YOU can ‘expand your lifestyle’ in the brand new Foton Tunland G7 range.
Offered in both single- and double-cab body styles, it is powered by a turbodiesel engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
I had an opportunity to test-drive the double-cab bakkie, and car enthusiasts kept asking if it was the latest model from Foton, about its performance and engine capacity — the usual genuine concerns.
After collecting this aerodynamic-shaped vehicle in Pretoria, one was awash with its imposing features: a length of 5,340 mm, a wheelbase of 3,110 mm, a height of 1,870 mm, and a width of 1,940 mm.
Bold and sturdy on the exterior, it is also equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.
During my drive, negotiating my way back to Jozi as trucks and vans vied for the fast lane, I could tell it uses a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine developed by Foton, supported by its long-standing engineering partnership with Cummins, producing 120 kW and 390 Nm of torque.
At first, the steering wheel felt a bit tight — typical of a bakkie — but I eventually got used to it, and the drive became seamless.
The complemented interior has been uplifted with ergonomically adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, as well as modern essentials such as a wireless charger, dual air-conditioning, noise insulation for reduced cabin noise, and an adjustable steering wheel for optimal comfort and control.
Speaking of adjustable seats — they came in handy for yours truly… as did the knitted material seat upholstery and rear air-conditioning vents.
As we took a turn towards the North West province via Klerksdorp, I could feel the benefits of the 8-speed transmission paired with the 120 kW/390 Nm output.
On the safety front, it boasts six airbags, ABS with EBD for controlled braking, 4WD capability for traction and control, and Hill Start Assist — which proved useful when passing the hill towards Coligny, an area known for potholes made worse by intermittent rain.
Speaking of potholes, the G7 range has been fitted with an advanced suspension system for rough terrain, making it easier to navigate even in the evening.
For most of the journey, I used Comfort driving mode, but during the day alternated between Sport and Eco.
The six-speaker sound system, complemented by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, made the journey with my homeboy enjoyable, with stations like YOU FM and METRO FM keeping us company.
This keyless bakkie is fitted with auto on/off headlights, front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Forward Collision Warning, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Although there wasn’t much to offload upon arrival at my home village, the efficient fuel consumption meant I could still take a long-haul drive to Mahikeng — about an hour away — simply put, it is economical on diesel, especially with fuel prices expected to increase in April.
According to Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa, Foton has officially started vehicle production in South Africa.
The factory, located on the outskirts of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, has commenced complete knock-down (CKD) operations.
“The launch of CKD production at our Gqeberha facility represents a major milestone for Foton globally and for South Africa’s automotive industry,” he said.
“By establishing its first overseas manufacturing base in South Africa, Foton is expressing confidence in the country’s industrial capability, skilled workforce, and strategic importance as a gateway to regional and international markets.”
Foton outlined that the project was established in alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and South Africa’s Automotive Industry Development Plan 2035.
Construction on the facility began in 2016 and is estimated to have created more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for local communities.
The factory also supports over 150 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through sub-packaging and supply chain activities.
“These initiatives contribute to strengthening South Africa’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem while supporting the objectives of the Automotive Industry Development Plan 2035, which aims to increase localisation and expand the country’s automotive production capacity,” the company stated.
The factory now has an annual production capacity of roughly 50,000 vehicles — a crucial figure enabling scalable manufacturing for both domestic and export markets.
“As production expands, the Gqeberha facility will play an increasingly important role in Foton’s global manufacturing network,” said Smal.
“South Africa’s established automotive industry and its position as a gateway to emerging markets make it an ideal base for future growth.”
The Chinese bakkie brand stated that its next phase will focus on expanding production, strengthening supply partnerships, and increasing localisation to better integrate within the broader South African automotive sector.
Currently, it has 63 dealerships countrywide.
G7 – Starting Prices:
4×2 TL Manual
From R399,900
4×2 TL Auto
From R469,900
4×2 TLX Auto
From R499,900
4×4 TLX Auto
From R559,900
4×4 Limited Auto
From R599,900
5-Year / 200,000 km Warranty
5-Year Roadside Assistance (SA only)
3-Year / 50,000 km Service Plan
With Easter holidays upon us, take your family on a long haul and ‘expand your lifestyle’ — whether for work or leisure. Finish & klaar!
Verdict
Performance: 8/10
Fuel Efficiency (Diesel): 8/10
Top image: SLM (The brand-new Foton Tunland G7 range showing its off-road capability in the North West amid rain and mud).
