The team at Mbabane Motors under their Foton wing recently invited us to their Matsapha Showroom (which I highly suggest you also pay a visit) to get behind the wheel of their latest addition to the line-up, the all-new Foton Tunland V7 and after spending a day with it, it is clear that this is not just another entry into the competitive bakkie market.
BOLD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Positioned as a more premium alternative to the Tunland G7, the new V7 immediately stands out with its bold and muscular design. From the large black grille and striking LED headlights to the aggressive stance and bold FOTON lettering across the bonnet, the V7 definitely looks like a bakkie built for drivers who want both presence and practicality.
A MORE PREMIUM APPROACH
What impressed me the most was how refined the driving experience felt. The cabin feels modern and well put together, giving off the kind of premium feel normally associated with more expensive rivals in the segment. The panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, heated seats, large infotainment display and digital driver cluster all help create a comfortable and upmarket atmosphere inside the cabin.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE
According to information from Foton, the V7 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine paired with 48V mild hybrid assistance. The setup produces 120kW and 450Nm, while power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The bakkie is available in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.
On the road, the V7 feels smooth, composed and capable.
The steering feels light enough for daily driving while still offering confidence on rougher surfaces. It also feels well insulated, making long-distance driving far more comfortable than one might expect from a workhorse-focused pickup. According to Foton, the rear-wheel-drive model returns an average fuel consumption figure of 9.0l/100km, while the four-wheel-drive version averages 10.8l/100km. Foton claims that the V7 can also carry up to 1 000kg in the load bin and tow up to 3 500kg. The 4×4 version further benefits from front and rear differential locks for improved off-road capability.
COMFORT MEETS OWNERSHIP
In terms of features, Foton has clearly loaded the V7 with technology and convenience features aimed at modern buyers. Standard equipment includes keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, electrically adjustable front seats, faux leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and adaptive driver assistance systems.
PRICING AND OWNERSHIP
According to Foton, the Tunland V7 is priced at E771 000, which includes a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/75 000km service plan.
VERDICT
After spending time with the new Tunland V7, it is easy to see what Foton is aiming for. This is no longer just a budget-friendly alternative, but rather a serious contender in the premium bakkie market.
It combines strong road presence, modern technology, practicality and solid performance into one package. The Tunland V7 is a bakkie that means business and will definitely perform well in the local market.
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