupants in stepping into the Tunland G7 TLX, which has a ground clearance of 210mm, and running boards, which are standard on TLX and Limited derivatives.
Note that the B-pillars on the sides also get a black finish for a more premium look. If you move towards the rear, you will find a design that is very reminiscent of those on the VW Amarok / Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Lower down, the bumpers are also finished in Spark Grey paint, while the load bay on our test unit got the optional Cargo Protect spray coating.
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Space & Interior
Considering the price point, one might expect a rather agricultural interior in the Foton. However, this is not the case. Once you climb inside, you are greeted by a stylish dashboard with piano black trim. There are a lot of soft-touch surfaces and premium-feeling upholstery. The seats are clad with artificial leather, perforated in some areas and solid in others. While the front seats offer good support and are comfortable, the rear seats are a little hard but more than suitable for short commutes.
If you go and feel around for it, you will find some flash marks on some of the plastic trim pieces. But overall, the interior quality is really good for a vehicle at this price point, and the noise, vibration and harshness levels were very impressive.
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Comfort & Convenience
Step inside the Foton Tunland G7 in TLX 4x4 guise and two 12.3-inch screens will greet you. While the one takes on the duty as a digital instrument cluster, the other unit is a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system is connected to a 6-speaker sound system.
While it is not the best sound system we have experienced in a bakkie, it will do its duties. There is a USB-A port close to the rear-view mirror for items such as dashcams, and then there are two USB ports in the armrest box, one for charging and the other for connecting to the infotainment system and charging. There is another USB port at the rear for the rear passengers.
The dual-zone HVAC can be controlled from the touchscreen infotainment system or the physical buttons just below. The buttons to engage 4x4 or to disengage the traction control are also located near the drive selector. Overall, all occupants have good levels of convenience features.
Performance
Under the bonnet, you will find a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel motor developing 120kW and 390Nm of torque. The motor is coupled to a very smooth ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The motor, which was developed with Cummins, a world-renowned diesel engine specialist, and named the Aucan, feels nice and strong with its low-end torque delivery.
While you can hear the diesel notes while idling and pushing on, the engine is happy to rev and feels like it will be a durable unit with the Borg Warner turbocharger. The power can be sent to all four wheels, and the Dana axles and diffs will provide the reliability owners want under load or over obstacles.
Fuel Economy
While I couldn't locate a manufacturer-claimed fuel consumption figure, I managed to achieve 8.9 L / 100 km in a combined cycle between urban and open-road driving. I also firmly believe that the figure can be improved if I provide a more frugal driving style. Nevertheless, this figure is good as it stands and not bad at all for a double cab.
Safety
Regarding safety, occupants in the TLX 4x4 guise can expect six airbags, which take shape as front and side units for both front passengers and two curtain airbags extending on each side of the cabin. The Tunland G7 4x4 TLX also comes standard with the following features:
- ABS Brakes with electronic brake force distribution
- Electronic Stability Program
- Brake Assist
- Hill Descent Control
- Tyre Pressure Monitor
- ISOfix on outer rear seats
- Protective underbody plates for the engine and fuel Tank
Price
Our test unit, the Foton Tunland G7 2.0 TD double cab TLX 4x4, retails for R 559 900, sneaking in just under the R600k mark. Foton vehicles are sold with a 5-year / 200,000 km warranty, a 3-year / 50,000 km service plan, and a 5-year roadside assistance plan.
Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab TL manual | R399,900 |
| Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab TL auto | R469,900 |
| Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab TLX | R499,900 |
| Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab TLX 4x4 | R559,900 |
| Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab Limited 4x4 | R584,900 |
Competitors
The JAC T6 and T8, the Mahindra Pik Up, and the GWM P-series will be direct competitors.
Verdict
While potential customers shouldn't think they will get the same experience in this Foton Tunland G7 as they would in a new Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, this is a rather impressive offering considering the pricing. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the G7, and if you are in the market for an affordable double-cab, I recommend you test this model for yourself.
