Photos Tunland 2012 review
The words "Chinese" and "quality" are not often used in the same sentence in the automotive world.
But that could change when the Foton Tunland one-ton truck arrives in Australia in October. Rod James, spokesman for importer Foton Automotive Australia (FAA), says the high-quality imported components and low price will generate a lot of interest.
They are equipped with an American Cummins turbodiesel paired with a German five-speed Getrag short-speed manual gearbox and an American Borg-Warner transfer case with German Bosch and Continental electrics, American Dana rear axles, a "correct" box chassis and a leather interior.
"This is the first car from China that is truly a world car with a brand new platform and quality components, plus it's a beautiful car," he says. “Until now, cars have come from China that are sold inside China only by price.
"This vehicle is powered by an expensive Cummins engine that has been tested over 1 million kilometers with minimal failure rates."
Value
The Foton Tunland will initially come in a base five-seat double cab layout, priced from $29,995 for the all-wheel drive model to $36,990 for the luxury all-wheel drive model. Additional fabric upholstery will cost about $1000 less.
This compares to China's Great Wall model, which starts at $17,990 for a V240 single cab. James says that future Tunland models will include a cheaper single cab and an additional cab with a 1.8-tonne extended sump.
“We can't disclose our sales targets at the moment, but they're pretty modest at first,” says James. "According to preliminary data, given the components and the price, we believe that there will be a reasonable market share."
FAA, a joint venture between management company NGI and the Phelan family bus importers, has 15 dealerships with a goal of opening 60 locations over the next three years. They will have a three-year 100,000 km warranty with a five-year paint and corrosion warranty and 10,000 km service intervals.
Technologies
While the first models will come with a 2.8-litre Cummins ISF turbodiesel engine and a short-shift five-speed manual transmission, they will be followed by a 100kW 2.4-litre petrol engine and a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
There are push-button controls to switch between full and two-wheel drive on the fly, as well as high and low gear ratios when stopped. It is mounted on a ladder frame chassis with a Dana live rear axle, leaf springs and double wishbone front suspension, with wide Chinese Savero tires (245/70 R16) and available 17- and 18-inch options.
It lacks Bluetooth, an auxiliary input, and a USB input, but has four automatic windows, and the driver's window also opens automatically.
safety
James expects a four-star safety rating. It comes with reverse sensors, and braking is assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and there is no stability control system yet.
“They have been tested by the (Euro) NCAP for four stars and we expect the same,” says James. “The only thing it lacks is five airbags. At this stage, there are only two, but we are not afraid that he will get five stars soon enough.” It doesn't have a reach-adjustable steering wheel, but it does have rear parking sensors.
Design
It looks very American with an impressive chrome grille and some nice cosmetic touches. Body gaps are small and uniform, door seals are large, there are flared mudguards, side steps, fog lights, large rear doors, truck-sized mirrors, and the rear pan has been lined with an optional liner.
However, there is unfinished bodywork around the rear window and rear bumper, and the wheel arches are exposed, which means a lot of gravel noise. Inside, leather upholstery, wood trim, main switchgear and hard but acceptable quality plastic trim with matching colors.
The front bucket seats are flat with little support and you tend to slide on them. James notes that the Tunland is "longer, wider and taller" than the Toyota HiLux, which has become the best-selling car in Australia over the past few months.
The current towing capacity is 2.5 tons, but James says it can be increased. “It is capable of towing a lot more. Our engineers have tested it and they are all sure that it is at least three tons,” he says. The ground clearance is 210mm and the minimum turning radius is 13.5m.
Driving
In the country, only two cars go around dealers, and we had the opportunity to drive one short distance around the city. When it starts, the Cummins engine makes the usual diesel rumble, but it's not aggressive, especially as the revs rise.
The engine pulls confidently from 1800 rpm and feels smooth and powerful. All pedals feel soft, which contrasts with heavy and harsh shifting. The steering is also on the heavy and numb side.
It's a true five-seater with a large undertray and a solid feel that traditionalists should love. The price is good, but it needs a few extras like Bluetooth to compete.
