Is it a TRX? is it a Raptor? No its a FOTON

 

At a quick glance from the front, this latest offering from the Chinese assault arsenal makes you pause — wow… is that a Dodge Ram TRX?

Then you catch the rear and do a proper double take. Hang on… was that a Ford Raptor?

The oversized FOTON script, stamped across the tailgate in unmistakably classic FORD-style lettering and framed by added cladding, really throws a spanner in the works.

Copyright infringement clearly doesn’t translate all that well into Mandarin. That said, a cross between a TRX and a Raptor isn’t exactly an ugly offspring.

The proportions are spot on. The dimensions work, avoiding the usual lopsided stance that plagues many newcomers in this segment. Instead, it sits squat, wide, and purposeful, with serious road presence — especially when paired with a sport bar and wider rims.

Now that we’ve covered the aesthetics, let’s move on to the drivetrain. There’s only one engine option on offer — a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 120 kW and 390 Nm.

On its own, those numbers are hardly headline-grabbing, but the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system gives it a helpful shove, effectively lifting torque assistance to around 450 Nm in real-world driving.

Credit where it’s due: the choice of gearbox is spot on. The excellent 8-speed ZF automatic does the heavy lifting here, delivering smooth shifts and ensuring power is sent to all four wheels.

Four-wheel-drive competence was clearly a priority. It comes equipped with front and rear locking differentials, selectable 2H, 4A and 4L drive modes, and a terrain response system reminiscent of Land Rover’s setup.

Simply select the terrain and the vehicle automatically adjusts throttle response, gearbox behaviour and traction settings to suit the conditions. The end result is a genuinely capable off-roader — one that’s comfortably able to handle far more than any daily commute is ever likely to throw at it.

The interior is anything but utilitarian. In fact, there are strong Mercedes-like vibes here, not unlike what we’ve seen in the Jetour X70. Soft-touch materials are used generously, complemented by a dark grey oak wood-grain finish across the centre console.

The real star of the show is the massive infotainment display. It boasts excellent definition, paired with impressively clear HD cameras — a genuine advantage when parking and invaluable during trail driving.

My only criticism lies with the seating. There’s a lack of thigh support and the bolsters could be deeper to properly cradle you, especially given the vehicle’s size and intended capability. 

On the move, it feels perfectly decent, with the electric assistance helping to smooth things out. That said, you do get the sense that the engine is punching above its weight. It’s not a slouch by any means, but overtakes need to be planned — especially considering that the claimed 450 Nm doesn’t quite feel as strong as the numbers suggest in a vehicle weighing around 2.3 tonnes.

The upside, however, is efficiency. Drive it with a more sedate manner and achieving 8–9 ℓ/100 km is entirely realistic, translating to an impressive real-world range of roughly 800 km with the help of the mild-hybrid system.

Priced at R779 900, this bakkie represents excellent value in an incredibly competitive leisure-bakkie market. Comparable offerings at this level typically push well beyond R850 000, making this feel like a calculated undercut rather than a compromise.

More importantly, it genuinely looks the part. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best-looking bakkies to come out of the Far East to date.

Your move, Toyota.