Photon 1099: all about the car

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Lubricants

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Lubricant viscosity

Carefully select the lubricating oil according to the table. It is important to match the viscosity of the lubricating oil to the ambient temperature. See these instructions and the table on the next page.

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Recommended lubricating oil and diesel fuel

To achieve the best performance and maximum service life of your Auman, select your lubricant and diesel fuel in accordance with this chart and the table on the next page. The lubrication intervals in this manual's scheduled maintenance chart and the new vehicle warranty period are based on the use of the recommended lubricant.

Recommended lubricant and diesel fuel

Purpose

Recommended oil

Consumption (liters)

Motor oil for diesel engines

Motor oils for diesel engines: CF -4 or higher grades. The viscosity is indicated in the paragraph “Oil viscosity”. Specialty products, including Eastern Cummins ISDe and XiChai CA 4 DF 3, require CH-4 or higher grades.

For filling quantities, see the service manual for the relevant engine.

Transmission

Gear oil 85 W 90, performance class GL -4

A121: b l; A130: 7.3 l; DC 6 J 70 T: 8 l.

Power steering

Automatic transmission oil ATF III

Clutch reservoir

Synthetic brake fluid DOT 4

Fill as needed until the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

Clutch fork, clutch guide, universal joints and steering fork, wheel hub bearings, tie rod joints, spring pins, steering knuckle pins, joints and driveshaft spline

All-purpose lithium-based automotive lubricant

According to requirements

Engine cooling (antifreeze)

High-quality neutral antifreeze based on ethylene glycol

The fluid level in the expansion tank must be between the minimum and maximum marks

Rear axle final drive

Grade GL -5, gear oil 85 W /90 for heavy trucks

Bridge 7T: 5.5 l; 8T bridge; 7 l; bridge 9T 7 l.

Purpose

Recommended oil

Consumption (liters)

Fuel tank

At ambient temperatures from -5 “C and above: summer diesel fuel; at temperatures from -5 °C to -30 °C: winter diesel fuel; at temperatures from -30 °C to -50 °C: arctic diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is selected in accordance with the operating conditions of the engine. The freezing point of diesel fuel must be 10°C below the minimum air temperature.

According to fuel tank volume

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Changing engine oil

Drain the engine oil from the engine crankcase by removing the oil pan drain plug.

To avoid burns, change the oil when the engine is cool. After draining the oil from the crankcase, drain the oil from the oil filter, then replace the drain plug. To refuel, pour the specified type of engine oil (see recommended oils and diesel fuel) into the engine oil filler neck.

Fill the crankcase to the maximum mark on the oil dipstick, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Then stop the engine, recheck the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Changing the oil in the power steering

1. Suspend the front wheels on a jack.

2. Disconnect the oil lines from the steering gear. Drain the oil from the oil tank after opening its cap.

3. Turn the steering wheel left and right and drain the oil from the steering mechanism.

4. Reinstall the oil lines.

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Oil refilling

1. Fill the required hydraulic oil through the reservoir filler hole.

2. Do not allow air to enter the power steering system when adding oil and refilling the reservoir. Constantly check the fluid level, bleed air, and add fluid as needed.

3. Start the engine at idle speed for 3-4 seconds, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and left until the oil level stops falling or until air bubbles disappear. Add oil until the oil level in the tank rises to the mark.

4. Tighten the reservoir cap

Do not wipe the reservoir neck before tightening the cap; foreign particles may enter the lines, contaminating the system and reducing its efficiency.

Extraneous noises when turning the steering wheel indicate air penetration into the hydraulic system. The air needs to be released. Procedure: start the engine and let it run at 1500 rpm, turn the steering wheel in both directions until it stops 2-3 times. If the extraneous noise does not disappear, contact a specialized service station or Foton station. Always check the air level while bleeding.

Model history and purpose

Photon 1099 is considered a relatively young model. However, the car is known in most markets and is in good demand.

The manufacturer of the truck is the Chinese holding BEIQI FOTON MOTOR, which specializes in vehicles of various carrying capacities. This is one of the youngest brands in the Middle Kingdom. The company, headquartered in Beijing, was founded in 1996. It itself belongs to the state. Foton 1099, also known as Auman 1099, is assembled at a factory located in the capital of China. The company is focused on using components and assemblies of other organizations from the Middle Kingdom. The company itself produces only the cabin and frame for the Photon 1099 model; other elements are purchased. Thanks to this, the holding has a large selection in terms of components, due to which the quality of components remains at a high level (the brand simply refuses unscrupulous suppliers).

Foton 1099 is a large family of trucks. This series is based on licenses from Isizu. Also, when creating Auman models, the experience of MAN was used. The numbers in the name of the car, contrary to popular belief, do not carry any information.

The Foton 1099 model was modernized several times, but the changes were minor. At the beginning of 2009, BEIQI FOTON MOTOR began to cooperate with Daimler AG. As a result, elements of joint development appeared in the family. Daimler AG specialists also provide expert and technical support to the partner in the field of competitiveness, which has a positive effect on the quality of Foton 1099 vehicles.

The Chinese truck appeared on the Russian car market in 2006. However, “gray” cars were offered to domestic consumers. Officially, dealers began selling Photon 1099 cars only in 2011. The popularity of the model increased noticeably by 2016 (almost three times), and the dealer network expanded.

Today Foton 1099 is actively purchased by both large companies and private cab drivers. These vehicles are used not only as tractors (the main direction). Manipulators, refrigerators, tow platforms and vans can be mounted on a durable chassis, which expands the range of application of the model (transportation, road work, construction, loading and others).

Photon 1099 is in great demand among Russians due to the following advantages:

availability;
availability of a minimum of technologies for ease of operation and maintenance;
comfortable cabin designed for a driver and 2 passengers;
high-quality materials of the cargo part;
many variations of the car for different purposes;
lack of classic disadvantages present in most Chinese products.

Foton 1099 is a productive truck, close in its parameters to European technology, but costs significantly less.

Carrying out scheduled maintenance of FOTON

Carrying out scheduled maintenance of FOTON
Type of service	TO 1	TO 2	TO 3	TO 4	TO 5	TO 6	TO 7	TO 8	TO 9	TO 10	TO 11
Interval: x 1000 km	2	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
Replace
Engine oil and oil filter (every 6 months) (1)* (3)*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Transmission oil and breather cleaning (once a year). (3)*	*	*	*
Oil in the rear axle, cleaning the breather (once a year). (3)*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Replacement of the generator drive belt, tensioner roller, timing belt (for some models).	*
Air filter element (once a year). (2)*	*	*	*
Clutch and brake fluid (once a year). (3)*	*	*
Lubricating the gear selection mechanism (every six months)	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Power steering fluid (power steering), steering gear (once a year).	*	*
Interval: x 1000 km	2	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
Coolant (every two years)	*	*
Fuel filters (once a year)	*	*	*	*	*	*
Filter drier for pneumatic system	*	*
Lubrication of suspension components, driveshafts, steering column, steering rod joints, steering knuckle pins, wheel bearings, brake levers, clutch and clutch fork shaft (every 6 months) (7)*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Check:
The presence of extraneous noise and knocking in operation: engine, clutch, gearbox, driveshaft, rear gearbox and suspension bearings.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Tightness of seals of components and assemblies	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of fuel lines	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Presence of water in the fuel system sump and draining it	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Turbocharger efficiency	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Thermal clearances of engine valves, adjust (except for Cummins engines)	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition and tension of drive belts, timing belt (for some models)	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Oil level in the gearbox, transfer case, rear axle.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Engine coolant level and density	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Interval: x 1000 km	2	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
Power steering piping system and power steering performance.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Fluid level: in the brake system, clutch, power steering system and steering gear. Leak diagnostics.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of threaded connections of the chassis, suspension, transmission. (4)*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of cabin locks and hinges	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition and efficiency of parking and service brake systems: checking mechanisms, diagnosing the thickness of friction linings, diagnosing the internal diameter of the brake drum and adjusting the gap, the condition of actuators and valves.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Operation and efficiency of the mountain brake.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of brake pipes and hoses.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Free play of the brake and clutch pedals. (1)*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Adjusting wheel alignment angles. (6)*	*	*	*
The operation and condition of the steering, play of the steering wheel and steering rod joints. (5)*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition and play of wheel hub bearings and clearance adjustment.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Interval: x 1000 km	2	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
Cardan shaft: diagnostics and lubrication (crosspieces, splined joints of the cardan and the bearing of the driveshaft suspension support).	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of anthers, protective covers.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
The tightness and efficiency of the cooling system, the presence of leaks, the performance of the elements, the level and density of the coolant.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of suspension elements: springs, shock absorbers, cabin and its lifting mechanism. Tightening the nuts securing the spring ladders of the front and rear suspension. (5)*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Condition of the exhaust system and engine air supply system. Diagnostics for leaks and absence of damage. Cleaning the air filter.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Tire pressure and tread wear (wheel rotation). Wheel studs and nuts - checking the tightening torque.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Electrolyte level and density, sound signal, windshield wiper operation, external lighting and alarm operation; operation of the starter, generator, air heating in the intake manifold, central locking, electrically heated mirrors, interior heating and ventilation systems, air conditioning	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Interval: x 1000 km	2	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
Checking the direction of the headlight beam	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
Work at the diagnostic station
Diagnostics of the internal combustion engine control system, fuel equipment, ABS, SRS.	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Specifications

Photon 1099 meets advanced requirements for reliability and quality.

Overall vehicle dimensions (version BJ1138VJPHG):

length – 7800 mm;
width – 2330 mm;
height – 2600 mm;
wheelbase – 4200 mm;
front wheel track – 1665 mm;
rear wheel track – 1600 mm;
ground clearance - 246 mm.

The dimensions of the BJ1099VEPED modification are somewhat smaller.

Despite its compact size, the car has good performance. The curb weight of the Foton 1099 is 3325 kg, the total weight is 8200 kg. At the same time, the car is quite economical. Without loading, fuel consumption per 100 km is 13 liters. A loaded Photon 1099 consumes about 16 liters of fuel per 100 km. The vehicle's carrying capacity depends on the design. The payload on an empty chassis is 7000 kg, on an equipped vehicle, depending on the cabin modification - 3000-7000 kg.

The turning angle of the model is 18500 mm.

Other characteristics (version BJ1138VJPHG):

maximum speed – 90 km/h;
maximum climbable height – 23%;
fuel tank capacity – 160 l;
wheel and tire size – 20;

Foton 1099: technical specifications

First of all, the old Photon models are distinguished from each other by the engine. Two types of engines were installed on the Photon 1099 at different times:

Perkins – Phaser 135Ti diesel with four cylinders, intercooler and turbocharging (volume – 4 liters, power – 137 hp, torque – 445 N∙m at 1600 rpm);
Isuzu - Japanese licensed diesel engines (132 hp).

Both engines only meet Euro-3 standards (models after 2009). Fuel consumption of the Photon 1099 is 13 liters per 100 km in mixed mode without load - slightly higher consumption for Isuzu engines. The remaining characteristics of Photon 1099 also boast many variations:

More on the topic: Isuzu Elf: reliable Japanese trucks

Load capacity:	The payload of the “clean” chassis is 7 tons, however, depending on the type of cabin, it ranges from 3 to 7 tons;
Dimensions:	7800x2330x2600 mm (length, width, height);
Wheelbase:	4200 mm;
Gross vehicle weight:	11.5 tons (maximum rear axle – 8.25 t, front axle – 3.25 t);
Ground clearance:	246 mm;
Clutch:	Single disc, dry (F330);
Checkpoint:	manual, 6 speed (QLD6T53);
Rotation angle:	18.5;
Brakes:	Double-circuit pneumatics.

The simple, working interior of the first Photons 1099 was not conducive to free time.

The large number of installed bodies and cabs became the starting point for the huge variety of Foton 1099 trucks. The ability to adapt the machine to any needs was and remains one of the main advantages of this model. The all-metal cabin can have one row or one and a half, two or three seats. The number of doors also depends on the modification, but the method of tilting is always the same - forward. The roof is flat. The standard package includes adjustable steering wheel and power steering, seats with shock-absorbing device, wood trim, and a sleeping bag.

Engine

At different times, the Photon 1099 was equipped with different types of power plants: a Perkins engine or an Isuzu diesel engine. The units are not advanced and only meet Euro-3 requirements. Isuzu engines have slightly higher fuel consumption.

Characteristics of the Perkins Phaser 135Ti diesel engine:

working volume – 4 l;
rated power – 101 (137) kW (hp);
maximum torque – 445 Nm;
number of cylinders – 4.

The Perkins Phaser 135Ti unit is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. The diesel engine has air intercooling and water cooling.

No less interesting is the Japanese licensed diesel engine Isuzu. The unit has a long service life and has sufficient power (132 hp).

Device

Photon 1099 offers good operating features. Thus, the level of comfort of the truck is very high, so it can also be used for international transport.

The truck uses a welded steel drive axle beam. It is lightweight and can withstand heavy overload. In appearance, the beam resembles a similar element of domestic GAZ cars.

The model has good visual design. In terms of design, the “Chinese” is not inferior to its European counterparts, and even surpasses many Russian ones. In terms of characteristics, Foton 1099 also looks very good, which is why many companies choose it when replacing outdated vehicles. The truck has a number of undeniable advantages that distinguish the vehicle from its classmates. Among them:

convenient layout of the cargo compartment;
multifunctionality of the model, which can be used for various tasks;
quality technologies. Contrary to the prevailing stereotype, the Chinese assembly of Photon 1099 is very good;
availability of 3 seats and high comfort of movement;
low maintenance costs;
high work resource;
several cabin modifications.

The car is equipped with reliable engines paired with a manual transmission, which optimally reveals the potential of the car.

The drive axle for the Foton 1099 is manufactured by the Chinese company Hefei Automobile Axle Co, which specializes exclusively in axles. The gear ratio for the car's gearbox is 4.33 (for comparison, the GAZ-3310 Valdai has 3.417). At the same time, the Photon 1099 bridge is very high-torque and allows you to quickly drive uphill. True, this will consume a lot of fuel.

There is no power take-off in the vehicle, so the use of the truck is limited to vans and flatbeds. There is a hatch for the power take-off, but it is rarely installed. It is interesting that all the company’s products with a power take-off imported into Russia use PTOs of different models.

One of the advantages of the model is the presence of a differential lock. Starting off on an icy road in winter or pulling off to the side of the road in rainy weather is not scary with the Foton 1099.

Compared to other Chinese dump trucks, the frame is not impressive in terms of layering or height of the side members. The profile height is 190 mm, thickness – 6 mm. Russian GAZs use side members with a height of 210 mm. Car add-ons are produced by Russian manufacturers.

You shouldn't expect fantastic suspension performance from a Chinese product. Moreover, there is no sense of partnership with Daimler here. From the European one, the suspension only fastens the wheels with nuts and flat washers. This allows you to do without the outdated footers used on some Japanese and Chinese medium-duty vehicles. The rear suspension is based on multi-leaf semi-elliptic springs. The front suspension is also able to withstand heavy loads. In this case, the spring pins will have to be lubricated with grease every 4000-5000 km.

The model has drum brakes. The advantages of the system include the presence of a pneumatic drive. The handbrake uses energy accumulators, which makes it much more reliable.

The cabin of the Photon 1099 has standard dimensions for this class. It is distinguished by a large doorway, which, paired with a single step, allows you to climb inside in one movement. The cabin itself is quite wide and is optionally equipped with a berth. The dashboard is made very well and is pleasant to the touch. In terms of quality of finish, Foton 1099 lags significantly behind European products, and the most accurate comparison point is the panel and interior of the restyled GAZelle. The seats in the car are quite comfortable, but their main disadvantage is the weak frame. The cabin can be raised manually without much effort. There is practically no vibration or noise when driving.

Disadvantages of the model:

thin wire in electrical wiring;
connectors are poorly sealed;
clutch is enough for 40,000-50,000 km;
In winter, when there is severe frost, it is quite cold in the cabin, since the stove is rather weak.

However, all these disadvantages are insignificant and, given the low cost of the car, make the Photon 1099 very attractive.

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Foton Auman BJ 1093. Lubricants

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Lubricant viscosity

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Recommended lubricating oil and diesel fuel

Recommended lubricant and diesel fuel

Purpose

Recommended oil	Consumption (liters)
Motor oil for diesel engines	Diesel engine oils: CF-4 or higher grades. The viscosity is indicated in the paragraph “Oil viscosity”. Specialty products, including Eastern Cummins ISDe and XiChai CA4DF3, require CH-4 or higher grades.	For filling quantities, see the service manual for the relevant engine.
Transmission	Gear oil 85W90, performance class GL-4	A121: b l; A130: 7.3 l; DC6J70T: 8 l.
Power steering	Automatic transmission oil ATF III	2.6 l
Clutch reservoir	Synthetic brake fluid DOT 4	Fill as needed until the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Clutch fork, clutch guide, universal joints and steering fork, wheel hub bearings, tie rod joints, spring pins, steering knuckle pins, joints and driveshaft spline	All-purpose lithium-based automotive lubricant	According to requirements
Engine cooling (antifreeze)	High-quality neutral antifreeze based on ethylene glycol	The fluid level in the expansion tank must be between the minimum and maximum marks
Rear axle final drive	Grade GL-5, gear oil 85W/90 for heavy trucks	Bridge 7T: 5.5 l; 8T bridge; 7 l; bridge 9T 7 l.

Purpose	Recommended oil	Consumption (liters)
Fuel tank	At ambient temperatures from -5 “C and above: summer diesel fuel; at temperatures from -5 °C to -30 °C: winter diesel fuel; at temperatures from -30 °C to -50 °C: arctic diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is selected in accordance with the operating conditions of the engine. The freezing point of diesel fuel must be 10°C below the minimum air temperature.	According to fuel tank volume

Lubrication

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Changing engine oil

Drain the engine oil from the engine crankcase by removing the oil pan drain plug.

Fill the crankcase to the maximum mark on the oil dipstick, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Then stop the engine, recheck the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Changing the oil in the power steering

Oil drain

1. Suspend the front wheels on a jack.

2. Disconnect the oil lines from the steering gear. Drain the oil from the oil tank after opening its cap.

3. Turn the steering wheel left and right and drain the oil from the steering mechanism.

4. Reinstall the oil lines.

Foton Auman BJ 1093. Oil refilling

1. Fill the required hydraulic oil through the reservoir filler hole.

2. Do not allow air to enter the power steering system when adding oil and refilling the reservoir. Constantly check the fluid level, bleed air, and add fluid as needed.

4. Tighten the reservoir cap

Do not wipe the reservoir neck before tightening the cap; foreign particles may enter the lines, contaminating the system and reducing its efficiency.

Air release

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Price of new and used Foton 1099

Foton 1099 is one of the most affordable medium-duty trucks on the Russian market. In the basic configuration, price tags for new models start from 780,000 rubles. Cars 3-4 years old can be purchased for 300,000-450,000 rubles. Buyers are not afraid of the high risks associated with wear and tear of the machine, since most of the components are easily replaced. True, some elements have to be ordered from the Middle Kingdom. In this case, the duration and cost of the work will increase slightly.

Analogs

The quality of the Photon 1099 is inferior to European and Japanese cars, which is why the main competitors of the “Chinese” are Russian medium-tonnage vehicles. Among them are the GAZ-3309 and Zilov’s “Bychok”, which have a slightly greater carrying capacity.

During the short period of its existence, a Chinese truck called Photon 1099 managed to gain popularity not only in Asia, but also on the European part of the mainland. First of all, this was influenced by the good combination of quality and cost of this vehicle. It is important to note that the performance of the machine is not ideal, but it is much higher than other models produced by the manufacturer up to this point. A car is produced and put on the sales market under the name Foton Auman.

Design features of the truck

The Foton 1099 truck is distinguished by the fact that it has quite good performance qualities. The manufacturer equipped the car with maximum equipment for limited financial resources to ensure the proper level of comfort.

To obtain the required level of reliability, the truck uses a welded drive axle beam. Despite its small weight, it can withstand significant weight.

Visually, the model looks quite good. The design of a Chinese car is even more thoughtful than many Russian ones. Among the advantages of the truck are the following important factors:

convenient layout of the van, that is, the cargo compartment;
Widely used in various areas of service and cargo transportation;
use of advanced technologies for a Chinese manufacturer;
availability of three seats in the cabin;
increased level of interior comfort;
low cost of care and maintenance of the machine;
a large resource for work;
availability of several types of cabin modifications.

The drive axle used on the vehicle belongs to Hefei. It specializes only in the manufacture of axles. It is worth noting that the gear ratio in the vehicle is 4.33. At the same time, the bridge has quite good traction, allowing you to easily climb even a mountain. However, this significantly increases the consumption of the fuel mixture.

The manufacturer did not equip the car with a power take-off. This is why the truck uses only vans and sides. In this case, there is a power take-off hatch.

The Photon BJ1099 model is equipped with a differential lock. That is why it is quite easy to move off on a rainy hike or in the snow, which is important in the conditions of the Russian Federation.

The truck frame, unlike many other Chinese-made dump trucks, does not have the proper layering and or height of the side members. The thickness is only 6 millimeters, while the height reaches 190 millimeters. Various add-ons for the machine can be purchased in Russia, domestically produced - it is not necessary to order these elements from China.

The brake system on the car uses a drum. One of the advantages of the model is the presence of a pneumatic drive. In order to make the handbrake more reliable, the manufacturer equipped it with energy accumulators. For their full operation, spring pins must be lubricated with grease once every 4-5 thousand kilometers.

Disadvantages of the car

In order to evaluate what a particular car really is, you need to analyze its shortcomings. A truck from China has such unfavorable qualities as:

the presence of thin wires in the electrical network, which leads to their easy mechanical damage;
poor sealing of all car connectors;
short clutch life, about 40-50 thousand kilometers;
low heating power, which leads to the fact that in winter the driver will be quite cold in the cabin in Russian climatic conditions.

Despite the presence of the above disadvantages, the Chinese truck still has due popularity due to the fact that its cost in comparison with the price of many other trucks is extremely small.

Photon 1099 vs Gazelle Next: who wins?

Chinese-made trucks have recently become increasingly in demand. The main reason for this phenomenon is the relatively low price and good quality. And the Foton 1099 is considered one of the most popular vehicles with medium payload. Let’s look at why it is so attractive to domestic drivers.

Brief overview of the car

The appearance of modern models is reminiscent of European Mercedes Atego trucks. The main advantage is the reinforced wheelbase (420 cm). The cabin is equipped with large side rear-view mirrors.
Salon. The width of Foton is 2.33 m, which provides comfortable seating for 3 people. The doorway is large enough and there is also one step, making it easy to get into the cabin. There is a sleeping place inside, which is important for long-distance trips. The advantage of the chairs is their comfort, but the disadvantage is their weak frame. Drivers note the ease of raising the cab without special tools, the absence of noise and vibrations while driving. Motorists were somewhat disappointed by the stove - its power is not enough for high-quality heating, which is why additional insulation of the cabin is required.
Specifications. To fully understand the situation, we suggest considering the car in comparison with its closest competitor in the segment – GAZelle Next. To make analysis more convenient, the data is presented in table form.

Options	Foton 1099	GAZelle Next
Engine volume and power (in liters and hp, respectively)	4; 137	2,7; 107
Maximum speed, km/h	90	134
Load capacity	Up to 7 tons (however, experienced drivers claim that this figure does not exceed 5900 kg)	Up to 1500 kg
Ground clearance, cm	24,6	17
Fuel consumption (l/100 km)	13-16 (depending on load)	8.5-10.5 (depending on driving mode)
Price	Approximately 700 thousand rubles	About 1 million rubles

As can be seen from the table, in terms of technical parameters, GAZelle is a leader only in terms of fuel consumption and maximum speed. The remaining indicators demonstrate the advantage of Foton.

Patency. The car is designed for long trips on different roads. Drivers note that there are no problems with driving on ice. It’s just as easy to pull over to the side of the road washed out by the rain. Excellent maneuverability at high speed on the highway, good handling on a winding road in tandem with high ground clearance indicate the car’s suitability for domestic highways.
Maintainability. Most car owners are wondering whether it is possible to repair the “iron horse” themselves. It’s worth mentioning right away that the best solution would be to trust a mechanic at a service station, unless you are a professional in this field. Most often, problems for the “Chinese” occur with:

Engine (cannot withstand the harsh Russian cold);
Fine filter (passes air);
Starter;
Wiring (poor fastening, heated mirrors fail);
Suspension;
Clutch (replacement is necessary after 40-50 thousand kilometers).

Foton service cost

Car owners say that the cost of original spare parts for the Photon 1099 is high, and therefore they recommend replacing the parts with analogues from other models. For example, you can install crosspieces and oil filters from ZIL, water separators from Scania, fuel filters from MAN, and a fine filter from KamAZ. Another argument in favor of replacing it with an analogue is that the waiting period for delivery from the Middle Kingdom is too long. However, if the steering ends break, you will have to purchase original products.

Let's sum it up

The most significant advantages of Foton 1099 are considered to be low price and high quality workmanship. Compared to previous models, the assembly and configuration of the Photon has been significantly improved, and the shortcomings can be easily eliminated. This car is actively used by various companies and enterprises for commercial purposes, as it is easy to maintain, unpretentious in repair, multifunctional and little dependent on the conditions of use. It is for these reasons that the number of Chinese-made cars on domestic roads is constantly growing.

Based on materials from the online store of spare parts for Chinese cars hot-parts.ru