Photos of Tunland TK 2013 Overview
The problem of Chinese cars is in perception. Of course, some ridicule and lingering doubts are justified, but in the context they all work within certain budgets and certain time frames.
Foton, a division of Chinese giant Beijing Automotive, is doing a lot of the right things with a double-cab vehicle that sits between the entry-level Great Wall and more established models like the Mitsubishi Triton. Foton has 20 national dealers and wants to have 30 by next year to add a Tunland-based van, passenger vehicle and SUV.
VALUE
The Tunland TK is priced at $32,490 for a double cab, diesel engine, part-time 4WD vehicle. That's about $5000 more than the Great Wall, ZX Grand Tiger, and Mahindra Pik-Up. Foton actively capitalizes on the international credibility of its driveline components - Cummins engine, Dana axles, Getrag gearbox and Borg Warner transfer case - but understands that they are all manufactured under license in China. The list of features, compared to most Thai motorcycles, is almost generous.
The Tunland gets rear parking sensors, trunk liner with fold-out mounting hooks, metallic paint, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and iPod/USB connectivity, woodgrain instrument panel trim, multiple interior grab bars and Isofix child seat mounts. There is no fixed price service, and six-monthly schedules are required for 10,000 km. Glass's Guide considers its resale after three years to be a reasonable 43% of the purchase price.
Design
The ornate, overly chrome grille is the only outward sign that this is a Chinese car. The ute's body is significantly wider than other domestic utes, and its modern shape - notable for the design of the door, side windows and tailgate - puts it on par with the Colorado, Triton and Isuzu D-Max.
The interior handling is also impressive, although in keeping with the genre, there are acres of hard plastic here. Some switchgears and closing panels appear to be weak. Cabin space is on par with the competition, but it may be the most comfortable double cab for rear seat passengers thanks to the looser seatback angle.
The taller ladder frame chassis (surprisingly similar to the Hilux) makes the tank taller than many competitors, although it is larger than the Triton, for example. It tows 2500 kg and has a payload of 950 kg.
TECHNOLOGY
The Chinese-made 2.8-litre Cummins ISF engine claims 120kW/360Nm, the latter at 1800rpm, with fuel consumption of 8.4L/100km from a 76-litre tank. The five-speed manual transmission is a Chinese-built Getrag, the rear axle is from Dana, and the transfer case is an electric Borg Warner.
Nobody raised their hands to the chassis, although it is probably a copy of an early Hilux, while the front ventilated disc brakes and standard drum brakes in the rear. Unlike most peers, rack and pinion steering with hydraulic booster. Cabin electronics include Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
SECURITY
I hope you don't expect much here, so I won't disappoint. It receives a three-star accident rating and the ANCAP says it is not suitable for transporting children under the age of four because it does not have top cable attachment points. Electronic brake force distribution, ABS and dual airbags are standard, as is the full-size spare.
DRIVING
The honorary list of component suppliers is impressive, but does not affect the driving experience. The engine sometimes lags at low rpm and while I initially blamed the turbo lag, this is most likely an electronic throttle failure.
The Getrag box has a good set of gears (I bet you tell that to all the girls), but the shift quality is vague, and the high axle gearing that delivers a quiet 100kph cruising speed at 1800rpm makes acceleration sluggish. But the rack and pinion steering is more precise than the Valium-stunned vagueness of other recirculating-ball Chinese cars.
Ride comfort is reasonable - within the mid-range range, of course - and the US-designed seats are supportive and comfortable. Off-road, the electric push-button transfer case turns on clearly. Rideability in mud is good, although tire choice is vital as mine got clogged with mud and stopped working within minutes.
Engine delivery is greatly improved by reducing the low rpm range. Ground clearance is adequate and the front of the engine is protected by a metal skid plate. While this is the best Chinese car I've driven, it's not very confident in holding low speeds, especially when cornering.
VERDICT
Foton gets aesthetics and function right. Now we need to modify the transmission.
Photos Thunland
Cost: 32,490 XNUMX US Dollars
Guarantee: 3 years/100,000 km
Limited Service: all
Service Interval: 6 mo/10,000 km
Resale: 43%
Safety: 2 airbags, ABS, Ibid.
Accident Rating: Not tested
Engine: 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel; 120kw/360nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 2-speed transmission; Part time
Thirst: 8.4 l/100 km; 222 g/km CO2
Dimensions: 5.3 m (l), 1.8 m (w), 1.8 m (h)
The weight: 2025kg
Spare: Full size
