3 days ago
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Foton re-enters Australia’s ute market after a six-year absence with a new Tunland dual-cab, promising big size at a small price.
Chinese light-commercial vehicle specialist, Foton, is set to rejoin the competitive Australian dual-cab market with a new-generation Tunland.
The new Tunland arrives after Foton’s first attempt to crack the Australian ute market came to an end in 2019 after only three years on sale.
The new-generation Tunland arrives with two distinct styling packages and look-alike front-end styling that borrows heavily from the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Despite the distinct design up front, both share the same sheet metal from the B-pillar back, and both retain the same key dimensions with minor differences in width and height owing to minor styling additions.
The Foton Tunland V7-C will be available with 4x2 and 4x4 models, priced from $39,990 and 42,990 before on-road costs, respectively.
The better-equipped Tunland V9-L and V9-S models are 4x4-only, with upgraded off-road hardware and pricing that tops out at $49,990 plus on-road costs.
All Tunland variants are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine co-developed by Cummins and Foton, equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
Power is rated at 120kW @ 3600rpm and 450Nm from 1500-2500rpm. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is standard across the range.
Foton has positioned the new Tunland between the size of regular dual-cabs, like the Ford Ranger and big American pick-ups.
All variants of the Tunland measure 5617mm front to rear, and ride on a 3355mm wheelbase. 247mm longer overall, with an 85mm longer wheelbase than a Ford Ranger, but 299mm shorter than a Ram 1500, with a 317mm shorter wheelbase.
Foton’s in-between sizing lines up with that of the GWM Cannon Alpha, LDV Terron 9, and MG U9 in what appears to be an emerging subsegment for Chinese utes.
Pricing for the Foton range undercuts those fellow Chinese competitors, but engine outputs also trail those models.
The Tunland range features hallmark figures that match other utes in the segment, with a 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, and a 1089kg payload for the Tunland V7-C 4x2, 1024kg for the V7-C 4x4, and 995kg for the V9-L and V9-S.
Mechanical differences between the V7 and V9 models see the V7 fitted with a leaf spring rigid rear axle, while the V9s switch to a coil spring multi-link rigid axle.
The V7-C 4x4 and V9-L are equipped with a rear differential lock, while the V9-S adds a front differential lock.
All models share the same underbody measurements with 240mm of ground clearance, a 700mm wading depth, 28-degree approach angle, 21-degree breakover angle, and 26-degree departure angle.
Tub dimensions measure 1577mm long, 1650mm wide, with 1240mm between the arches, and 530mm deep.
Those dimensions make the Tunland tub spacious enough to carry a standard Australian pallet between the rear wheels.
Foton is launching the Tunland range with a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
The Tunland V7-C range enters as a fleet-focused model for Australia, but still includes a 14.6-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, LED head and tail-lights, single-zone air conditioning, manually adjusted front seats, four-speaker audio, and a spray-in tub liner.
The Tunland V7-C switches highway terrain tyres for all-terrains and adds a low-range transfer case and part-time 4x4 system, plus sand/mud/snow driving modes on top of the eco/standard/sport modes of the 4x2.
Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning and lane centring, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with door open warning, and rear cross traffic alert are also standard.
The Tunland V9-L adds dual-zone climate control, six-speaker audio, 18-inch ‘premium’ alloy wheels, wheel arch mouldings, a rear sports bar, lockable tray, heated mirrors with power folding, 220-volt power outlet, heated front seats with electric adjustment, an auto-dimming mirror, and more.
The range-topping Tunland V9-S includes a panoramic sunroof, auto up/down windows on all doors, front seat ventilation, seat and mirror memory, second-row seat heating, roof rails, rear privacy glass, and a driver monitoring system with distraction and fatigue alerts.
Flare White paint is included in the vehicle price, but Galaxy Silver, Titanium Grey, Phantom Black, Fire Red, Diamond Blue, Lightning Purple, or Aurora Green are a $690 option.
Distribution for the Foton ute range will be handled by Inchcape Australasia, the same importer who handles Subaru, Peugeot, and Deepal in Australia.
2025 Foton Tunland price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2025 Foton Tunland V7-C 4x2 standard features
2025 Foton Tunland V7-C 4x4 adds (over V7-C 4x2)
2025 Foton Tunland V9-L 4x4 adds (over V7-C 4x4)
2025 Foton Tunland V9-S 4x4 adds (over V9-L 4x4)
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
