Foton Toano

Toano interior is not much pleasing to the eyes and even less appealing than the exterior. However, this is not the point of focus for the company, since, the minimalistic designs do accoutre a wide array of features. Not a harlequin mat with ‘welcome’ written on it, but this van greets one with an electric step for easy access to the cabin. The dash is crafted well with gear lever placed close to the driver’s seat, an instrument cluster behind the steering wheels and power controls for AC, FM and other media options.

One can’t finish the explanation of a van without mentioning about the space it offers and Toano is of its kind that compels you to dedicate a few words of praise for its spacious interior. There are a decent headroom and legroom for driver and all commuters. The only thing that disappoints a bit is the below-average cabin height clearance.

Apart from usual seats, there is an additional bench behind the driver’s seat for more accommodation, while all seating options are comfortable and have moveable armrests.

Foton Toano gets a high ceiling boxy body. At its front, it features a compact-sized grille with a couple of thick chrome plates that integrate the company’s logo at the centre. This is flanked by rhombus headlights, which have an eye like shape. Moving downwards, there is a bulged-out front bumper with the integration of foglamps. One can also notice that the LED turn signals are present on the side mirrors that hang on the loin of the windshield. Furthermore, in order to make the vehicle look a bit expressive, the company has added a few characteristic lines and design elements on the roof and the sides.

Reaching its tail, one would be welcomed with a set of the big LED taillights aligned vertically, followed by a large tailgate. There is also an added layer of extra protection by a lengthy and thick layer of a line that runs all along the front fenders before ending at the rear.

With providing space to a number of passengers, there also comes a need to offer them a decent degree of comfort. And for this, the vehicle gets a MacPherson Strut unit at the front and Leaf spring suspension for the rear. The couple is powerful enough to mitigate much of the bumps of a bad road.

Thereafter, the vehicle runs on 16-inch alloy wheels, which are engulfed by huge 215/75 R16 tires. These help the vehicle to get a subtle grip on the road and a 6.65-metres of turning radius also falls under an appreciable range.

Toano gets the necessary drive force from a 2.8-litre direct injection Cummins turbodiesel engine that churns out a maximum power of 160 hp and a peak torque of 380 Nm. The drive is delivered to the wheels via a six-speed Getrag transmission gearbox, which also offers smooth gear shifts. The mill is also equipped with a cooled EGR circuit for controlled emissions and in order to be in compliance with Euro IV emissions standards.

A big vehicle is more prone to the ills of a road than any car or a two-wheeler. Although the passengers are safer inside the big unit, here we are restricting our discussion only for the impact on the vehicle itself. Nonetheless, much of the fret is eliminated in the case of Toano, which equips an all-disc layout as the braking system.

A further backing by ABS, EBD, crash sensors and parking sensors serves as a cherry on the cake.

Foton Toana is one of those vans that play hand-in-hand with the might of vehicles like Mercedes Sprinter, JAC Sunray and Ford Transit and fulfill all the stipulation of a commercial vehicle. It has got a capable powertrain, praiseworthy suspension units and powerful braking system alongside an array of safety features. With all these, it leaves a little room for any fingers to be pointed at it.

However that ‘little space’ of demerit is the place for the low cabin height clearance, but only when you got a taller passenger for the trip.