Foton has introduced the Tunland V7 to South Africa, positioning the midsize double-cab bakkie as a more upscale counterpart to its established Tunland G7 model. Launched on 13 November 2025 at a CMH Foton dealership in Pretoria, the V7 emphasises enhanced dimensions, advanced features and a mild-hybrid powertrain, catering to buyers seeking premium utility without excessive costs. Available in a sole VLX specification with rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive options, it starts at R689,900—R105,000 above the top-spec G7 Limited—bolstered by local CKD assembly that began pre-production in October.
Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine augmented by 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, delivering 120kW and 450Nm through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup prioritises efficiency, with the rear-drive variant claiming 9.0 litres per 100km and the 4×4 at 10.8 litres, aided by energy recovery and auto start-stop systems. The 4×4 includes front and rear differential locks, seven drive modes including off-road settings, and a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg—500kg more than the G7—while the load bin handles 1,000kg. As reported by CAR Magazine, this powertrain achieves up to a 10 per cent fuel saving, with thermal efficiency nearing 50 per cent, aligning with global trends towards hybrid pickups.
The V7’s footprint expands notably: at 5,617mm long, 2,000mm wide and 1,910mm tall with a 3,355mm wheelbase and 240mm ground clearance, it dwarfs the G7 across all measures, enhancing stability and payload without sacrificing manoeuvrability. Its muscular styling draws from American icons like the Ford F-150, featuring a bold black grille, quad LED headlights with curving daytime runners, prominent FOTON bonnet lettering, engine underguard, roof rails, side steps, auto-folding mirrors with indicators, LED taillights, lockable tailgate, panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloys and a full-size steel spare.
Inside, the cabin blends luxury and functionality with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat including lumbar support, four-way electric passenger seat, heated fronts, faux leather trim, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, USB ports, 12V and 220V outlets, six speakers and a digital instrument cluster paired to a 14.6-inch Uconnect infotainment screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay. Safety shines through a comprehensive suite: tyre pressure monitoring, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, pedestrian collision mitigation, blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and front-rear sensors.
Pricing reflects its premium aspirations yet remains competitive in a segment dominated by Ranger and Hilux: the 2WD VLX at R689,900 and 4×4 at R765,900, both backed by a five-year/200,000km warranty and five-year/75,000km service plan across eight colours including white, silver, grey, black, blue, red, purple and green. According to AutoTrader, Foton’s local manufacturing under the Lighthouse Plan—aiming to establish South Africa as its African hub—grants pricing edges, with sales already topping 1,978 units in October 2025, outpacing rivals like Mitsubishi Triton.
The V7 slots into Foton’s expanding V-Series alongside the larger V9, targeting lifestyle buyers and fleets amid South Africa’s bakkie boom, where double-cabs account for 60 per cent of light commercial sales. With hybrid efficiency and robust off-road credentials, it challenges perceptions of Chinese vehicles, promising to bolster Foton’s market share in a R100 billion industry.
