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Foton Thunda rumbles into SA

Here’s a number to consider: China will produce 18-million new vehicles in 2010 so, with that much practice, their motor mills must be getting things right – and indeed they are if Foton’s new Thunda bakkies are prime examples.

The automaker, operating in South Africa under the highly-respected aegis of Amalgamated Automobile Distributors (think McCarthy and the Imperial group), this week launched its new range of petrol and turbodiesel single and double-cabs.

They were first shown at the 2008 Johannesburg auto show under the uninspiring name SUP – thank goodness that was changed... Somehow I see the Thunda as being more than just be a flash in the automotive pan.

Here’s another number to consider: R99 950 for the entry-level Thunda single-cab one-tonner with a 2.2-litre Toyota 4Y-based engine capable of 76kW/193Nm at 4300 and 2300rpm respectively. According to Nicholas de Canha, Foton’s marketing director, that’s the sort of price you’d expect to pay for a comparable three or four-year-old used bakkie these days in South Africa.

The other engine in the line-up is an Isuzu-based 2.3-litre low-pressure turbodiesel packing 68kW and 202Nm. Both drive through a five-speed manual gearbox; neither 4x4 nor an auto gearbox can be expected. And don’t be alarmed by the gear-selection indicator on the instrument display: the dials are common to all models but nothing lights up on the manual models.

SPAZA WORKHORSE: The Thunda looks at home anywhere.

The bakkies – a selection of double and single-cabs – were on display at the Cape Town launch at the Steenberg Hotel in Tokai but, unusually, the assembled journos weren’t afforded a ride so I regret an objective look at their ride and performance isn’t available.

However, I’ve no complaints about their paint finish, the looks of the alloy rims on all but the entry-level model or the cabin space though the cloth seat upholstery looked a trifle suspect – material that moves on the sponge below ain’t going to take a long time to wear through...

The Thundas come, however, with a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a three-year or 70 000km service plan on the diesel and a three-year or 75 000 plan on the petrol and three years or roadside breakdown assistance so if they wear through, claim a recover. Service intervals are 10 000km for the diesels and 15 000km for the petrol models.

FAKE WOOD REMOVED: Standard fascia across Thunda range.


Brett Soso, MD of AAD, a regular visitor to Foton plants in China, is looking forward a decade with an eye to SA production (“there are a lot of obstacles to be overcome”) but pointed out that a lot of changes were made to the SA-release bakkies over those shown at JIMS back in 2008; alloy rims, new fascia, less plastic fake wood (“something the Chinese are keen on”).

“Bringing in the Thunda has been a long process,” he admitted, “but SA sales will show it was worth it. We think they are helluva well-specced at good prices – it will be an interesting few months as we watch how SA buyers react.”

He also pointed out that Foton trucks were soon be imported – but that AAD had zero to do with that process and would not be involved at all going forward.

“We see the newcomers as functional and affordable additions to the keenly contested one-ton pick-up segment of the local market and, with AAD’s support, are confident they will be worthy contenders.”

FINE FOR FARMING: Thunda in the Crocodile River valley.



Other changes made to the Thunda to meet SA styling, weather and quality demands include an engine-driven instead of electric cooling fan, rerouting of pipes and hoses, a load-proportioning valve for the brakes, ABS on all double-cabs and denser foam for the seats.

The whole range has power-assisted steering and there are three specification levels: Basic (V), Comfort (CV) and luxury (XV). The petrol single-cab is available with V or CV specification, the diesel single-cab only in CV. The double cab petrol is available as a CV Level and the diesel in the highest specification level (XV).

Here’s how their equipment reads:

V units:

Fabric seats.
Power-assisted steering.
Rear foul-weather light.
Steel wheel rims.

CV units:
Aircon.
Power windows and external mirrors..
Adjustable steering column.
Remote-controlled central locking.
Alarm.
Rear sliding window.
Alloy rims.
Reversing alarm.
Radio/CD.

XV units:
All the above plus leatherette upholstery.

And, of course, the models and prices:
Foton Thunda single cab petrol V - R99 950
Foton Thunda single cab petrol CV - R119 950
Foton Thunda single cab diesel CV - R139 950
Foton Thunda double cab petrol CV - R159 950
Foton Thunda double cab diesel XV - R179 950
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