FAW Tiger VR

Engine and gearbox

The FAW Tiger VR has a Weichai WP2.3NQ110E20 diesel engine. This 2,300cc four-cylinder unit has 16 valves, common-rail injection, a turbocharger with intercooler and SCR, and meets Euro II. FAW quotes 110 hp at 3,200 rpm and 280 Nm between 1,400 and 2,400 rpm. Drive goes to the rear wheels through a WLY MG85 five-speed manual gearbox. FAW lists a top speed of 113 km/h, a gradeability of 35%, and fuel consumption of 10.8 litres per 100 km (about 9.3 km per litre), with the note that conditions apply.

Size and practicality

The Tiger VR is 5,205 mm long, 1,891 mm wide and 2,640 mm tall, on a 2,800 mm wheelbase with 215 mm of ground clearance. FAW advertises a 12-foot deck, and the spec sheet gives a deck length of 3,700 mm. Gross vehicle weight is 5,100 kg, kerb weight 1,860 kg and maximum payload 3,000 kg. The fuel tank holds 80 litres. The truck runs on 6.50 R16 radial tyres (six plus a spare) with twin rear wheels, three parabolic leaf springs at the front and a 7+3 leaf spring at the rear. The single cab seats two, and the minimum steering diameter is 11.6 metres. FAW’s spec sheet shows the chassis as a base for bodies such as refrigerated vans, curtain-siders, tippers and garbage compactors.

Equipment

Brakes are hydraulic drums with ABS, and the parking brake is a central drum type. Steering is a recirculating-ball type with hydraulic power assistance. Inside, the cab has a radio with USB and two speakers, a 12V 100Ah battery, and manual doors and windows. Air conditioning is optional. The body has ED (electro-deposition) paint, and white is the only colour shown. One version is listed.

Warranty

FAW’s Pakistani website does not publish the warranty for the Tiger VR, so ask the dealer for the terms in writing.

Which variant to buy

Only one version is offered, so the main decision is about the body you build on the chassis and whether to add the optional air conditioning. In our view, the Tiger VR fits urban distribution work where a mini truck is too small but a 7-ton truck is more than you need, and its hydraulic brakes and car-like 2.3-litre engine should make it easy for drivers moving up from pickups. Because FAW does not publish a price, we suggest getting written quotes from more than one dealer, including freight and body-building costs.