Foton Tunland G7 single-cab 4x4 offers real value for money

Foton has made steady inroads into the local bakkie market since its official return to the segment last year, and the all-paw model will complement the two-wheel drive single cab, which was the only derivative before.

- The Citizen's Charl Bosch put it to the test.

Predictably dearer at R419 900 versus R329 900, the arrival of the single cab for the weeklong test came with yet another surprise as, instead of a different derivative, Foton had supplied the displayed vehicle, complete with in “farm-ready regalia”. Seemingly a deliberate attempt to appeal to a vital segment of the market, the various accessories included cattle rails, sidesteps and a prominent nudge bar.

The single cab 4x4's main difference only includes 17” alloy wheels compared to the 4x2's 16" steelies.

Besides its four-wheel drive system, it also harks back to past bakkies by only offering a manual gearbox, unlike the optional automatics available on the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux and Mahindra Pik Up.

Still powered by the Cummins co-developed 2,0l turbodiesel engine, what remains the bread-and-butter Tunland G7 variant, alongside the two-wheel drive, not only presents a compelling prospect price-wise, but for feeling un-workhorse-like despite being anything perfect.

Discontinuing the admittedly purposeful and exterior-enhancing accessories, the single-cab Tunland, arguably, strikes a more distinctive and aggressive figure than the double cab.

Gone is the oddly proportioned loadbox and replaced by a bin measuring 2 315mm long and 1 580mm wide.

Like the double cab, the interior remains the Tunland G7's biggest highlight, even more with the single cab, as very little has changed.

Compared to the single-cab Isuzu D-Max, the Tunland G7 feels in a different league as it comes standard with the pair of 12,3" displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster.

Appearing almost out of place for a single cab, the cabin is ergonomically well laid-out and the materials near upmarket for a workhorse, with a mix of soft-touch and hard but solid feeling plastics.