FOTON Tunland Utes Arrive: Just Right For Aussies Now
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FOTON has quietly sidled back into the Australian passenger vehicle market with the new TUNLAND utes, and they have a simple proposition. These are not giant, lumbering behemoths nor are they dainty city toys. They occupy that rare middle ground where capability meets common sense – the Goldilocks zone of utes. Think real-world usefulness, decent comfort, and a price that does not make you wince.
Range And Pricing
The line-up is straightforward: two model families, V7 and V9, each with two grades. The entry V7-C 4×2 kicks off at a tempting $39,990 and aims at fleets and tradies who want a no-nonsense workhorse. The V7-C 4×4 adds part-time four-wheel drive and a rear diff lock for a modest premium. Step up to the V9-L and V9-S and you get multi-link rear suspension, extra comfort and technology, and a more polished look, with the flagship V9-S topping the range around $49,990. Across the board the twin themes are durability for the job and enough refinement for weekends away.
Powertrain And Performance
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre Aucan turbo-diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic. Together they deliver roughly 120 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for everyday overtakes, loaded runs, and towing. All variants are rated to tow up to 3,500 kg braked, while payloads range from about 995 kg on the V9s up to around 1,115 kg on the V7-C 4×2. The mild-hybrid system helps with low-end torque and fuel efficiency, while the ZF gearbox keeps shifts smooth and purposeful.
Design And Model Differences
At a glance the TUNLAND looks like a ute should: muscular shoulders, flared arches and a confident stance. The V7 leans into a squared, industrial aesthetic with a more upright grille and function-first details. The V9 adopts a broader, sculpted grille and cleaner detailing to push it into lifestyle territory. Both share the same overall length and wheelbase, but the V9 is a touch wider and taller, giving it a more imposing presence. There are eight paint choices, with a handful of metallic colours available as options.
Interior And Comfort
Cabin tech reads like a modern checklist: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment display are standard, with wireless phone mirroring and voice activation. Crucially, physical buttons remain for the basics, so you will not be fiddling with menus while reversing a trailer. The V9s elevate comfort with dual-zone climate, heated and ventilated seats, and power adjustments. Leather-like trim is standard across the range, with an optional warmer finish for those who want it. Rear legroom is generous and the wide body means occupants do not feel squeezed on longer trips.
Safety And Driver Assistance
FOTON has equipped the TUNLAND with a comprehensive suite of active safety systems. Expect Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a panoramic 360-degree camera. The top-spec V9-S adds driver monitoring with fatigue and distraction alerts, plus facial recognition and memory settings. There is also an integrated dash-cam for continuous recording, which will please fleet managers and careful drivers alike.
Chassis, Suspension And Dynamics
The TUNLAND rides on a ladder-frame chassis, a sensible choice for a vehicle that must earn its keep. Up front is a double-wishbone layout; at the rear the V7 uses a leaf-spring rigid axle for load-lugging resilience, while the V9 switches to a multi-link coil setup for SUV-like comfort and better on-road manners. Steering offers selectable assistance modes and the engineers have worked to suppress noise, vibration and harshness, producing a cabin that feels calmer than its brief might suggest.
Braking, Towing And Practicality
Braking is handled by ventilated discs and an array of electronic aids including ABS, EBD and vehicle stability control. The tray measures roughly 1,577 mm long by 1,650 mm wide, with 1,240 mm between the wheel arches, making it capable of taking a standard pallet. Ground clearance sits at about 240 mm, wading depth is rated at 700 mm, and approach and departure angles are generous enough for real off-road work. Towing and payload figures place the TUNLAND firmly among competent midsize utes.
Warranty, Servicing And Ownership
Ownership peace of mind is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty with seven years of service-activated roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. FOTON is building a national retail and service network to support customers, so parts and maintenance should be local and straightforward.
Verdict
The TUNLAND arrives offering a sensible blend of utility, modern technology and cabin comfort at sharp price points. It is not trying to be the flashiest or the most luxurious ute on the market. Instead it stakes its claim on durability, towing ability and a cabin that will not make you regret long hours behind the wheel. For buyers who want a practical, well-equipped ute without paying through the nose for a badge, the TUNLAND sits neatly in that Goldilocks space.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
