Foton Transvan

Similar to its exterior, the Foton Transvan’s cabin layout also leans more towards functionality than modern aesthetics. It has a great amount of compartments in the front row and class-leading spaciousness all around. And, since the 16-seater variant has a high roof, it also offers elevated headroom for all passengers. 

Standard to both variants is an entertainment system that offers AM/FM radio, MP3, AUX, and USB. However, only the E (13-15 seater) variant comes with a multimedia touchscreen display. To ensure that everyone on board is relaxed and cool, this van comes with front and rear air conditioning systems. Additionally, its cabin mainly comprises of black and grey finishes, making it easy to clean and practical for everyday commuting.

At first glance, the exterior design of the Foton Transvan might look dated or very simple for many, but its strength actually comes from its functionality and reliability for everyday usage. At the front, it has a pair of halogen headlights and fog lamps for great road visibility, most especially at night. Its facade also has functional upper and lower grilles as well as two tow hooks for added layer of security and protection during emergency situations. On the sides, it is equipped with 15-inch wheels that are designed to withstand your daily commute. Meanwhile, at the rear, it also has a high-mounted brake light along with its taillights. 

In terms of dimensions, both variants are 1,695 mm in width and have a minimum ground clearance of 160 mm. The E variant is 5,050 mm in length, 1,980 mm in height, and 2,570 mm in wheelbase. On the other hand, the HR variant is 5,320 mm in length, 2,240 mm in height, and 3,050 mm in wheelbase.

The Foton Transvan line utilizes a suspension combination of a Double Wishbone Independent Suspension at the front and a Small Leaf Spring Independent Suspension at the rear. You’ll have no problem passing through bumpy city roads thanks to this suspension setup. The car is also cost-effective and has great towing capabilities because of this setup. Overall, you and all your passengers can enjoy a relatively stable and comfortable ride inside this van.

The Foton Transvan lineup is powered by a 2L AUCAN 4F20 Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) engine that produces a maximum power output of 135 hp and a maximum torque of 330 Nm. This model line runs on a 6-speed manual transmission system and a rear-wheel drivetrain.

 On paper, its performance metrics might not look impressive, but it is actually adequate to get you and all your passengers from point A to point B. It is not the fastest and most powerful in its class, but its torque output allows it to have great acceleration and withstand steep roads. 

Standard to both variants are standard safety and security features such as a driver’s airbag, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) for its braking setup. Speaking of braking setup, it utilizes disc brakes at the front, while drum brakes at the rear. The HR variant also comes with an engine immobilizer, door ajar warning, crash sensor, seat belt warning, rear seat belts, side impact beams, and an engine check warning.

The Foton Transvan is one of the most practical choices within its segment at the present time. It has price points that are very accessible and more affordable than its direct competitors like the Toyota Hiace and the Nissan Urvan. It has a potential to be more competitive in the future if the brand addresses its current weaknesses and missing features.