Foton Tunland S 4x4: Ruggedly reassuring pickup truck

By Ghaith Madadha - Dec 16,2019 - Last updated at Dec 16,2019

Photo courtesy of Foton Motor

If ever there was an automotive segment well-suited to Jordanian roads, it is the diesel-powered compact dual car 4x4 pickup truck. Efficient and comparatively easy on the wallet in purchase, maintenance and fuel, despite being heavier and larger than most cars, such vehicles also boast reasonable comfort, spacious cabins with a good level of mod cons, and genuine and extensive off-road ability.

However, where they excel is in their rugged build quality and how they can shrug off the worst road conditions in their stride.

A relatively new addition to the Jordanian compact pickup segment, the Chinese-built Foton Tunland was first launched in 2011 and is well-placed a competitive player in a segment traditionally dominated by Japanese brand Thai-built vehicles.

A convincing alternative to saloons and crossover SUVs for many work and private use drivers, the compact pickup is not without some daily drive drawbacks primarily at the rear, but as with any vehicle, there always compromises. But that said, the Tunland nevertheless proved to be a practical and charismatic daily drive and weekend warrior.

Visibility and versatility

A well-proportioned truck that avoids the unnecessarily high, blunt and obstructive front designs of many recent versions of other similar vehicles, the Tunland’s sloped bonnet angle and restrained A-pillar width allows for excellent front visibility to place it accurate on and off road. It lower bonnet also reduces the uncomfortable space between wheel-arch apex and bonnet top. Understated yet assertive, the Tunland features bulging wheel-arches, chunky tyres and concave surfacing at the rear quarters. Its diamond like headlights and triangular rear lights meanwhile lend it a grounded stance.

Powered by turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines including entry-level 2.5-lire Isuzu-sourced and range-topping 2.8-litre Cummins-built units, the featured 2.8-litre Isuzu engine Tunland S variant is the mid-range version. Mated to a Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox, it develops 114BHP at 3,600rpm and 206lb/ft at 2,300rpm, and is capable of carrying its 1,930kg mass though 0-100km/h in an estimated 12-seconds, and onto 150km/h. A low-revving turbo-diesel, the Tunland’s best efforts are available between peak torque and power points, and while its rev limit extends to 4,000rpm, it is more effective to upshift just after 3,600rpm.

Rewarding and refined

Quicker spooling from low-end, the Isuzu-powered Tunland 2.8 may not be the most powerful pickup there is, but with its small turbo, is responsive at low speed, and is relaxed and flexible driving in mid-range at legal speeds. Confident, stable and comfortable on long motorway jaunts, the Tunland’s ride quality smoothes out at speed. Meanwhile, it can climb 30 per cent slopes, but can feel slightly stressed at high elevation and in hot weather. Nonetheless, its slick, mechanical gear lever and intuitive clutch pedal are rewardingly user-friendly through inclines, winding routes and congestion.

Over nearly 1,500km on Jordanian roads and trails in various conditions including gruelling surfaces, elevation and weather the Tunland proved a capable competitor to Japanese rivals. With rugged body-on-chassis construction and leaf spring, live axle rear suspension the Tunland boasts a 2,730kg gross weigh capacity and effortlessly dispatches the lumps, bumps and demanding conditions of Jordan’s urban and rural roads and routes, with little apprehension of damage, while ride quality features good vibration absorption. Its tyres, meanwhile, find a happy compromise for off- and on-road driving, and grip, impact absorption and steering feel.

Tough terrain

Driven through torrential rain from Jerash to Amman, the Tunland’s 245/70R16 tyres, 200mm ground clearance, commanding driving position and good visibility, gutsy torque and manoeuvrability all helped negotiate the inclines, traffic, darkness, inconsistent surfacing and flooding with reassuring ease. Driven normally in rear-drive mode, the Tunland easily dispatches most trails and moderate off-road situations thus, but its four-wheel-drive quickly and smoothly engages for more difficult conditions and loose surfaces. For extreme conditions, surfaces, inclines and towing, where sustained low speed at high power is necessary, the Tunland features low ratio four-wheel-drive.

A thoroughly capable off-road vehicle the Tunland 4x4 features generous 26 degree approach and 20 degree departure angle to traverse deep ruts and crests. Good front visibility, big side mirrors and precise rack and pinion steering let one accurately and instinctively place it on narrow off-road trails, roads and parking garages. Meanwhile, independent double wishbone coil spring front suspension allows for long wheel travel and off-road angles for off-road ability and smooth, reassuring driving on paved roads. Balanced throughout corners, the Tunland also well-controls body lean for a pickup.

Tight turning

Turning into corners with reassuring grip, stability and unexpected agility whether on- or off-road, the Tunland’s steering has an intuitive feel, but needs more turns than cars with a quicker ratio set-up. Happy to be hustled through snaking lanes and tight corners, the Tunland’s well-weighted and nuanced steering also provides a tight turning circle for good manoeuvrability off-road and in crowded parking garages. Inside, the Tunland’s driving position may lack steering reach and lumbar adjustability, but is alert, spacious, ergonomic, comfortable and accommodating, while buttons and controls are logically presented within easy reach

Refined for a pickup truck, the Tunland’s diesel clatter is evident but not particularly intrusive. Spacious and well laid out inside, it features honest but nicely finished hard surfaces. Cabin accessibility is great by car standards, but the door swing angles could be improved further. Equipment includes dual rear headrests, dual airbags, air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, USB/CD player and rear parking sensors to better judge distances where trickiest in a pickup. Returning 8l/100km combined fuel efficiency; the Tunland is capable of a long driving range, estimated at 800km or more in normal conditions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, in-line 4-cylinders

Bore x stroke: 93 x 102mm

Compression ratio: 17.4:1

Gearbox: 5-speed manual, four-wheel-drive, low gear transfer

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 114 (115.5) [85] @3,600rpm

Specific power: 41BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 59BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 206.5 (280) @2,300rpm

Specific torque: 101Nm/litre

Torque-to-weight: 145Nm/tonne

Top speed: 150km/h