2015-06-11Staff Report 2 Foton, a major Chinese vehicle manufacturer, recently launched two new models, the Sauvana SUV and Toana mini-van, at Auto Shanghai motor show. The Toana is a mini-bus similar to the Iveco and Mercedes Sprinter. The team that developed Mercedes-Benz Sprinter developed the Toana at Foton’s new research and development centre in Stuttgart, Germany. The Sauvana, which is Foton’s first SUV and is based on its Tunland one-ton pick-up, is aimed at lifestyle owners who love the outdoors as it has very good off-road ability as well as a comfortable ride on tarred roads. The Sauvana will seat five or seven occupants depending on the model. The Sauvana is comes in a choice of two turbocharged engines, a Cummins ISF diesel 2.8-litre and a Euro V compliant, direct injection, petrol 2-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 Southern Africa. 2015-06-11Staff Report 2
