FOTON LAUNCHES TUNLAND SINGLE CAB PICK-UPS
Foton SA is continuing its strategy of increasing the scope of its range of Tunland premium pick-ups. The latest move is into the single cab market with the launch of two derivatives of the Tunland single cab Off Road workhorse, starting at a very competitive price of R239 950 for the Comfort model.
The Luxury derivative, which costs an additional R10 000, has an even higher level of standard equipment which includes a cosmetic roll bar, tonneau cover, sidesteps and a nudge bar. The addition of these two single cabs to the existing Foton Tunland line-up of four double cabs brings the current model range to six.
The keen pricing makes the latest additions among the least expensive premium single cab pick-ups on the local market with the Comfort model coming with a comprehensive list of standard equipment.
These Off Road models do not have four-wheel drive but a limited slip differential and high riding body, with 220mm of ground clearance, means they are well suited for operating in off road conditions such as found on farms, construction sites and the like.
“The Tunland is the first and only light commercial vehicle currently in South Africa to be equipped with the famous Cummins 2.8 ISF turbo diesel engine which we believe makes it particularly well suited for operating in rugged and demanding conditions,” says the managing director of Foton SA, Brett Soso.
The engine in the two single cab models produces 96kW of power and 280N.m of torque. This 2.8-litre four-cylinder Cummins ISF turbo diesel, which complies with Euro IV emission requirements, is also very economical, returning 8l/100km in the combined driving cycle which ensures a very good range from the 75-litre fuel tank.
Transmission of power to the rear wheels is through a five-speed manual gearbox.
Not only can the single cab Tunland Off Road carry a payload of 1 130kg in its spacious reinforced load body, but it can also tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2.5-tons.
The Tunland pick-ups are both strong and durable due to the use of a rugged ladder-frame construction for the chassis, with a reinforced steel body, while its suspension system, which uses coil-sprung independent double wishbones up front and parallel leaf springs at the rear, is very load capable while providing a comfortable ride for the occupants.
The Tunland premium pick, which was launched locally by Foton SA in 2012, was subjected to extensive testing and evaluation globally before introduction to ensure it could stand up to the toughest operating conditions. This included prototypes being subjected to 16 performance indices of endurance testing and they then went on to cover more than a million kilometres in high temperatures and at high altitudes as well as in extremely cold environments.
Standard equipment in the single cabs is very comprehensive and includes air conditioning, electric windows, a multi-function steering wheel with Bluetooth, an audio system with a radio/CD/MP3 player and AUX and USB audio inputs as well as attractively-styled 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels.
The Foton Tunland is strong on safety aspects, ranging from the spacious passenger safety cell to dual front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), motion-sensing door locks, height-adjustable halogen headlamps, height-adjustable seat belts with pre-tensioners and an alarm linked to a remote central locking system.
The Tunland is made at Foton’s ultra-modern, multi-function manufacturing plant in Beijing and is exported in built-up form to these destinations.
Foton have made sure the Tunland will be able to take on the global opposition by working with major international component suppliers. For instance, Cummins, of the US, has a joint venture with Foton for an engine plant in China where it builds the turbo-intercooled Cummins diesel engine which powers the Tunland.
Foton sales and service is available at 36 dealerships in South Africa, while the Tunland is covered by a three-year/100 000km factory warranty, 3-year anti-corrosion warranty and three year roadside assistance.
