Meet the Sauvana: first ever SUV to feature Cummins engine

Foton is set to make its first fray into the South African sports utility vehicle (SUV) market next year when it launches its competitively-priced Sauvana.

The model’s name is derived from the Spanish word savannah, which means a tropical plateau, and emphasises the vehicle’s go-anywhere capability.

The Sauvana was shown for the first time at the Shanghai Auto Show this year and enjoyed an overwhelmingly positive reception.

It has just been launched at an international launch event in the US using its American-designed Cummins engine as a major marketing tool – this is the first ever SUV to feature a Cummins engine.

The Sauvana is a large-size SUV powered by the 2.8 litre Cummins turbo-diesel engine that is already fitted to Foton’s Tunland range of premium class bakkies which have been on sale locally since 2012.

The Sauvana, which is based on the chassis and running gear of the Tunland bakkies, has been undergoing local evaluation in South Africa covering more than 20 000 km in extreme conditions since early this year and, so far, is performing extremely well.

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 with low range.

There will be the option of a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Sauvana will seat five or seven occupants depending on the model.

The interior of the vehicle is well-equipped and has a high-quality appearance including full plush leather seats.

Standard features include an infotainment touchscreen and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.

Luxury features extend to keyless entry and keyless starting, sunroof, automatic climate and cruise control.