New Foton Tunland bakkie in South Africa – What you get for R600,000

Foton has officially relaunched in South Africa with its first vehicle, the Tunland G7.

The Chinese carmaker has grand ambitions for our country, as the G7 is only the first step in an extensive game plan that will see the addition of new models in the near future.

What’s more, the Tunland is set to become South Africa’s next locally produced bakkie, as Foton (a subsidiary of BAIC) plans to expand its factory outside Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

In other words, the G7 is just the first taste of what’s to come over the next few years, so it’s worth taking the time to examine what this brand is bringing to the table.

What you get

The Tunland G7 is available in six specifications; the most expensive of which retails for R599,900.

Known as the G7 Limited, you can expect a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that puts out a total of 120kW and 390Nm, meshing with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive system with a differential lock.

This allows the bakkie to tow a maximum of 3,000kg, and haul up to 1,000kg in the back.

Regarding its dimensions, the Foton measures 5,340 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, putting it in the same size bracket as popular midsize models like the Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max.

It also has a wheelbase measuring 3,110mm, and a ground clearance of 210mm.

During everyday driving the G7 reports an average consumption of around 7.4l/100km, and it also brings driving modes for Normal, Eco, and Sport to help prioritize efficiency or performance.

Moving onto its equipment sheet, the flagship Limited derivative is naturally fitted with all the trimmings, starting with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear sports bar, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, a chrome grille, a sunroof, and a power inverter, crate guardrail, and rope hook in the load box.

It also has keyless entry, electric front seats with heating and ventilation, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, six speakers, fabric and faux-leather upholstery, a digital driver’s display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with onboard navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Additionally, the top-spec G7 comes with a 360-degree camera, cruise control, hill-hold and descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection, door-opening warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Each purchase includes a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, a 3-year/50,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.