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If most conventional diesel pick-ups seem to you to be crude and expensive, then try this one, the Foton Tunland. This Chinese newcomer offers affordable pricing, a more car-like driving experience, potential mild hybrid efficiency and lots of equipment. Could be worth a look.
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Background
Back in 2012, Midlands-based vehicle importers International Motors launched one of the very first Chinese vehicles in our market, a pick-up called the Great Wall Steed. And after a decade and a half in which much has changed, the same importers are again launching an unknown Chinese pick-up in our market. This one's called the Foton Tunland.
It's one of four diesel pick-ups that International Motors now imports here. The others are the Isuzu D-Max, the Mitsubishi L200 and the model thatt eventually replaced the Great Wall Steed, the GWM POER300. This Foton model though, has a slightly more car-like remit than any of those and will sell here alongside an electric LCV, the Cavan C1. From a brand known internationally not only for LCVs but also for buses, coaches and lorries. Let's take a closer look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 36000 | 36000 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 211 | 211 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Combined Mpg | 35.3 | 35.3 |
| Length (mm) | 5617 | 5617 |
| Min | Max |
| Width (mm) | 2090 | 2090 |
| Height (mm) | 1955 | 1955 |
| Braked Towing (kg) | 4 | 4 |
| Payload Capacity (l) | 1000 | 1000 |
| Power (ps) | 163 | 163 |
| Torque (lb ft) | 450 | 450 |
Driving experience
Foton is very keen for you to know that this Tunland is a hybrid, but it's very much 'hybrid' with a small 'h' because you can't plug it in and the battery can never solely power the vehicle. Instead, the 48V mild hybrid tech does little more than energise the stop/start system and offer a slight power boost at low speeds. As with all 48V mild hybrid models, auto transmission is mandatory, in this case with eight speeds.
Power comes from the kind of 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel unit that's still most common in this segment, though in this case, its 163bhp output is on the modest side. Still, 450Nm of torque should get you where you need to go. And facilitates the 3.5-tonne braked towing weight that is now expected in this class. 0-62mph takes around 9.5s.
What you really need to know about the Tunland though, is that instead of the usual crude leaf-sprung rear suspension arrangement nearly all pick-ups in this segment still have, Foton has decided that a more car-like multi-link rear suspension arrangement should be used here. This means there are multiple links controlling each of the wheels, providing for better handling and a more comfortable ride.
Foton makes big claims for off-road capability too. There's a BorgWarmer transfer case with selectable drive modes that include high and low range capability (like 2H, 4H/Auto and 4L). Plus there's a rear differential lock. The off-road stats look decent - 240mm of ground clearance facilitating 700mm of wading depth, a 21-degree breakover angle, a 28-degree approach angle and 26-degree departure angle.
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Design and build
The Tunland is a double cab, as virtually all current pick-ups are. And one with a bluff front end that will appeal to those who like the US vibe of the current Ford Ranger. But at 5,617mm long, it's almost 400mm longer than that Blue Oval brand model, so you're getting a bit more metal for your money. There are useful roof rails. And chunky black plastic cladding emphasises wheel arches that leave plenty of articulation space. And the Foton brand name is prominent on the tailgate, so expect to get plenty of questions asking what on earth you've bought.
Inside up-front, it's a mixture of old and new. The kind of big landscape-format centre screen that other Chinese brand models favour - this one 14.6-inches in size. But in this case, not accompanied by a minimalist interior. This cabin feels more like that of a Japanese brand pick-up, with lots of knobs and buttons, creating the kind of old-school feel that many customers might prefer.
Through the chunky three-spoke wheel, you view a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen. And there are lots of nice features that on a mainstream brand pick-up you might have to stretch to a pricey trim level to get, like a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging mat and smart contrast stitching for the heated synthetic leather-trimmed seats. The centre screen works well with sharp camera resolution, but disappointingly it lacks wireless 'Android Auto'.
We mentioned the generous body length. That also facilitates the longest wheelbase in the segment - 3,355mm. Which obviously helps in terms of rear seat accommodation. It's noticeably more spacious in the back than with rivals, though the seat backs are still quite upright, so you wouldn't ideally want to spend long journeys there. It's easier to fit a middle-seated occupant in the back than with competitors too, thanks to the virtually flat floor. And the bench base folds up to reveal storage underneath.
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Market and model
Expect pricing to be competitive and value-based; budget around £36,000 for the single high-spec model on offer. At least to start with, International Motors are only importing the Tunland in V9 form.
Standard kit includes full-LED headlamps and tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, roof rails, adaptive cruise control and ZF 8-speed auto transmission with a Sport mode. Inside, there's a 360-degree camera system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless 'phone charger, ambient lighting and heated and ventilated front seats trimmed in stitched synthetic leather. Media stuff is taken care of by a large 14.6-inch central infotainment screen with wireless 'Apple CarPlay'. Safety features include Lane keep assist and up to 8 airbags.
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Practicalities and costs
Other multi-link rear-suspended pick-ups have previously struggled (and usually failed) to provide the one-tonne payload that owners want (and need to have their models classified as VAT-exempt commercial vehicles). But the Tunland (just about) provides that. Its cargo bay is 1,650mm wide and 1,250mm between the wheel arches, so can take a standard-size pallet with room to spare. There's 530mm of loadbay height and the bed has a protective polymer liner.
There's a pop-out step built into the top of the tailgate face when it's lowered and that tailgate comes down gradually with gas struts, though it's quite hefty when you want to raise again. Fuel economy is rated at 35.3mpg on the combined cycle; and CO2 emissions are rated at around 211g/km.
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Summary
Foton might be a new name in our market but its many global partnerships mean that its engineering is well established. Which is the kind of background that a fresh market entrant needs, particularly if it's going to be brave enough to challenge established thinking in its segment and bring us a pick-up that dumps the usual crude leaf-sprung suspension set-up normally used in this class in favour of a more car-like multi-link arrangement.
That's a brave move - and the provision of a mild hybrid powertrain in a pick-up is almost as unusual. So Foton really wants to make its mark. And there's proven engineering, lots of equipment, a strong value proposition and the back-up of an established dealer network. Potentially then, lots to like it if you still want a model of this sort that you don't have to plug in.
It's with a solid diesel pick-up that the Chinese invasion started in our market. Perhaps with this one, it will step up another gear.
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