Foton View CS2

The Foton View CS2 retains the same cabin layout with a lot of rectangular influence from the bare-bones C2 Panel van. However, Foton has changed the upholstery theme for the CS2, which comes with dual-tone black and beige upholstery, along with faux wood inserts in the centre console, steering wheel, dashboard, and door panels, for a more premium appeal.

While the Foton View CS2 retains the four-spoke steering wheel and an all-analogue instrument console from the C2 Panel van, the centre console here gets a more modern touchscreen infotainment system, with the switches for climate control positioned just below it. These bits are housed in a rectangular centre console, and more rectangular influence can be seen in the layout of AC vents and vacant storage bits. The Foton View CS2 also comes with additional comfort-oriented features like power windows, a front centre armrest with storage spaces, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Based on the View C2 panel van, which has been designed as a luggage carrier, the Foton View CS2 is a passenger-carrying version. To reflect its image as a slightly better version and vehicle, the Foton View CS2 gets a few redesigns such as a wide body high roof rework and a few tweaks on the exterior.

The Foton View CS2 gets the same sloping windshield and front apron, along with the three-slat trapezoidal chrome grille and rectangular halogen headlamps. However, due to the high roof design, the overall height of the Foton View CS2 looks taller. For a more urbane look, the Foton View CS2 also comes with a body-coloured front bumper, which continues to come integrated with fog lamps on the corners and a wide air dam in the middle.

The side profile of the Foton View CS2 looks very generic and functional to the core, with the people-mover having large-sized window panels and sliding rear door panels with a sharp crease flowing through them. Apart from body-coloured door handles and rearview mirrors, the Foton View CS2 also comes with 15-inch silver alloy wheels.

The rear profile of the Foton View CS2 is the same as that of the C2 Panel van, however, the rear flat panel has been replaced with a more functional rear windscreen. While the Foton View CS2 retains the vertical tail lamps and trapezoidal license plate housing with chrome garnish above it, it also comes with a body-coloured rear bumper for a more urbane look. Here also, the bulged roof panel comes integrated with a slim LED brake light.

The Foton View CS2 also retains the cost-effective suspension setup of Macpherson struts at the front and leaf springs at the rear from the C2 Panel Van. However, the suspension setup has been tuned for a slightly more comfortable experience while on the go. Compared to the 15-inch steel wheels, the Foton View CS2 rides on alloy wheels shod with tubeless tyres.

The Foton View CS2 gets the same Isuzu-sourced 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the C2 Panel van, which has been re-tuned for better performance while on the go. Here in the Foton View CS2, this engine produces 150 PS of power and 360 Nm of torque, while it is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.  

The bare-basic list of safety equipment in the Foton View CS2 includes ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and dual front airbags.

Foton has made all the necessary changes to make sure that the bare-bones appeal of the C2 panel van is not reflected in this passenger-carrying version of the same. The Foton View CS2 gets a more modern and nice-looking cabin, and with more features and performance on offer, it looks like a sensible and practical people mover.