Review: Foton Tunland utility (2012-18)

Overview

Released in November 2012, the Tunland utility was initially offered with a dual cab body, though single cab bodies followed in 2014. Manufactured in China, the Tunland was powered by a 2.8-litre common-rail, Cummins ISF turbo-diesel engine.

The Tunland was available as a 4×2 or 4×4, the latter fitted with a Borg Warner transfer case which had an electronic shift on-the-fly capability. While the dual cab and four-wheel drive models had a five-speed Getrag JC538 manual transmission, the rear-wheel drive single cab model had a Tangshan five-speed manual transmission.

The Tunland range initially consisted of Quality and Luxury variants, though these were replaced – in September 2013 – by TK and TL variants. In June 2014, Ateco Automotive assumed responsibility for distribution of the Tunland utility and the range was reduced to unnamed 4×2 and 4×4 variants. The full Tunland utility range is given in the table below.

The Tunland dual cab was 5310 mm long, 1880 mm wide, 1870 mm tall and had a 3105 mm long wheelbase. The Tunland’s front suspension consisted of double wishbones with coil springs and an anti-sway bar; the rear suspension had longitudinal leaf springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Tunland included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the 4WD Tunland received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s chest and upper legs was rated as marginal, while lower leg protection was rated as poor. In the side impact test, a default (maximum) score of was applied without the test being conducted. ANCAP noted that since the Tunland did not have top tether anchorages for child restraints, the vehicle was unsuitable for transporting children under the age of four.

Features: Tunland Quality and Luxury variants

Standard features for the Tunland Quality variants included 16-inch aluminium wheels with 245/70 R16 tyres, four speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power front windows, power mirrors, an automatically dipping rear-view mirror on reverse, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Compared to the Quality variants, Tunland Luxury variants were further equipped with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, leather seats, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Features: Tunland TK and TL variants (post-September 2013)

In September 2013, standard features for the newly introduced Tunland TK variants were extended to include Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and Isofix child seat anchors. As such, the range-topping TL variants were distinguished by their leather seats and cruise control.

Features: post-June 2014

From June 2014, standard features for the Tunland utility included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, a leather trim steering wheel and power windows.

The Tunland 4×4 models were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seat trim, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel (cruise and Bluetooth controls), power adjustable and heated door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, a tray-liner and an immobiliser.

Brochure

• Brochure: Foton Tunland Utility (July 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Foton Tunland Utility (May 2014)
• Specifications: Foton Tunland Utility and Cab Chassis (August 2014)
• Foton Australia: Foton Tunland