Registrations of curiosity at the moment are open for the hulking new Foton Tunland V7 and V9 dual-cab 4×4 utes, which made their Australian debut in Melbourne on the weekend.
Nonetheless, they’ll arrive later than beforehand suggested, with their launch now due within the third quarter of this yr (July-September).
Australian Foton distributer Inchcape, which additionally imports Subaru, Peugeot and Deepal automobiles Down Below, beforehand stated each giant electrified pickups would go on sale right here within the first half of this yr.
No new native details about both new ute has been revealed, however Foton says those that register by way of the Fotonaustralia.com.au web site will obtain early updates, launch particulars, and unique information on the V7 and V9.
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“The brand new Tunland is the place Foton exhibits its power,” stated Foton Australia basic supervisor Glen Cooper.
“Foton have taken every part they find out about constructing hard-working vans and packed it right into a ute that’s constructed for a way Australians dwell, work and discover. Backed by Inchcape’s customer-centricity and nationwide distribution power, Tunland is ready to make severe impression – daring, succesful, and constructed to ship.”
The Foton Tunland hasn’t been bought in Australia since 2019, when the unique mannequin was discontinued as a consequence of emissions rules.
The primary-generation Tunland was first imported right here in 2011 by Gold Coast-based FAA Automotive, earlier than distribution was taken over Ateco Automotive after which a factory-backed operation.
Foton Australia now says each new Tunland V-series utes are “able to shake up the native ute scene” by providing “extra power, extra functionality, extra presence”.
“Whether or not it’s heavy towing, off-road exploring, or weekday work, Tunland delivers,” says the corporate.
Full native specs and pricing gained’t be accessible till nearer to launch, however Foton Australia has confirmed the second-generation Tunland vary shall be accessible in two variants.
The 2 new dual-cabs are the identical underneath the pores and skin, however they characteristic totally different exterior designs. The Tunland V7 is paying homage to a Ford F-150, whereas the Tunland V9 seems extra like a Ram 1500.
Each of them shall be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine backed by a 48V mild-hybrid system, each will provide the benchmark 3500kg braked towing capability, and each shall be accessible with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, the latter within the type of a BorgWarner selectable digital 4WD system.
Nonetheless, whereas Foton describes the Tunland V7 as a sensible, sturdy and no-nonsense workhorse due to its conventional leaf-sprung rear-end, it says the Tunland V7 “dials it up with coil-spring rear suspension for SUV-like consolation – the proper mix of brawn and refinement”.
In different right-hand drive markets the place the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 are bought, akin to South Africa, the 2 utes produce 120kW of energy and 450Nm of torque (over 1800-2600rpm), and are available commonplace with an eight-speed ZF 8HP50 computerized transmission.
Inchcape has described the 2 Tunlands as full-size utes, however their dimensions place them between the Ford Ranger (which rides on a 3270mm wheelbase and measures 5225mm lengthy) and the massive F-150 (3694/5884mm).
Each new Tunland fashions share the identical 3355mm wheelbase, circa-5540mm total size and 1905mm top.
Inside their tubs, there’s 1560mm of size, 1650mm of width and a top of 530mm, bigger even than the dual-cab 4×4 Ranger XL’s (1547/1584/529mm).
Customary specs in South Africa embrace 18-inch wheels with 265/70 all-terrain tyres, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.6-inch infotainment display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, sports activities seats with heating, air flow and 12-way energy adjustment for the driving force, plus computerized local weather management.
Customary security gear contains not less than six airbags and ‘Degree 2.5’ autonomous driving aids.
Lengthy-wheelbase variations of the V7 and V9 are provided in China, the place they put on Mars as an alternative of Tunland badging, measuring at least 3505mm between the axles and a few 5797mm lengthy.
The Chinese language-market Tunlands are powered by petrol engines able to producing as much as 284kW, whereas a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is reportedly underneath improvement.
When Inchcape introduced it might import Foton utes right here final July, it stated it might provide combustion-powered engines in addition to electrified choices, suggesting it may launch hybrid and even all-electric drivetrains down the monitor.
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