Foton South Africa is making bold moves in the local bakkie market with the introduction of its V-Series range, comprising the Tunland V7 and V9 models. This launch signals the manufacturer's serious intent to establish itself as a major player in South Africa's competitive pickup segment, backed by local assembly operations and substantial investment in African mobility solutions.
Both the V7 and V9 are available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with the key difference lying in their suspension setup and target audience. The V7 employs traditional leaf-spring rear suspension, making it an ideal workhorse for heavy-duty applications, whilst the V9 features a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension system for enhanced ride comfort and refinement.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre AUCAN turbocharged diesel engine, developed in collaboration with Cummins, producing 120kW and 450Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and a 48V mild-hybrid system to optimise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. With 240mm of ground clearance, these bakkies are built to handle challenging terrain.
Inside, buyers get a thoroughly modern cabin featuring a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, synthetic leather seats with electric adjustment, dual-zone climate control and wireless charging. Safety is well covered with six airbags, a 360-degree camera system, lane departure warning, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring as standard.
Pricing starts at R689,900 for the entry-level Tunland V7 4x2 VLX, rising to R799,900 for the flagship Tunland V9 4x4 LTD, which includes advanced driver assistance features such as lane keep assist and intelligent cruise control.
