MBABANE – Chinese automaker Foton is attempting a comeback in Southern Africa with its entry-level Tunland G7 TL double cab, priced just below E400,000. The brand, which once drew attention in South Africa for using a Cummins-sourced engine, is positioning itself again as an affordable alternative to the region’s major bakkie players.
The G7 TL model, powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 120 kW and 390 Nm of torque, comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive configuration. Although not the most refined in its class, the engine provides sufficient mid-range punch for both city commuting and light-duty hauling.
While it struggles with a few quirks—including a notchy gearbox, stiff clutch feel, and limited driver seat adjustability—the TL stands out for its generous list of features. The interior includes twin 12.3-inch screens, push-button start, climate control, rear parking sensors, and a drive mode selector with Eco, Comfort, and Sport settings.
Foton’s attempt to re-enter the Southern African market through Combined Motor Holdings is seen as a response to the growing acceptance of Chinese brands such as GWM, JAC, and LDV. The Tunland G7, known as Yutu in China, is intended to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and cost-effective alternative to the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger.
Although the vehicle borrows exterior styling cues from established competitors—Hilux, Navara, and D-Max among them—it avoids the aggressive design choices of other Chinese pickups. The interior, however, feels surprisingly upmarket for a vehicle in this price bracket, offering quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics.
Foton’s current South African offering is limited to the G7, with single and double cab versions available. The TL tested was equipped with safety features such as dual airbags, hill descent control, and vehicle stability control. Despite some build quality issues on the test unit, including a loose gear knob and detached carpeting, the package represents notable value.
On a test at Gerotek, the Tunland clocked a 0–100 km/h time of just over 12 seconds, outperforming some pricier automatic competitors. It returned an average consumption of 8.7 litres per 100 km, not far off Foton’s claim of 8.0 L/100 km.
While the Tunland G7 is already available in Eswatini, its affordability could make it an attractive option for government fleets, construction firms, and small businesses across the Kingdom.
The TL version reviewed includes a five-year/200,000 km warranty and a three-year/50,000 km service plan. It competes directly with base models from GWM, JAC, and even entry-level offerings from Japanese brands—at nearly half their price.
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