Foton’s Sauvana tests water in SA market

Foton Auto South Africa is currently evaluating a medium/large-size SUV based on its Tunland premium one-ton pick-up for possible introduction to the local market.
The SUV, which has been named Sauvana, was shown for the first time at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year.

The Sauvana, which is Foton Auto’s first foray into the increasingly popular SUV market, is due to go on sale in China early this year and will then be rolled out to international markets.
Designed and developed under the code name U201, the Sauvana is a body-on-frame design which offers rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options. The Sauvana will seat five or seven occupants depending on the model.
There is a choice of two turbo-charged engines, a Cummins ISF diesel 2.8-litre and a Euro V compliant, direct-injection, petrol two-litre, with the availability of five and six-speed manual gearboxes or a six-speed automatic transmission. No final decision has been made on a power train if the Sauvana is launched in SA.

The diesel engine developed in a joint venture by Foton and Cummins has proved to be strong and reliable and is performing exceptionally well in terms of its durability.
The Foton Sauvana SUV uses a twin wishbone independent front suspension and a five-link control system for the solid rear axle for a comfortable and stable ride.
The interior is well equipped and has a high-quality appearance. Features include an infotainment touch screen and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Luxury features include keyless entry and pushbutton starting, sunroof, automatic climate and cruise control.

A decision is expected soon as to whether or not the Foton Sauvana will be introduced to the SA market.
Foton has 20 engine and assembly plants in China and 13 KD facilities worldwide, providing a current production capacity of one million units per year.

The company strategy going forward is to increase output to three million units a year by 2020.