adminvariations the 3,4 and 6-tonne (in a Perkins & Cummins engine), is destined to control a big chunk of that market.
This past week Quest Motor Corporation took me on a ride in the new Foton Tunland double cab pick-up truck. At first I was thinking well it must be one of those boring 4×2 and 4×4 bakkies, but boy was I shocked.
When we left the dealership and we were on the open road I was pleasantly surprised by the handling on this truck which was way better than other pick-ups in its class.
As I drove the Foton Tunland down Simon Mazorodze Road I was already visualising myself heading towards the Beitbridge Border Post with ease.
With its super infotainment, this is the car for long drives?
Blasting my music of choice I soon forgot I was behind the wheel of a 4×4 pick-up truck.
When we took it to the hilly suburb of Glen Lorne the truck proved its mettle as it handled the curves quite impressively.
As we meandered up and down and sideways on the hilly plain, I wasn’t even worried about having to stiffen my arms to keep it on the road.
Personally, I loved the fact that the Chinese are so innovative when it comes to packaging. With such a powerful engine under the hood, you will be tempted to buy into this brand.
Those in the know will testify how good Cummins engines are.
Personally, I have known about Cummins engines from the time I got interested in the auto industry and also seen a number of Cummins engines on heavy trucks and other heavy-duty equipment such as generators.
So when you buy this truck, you are assured of great performance because what makes a vehicle is the engine.
With its partnership with Daimler AG formed in July 2010 to build trucks in China, it can only get better for the Foton.
Foton has built an assembly plant in Colombia in order to participate in the growing Latin American market for light commercial vehicles.
The company also plans to build a plant in Western Maharastra, India. I am sure in the next few years with the growing demand in Africa they will also identify an Africa nation where they will set up shop.
The Tunland is a high end pick-up truck designed as both a workhorse and your everyday vehicle of choice. You may be a housewife, or that young and hip executive . . . this vehicle will redefine your personality at a price that is so competitive leaving you with a bit of change too.
For freedom and tolerance, the Tunland possesses variable large internal space. I personally loved the leg room in the back.
Even your tall buddies can relax and enjoy the ride in the back seat, no need to bang your head on the roof of the car or get out with that annoying leg cramp.
If comfort is high on your list of priorities in a pick-up truck then this is an option worth considering.
World class power is what makes this truck a cut above many, with the Cummins ISF 2.8 highly efficient diesel engine with a turbocharged intake system.
Fitted with a Bosch full electronic control high — pressure common rail fuel injection for better fuel economy, what more can you ask for?
For those who like carrying stuff or ferrying heavy loads, there is a super wide and super large cargo compartment to take more cargo than you wish.
Personally, I think this is fast becoming the new definition of big when it comes to trucking.
It is wider and more spacious than its competitors.
With its rated power sitting at 100kW@ 5250r/m and maximum torque sitting at 200 Nm @ 3000r/m which is quite competitive, you can’t complain at all.
What’s more interior and exterior wise you have amazing options, from fancy colours to suit your personality and world class cabin styling.
This is a complete package on a good budget.
After all, it has been awarded the Best Bakkie of the Year by the prestigious Bakkie & Truck Magazine for good reasons.
Quest Motor Corporation dealership will be glad to assist with pricing and also relay finance options that work for you.
Till next week . . . God bless you and enjoy the ride.
Fact Jeke is an auto enthusiast with over a decade’s experience. You can contact her at email: [email protected] or via Facebook: Torque with Fact Jeke.
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