2019 Foton View CS2 Reviews

2025 was certainly the year of the new car brand coming to Australia.

Foton is on the comeback trail in Australia, but what comes next won’t be an SUV or a larger and more-powerful ute. Instead, the Chinese brand has at least one new value-focused van under consideration, as it seeks to cement its reputation as a provider of no-nonsense commercial vehicles in this country.

The Foton Tunland V9-S 4x4 is the flagship version of the Chinese ute range, starting from $49,990 before on-road costs.With the S standing for ‘Supreme’, it keeps the Ram 1500-aping styling, but scores extra features like vented and heated as well as powered front seats with driver’s side memory, heated outboard seats, a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, a front diff lock, roof rails and more.These build on the V9-L’s dual-zone climate control, heated/folding mirrors, extra USB ports, wireless charger, premium audio, wheel-arch extension cladding, side steps, sports bar, vehicle-to-load power socket, high-and-low ratio gearing, a rear differential lock, all-terrain tyres, off-road driving modes and lockable tray, as well as the entry-level V7-C’s 12.3-inch electronic instrumentation display, 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera with transparent-road-below views, a dash cam, front/rear parking sensors and advanced driver-assist systems including auto emergency braking (AEB).But still no digital radio at this stage.Still, the Tunland V9-S has extra size on its side compared to mid-size utes like the Isuzu D-Max, with considerably more space inside as well as a larger tray. And, like the V9-L, the V9-S swaps out the V7-C’s leaf spring rear suspension for a coil-sprung multi-link design. Payload is 995kg.Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, just like the other Tunland grades. It delivers 120kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1500-2400rpm, and features a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. About 11 seconds is required in the 0-100km/h sprint, while maximum speed is 160km/h.Finally, the official combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is 8.0 litres per 100km, for a carbon dioxide rating of 211g/km. Expect nearly 940km from the 75-litre diesel tank.

The Foton Tunland V9-L 4x4, which starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, is the mid-grade version of the Chinese medium-sized ute, with the L standing for “Luxury”.You can spot the difference between the Tunland V7 and V9 models very easily. Up front, the V9-L and flagship V9-S have horizontal styling themes for the LED lighting that is very similar to the Ram 1500. In contrast, the entry-level and fleet-focused V7-C has a Ford F-150-esque nose cone.Both looks are not only homages to the American full-sized trucks, they inform the up-sized dimensions of the Tunland, meaning they sit half-way between, say, a Toyota HiLux and Toyota Tundra. And all for similar money or less than the established utes.Being a more-lifestyle orientated pick-up, the Tunland V9-L ditches the V7-C’s leaf spring rear suspension for a coil-sprung multi-link design, in the pursuit of greater comfort and dynamic control.Consequently, payload slips to 995kg.Being a luxury proposition, the V9-L gains wheel-arch extension cladding, side steps, a sports bar, vehicle-to-load power socket, heated and powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, heated/folding mirrors, extra USB ports, additional speakers and a wireless charger. Four-wheel drive is also standard, along with high-and-low ratio gearing, a rear differential lock, all-terrain tyres and various off-road driving modes.These come on top of the V7-C’s 12.3-inch electronic instrumentation display, 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera with transparent-road-down-below views, a dash cam, front/rear parking sensors and ADAS advanced driver-assist systems including AEB.However, the V9-L does not gain any more performance, meaning it retains the lesser version’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit.Pumping out 120kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1500-2400rpm, drive is sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100km/h sprint-time is under 11 seconds, and top speed is 160km/h.Finally, the Tunland V9-L’s official combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is 8.0 litres per 100km, for a carbon dioxide rating of 211g/km. Over 935km of range is possible between refills of the 75-litre tank as a result.

The Foton Tunland V7-C is the entry-level version of the Chinese mid-sized ute.Kicking off from $39,990 before on-road costs for the 4x2 version and $42,990 before on-road costs for the 4x4, this is the workhorse model aimed at fleet buyers and such, with the C standing for 'Core'.As a result, along with double-wishbone front suspension, the rear suspension comprises of leaf springs for superior carrying and towing capacities. To that end, the V7-C’s payload is 1115kg in the 4x2 and 1050kg in the heavier 4x4.The V7-C is also the only Tunland with the stacked LED lighting treatment that is very reminiscent of the Ford F-150 pick-up truck.Speaking of which, dimensionally the Tunland sits somewhere between a mid-sized ute like the Ford Ranger and full-sized ute like the F-150.Standard kit includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera with transparent-road-below views, a dash cam, front/rear parking sensors and auto emergency braking (AEB) as part of a range of advanced driver-assist systems. But there’s no lockable tailgate for now, or a digital radio.The V7-C 4x4 adds high-and-low ratio gearing, a rear differential lock, all-terrain tyres and various off-road driving modes.For now, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit is the only engine choice on offer across the Tunland range, sending drive via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.Power is rated at 120kW at 3600rpm and torque at 450Nm between 1500-2400rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint-time is under 11 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.The 4x4’s 4WD system, by the way, consists of 2WD-High, 4WD-High and 4WD-Low settings, a mechanical rear diff lock and several off-road modes, but also has a 4A Auto setting.Finally, the Tunland V7-C’s official combined fuel consumption figure is 8.0 litres per 100km (for a carbon dioxide rating of 211g/km). Brimming the 75-litre tank with diesel can mean over 930km between refills is possible.

One of 2025's biggest surprises is how much better the 2026 Foton Tunland is than expected. Aimed at the GWM Cannon and Isuzu D-Max at the lower-end of the mid-sized ute market, the Chinese dual-cab ups the ante by being almost a half-size larger, yet is no more expensive. Good steering, a pleasant cabin and refined mechanicals are bonuses. There are some issues, but this is a pleasing effort.

New Chinese utes have arrived and they are more than $20,000 cheaper than top-end HiLux and Ranger models.The Foton Tunland range kicks off at $39,990 (before on-road costs) for the Tunland V7 two-wheel drive variant and tops out at $49,990 for the full-fruit Tunland V9 S four-wheel drive.That entry point is similar to the petrol-powered Toyota HiLux Workmate two-wheel drive, but it is about $10,000 cheaper than the most affordable two-wheel drive HiLux and Ranger with turbo-diesel grunt.Foton has now opened the order books for the Tunland line-up before deliveries commence later this month. They will initially be available in a select number of dealers in capital cities and major regional towns before the network expands later this year.Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance that makes 120kW and 450kW, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.Those numbers are down on the competition but all Tunlands can tow 3500kg and have a payload of between 995kg and 1089kg, depending on the variant.All variants have 240mm of ground clearance and 28 and 26 degree approach and departure angles, respectively. Wading depth is 700mm.The V7 is pitched more towards tradies with a payload of more than 1000kg and rear leaf suspension, so think more HiLux Workmate or SR spec.The V9 is more lifestyle-focused, in a similar vein to a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, with a more luxurious cabin and advanced multi-link rear suspension. Foton General Manager Glen Cooper said the Tunland has been tested and tuned for Australian conditions.“The all-new Tunland offers something truly unique – the space and toughness of a larger workhorse, paired with the comfort and driveability of a modern SUV, all without a premium price tag,” said Cooper.Foton is backing the Tunland with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

Chinese carmakers aren’t just winning over Aussies with affordable electric SUVs, the same manufacturers have quickly established themselves as serious competitors in the popular ute segment that's dominated by the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Just this year we’ve seen a stack of new Chinese utes models arrive in Australia to join some already well-established players. So, here’s the ultimate list of Chinese utes in Australia to help you keep up to date with what’s on the ground now and those expected to arrive soon.BYD has taken Australia by storm with its affordable electric cars, but wading into the treacherous and competitive waters of the ute segment inhabited by the likes of Toyota’s HiLux and Ford’s Ranger was brave. BYD, however, didn’t just wade in, it backstroked in during late last year and stole a sizable chunk of the market with the Shark 6 becoming the fourth best-selling 4x4 ute on the market so far in 2025.The Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid that uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 321kW and 650Nm. Braked towing capacity is 2500kg.The GWM Cannon is the most established Chinese ute in Australia and is popular for its combination of good looks and good value.The Cannon dual-cab has a 2.4 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit making 135kW and 480Nm. Braked capacity is 3500kg.JAC’s T9 arrived in Australia in late 2024 and there are currently two grades on sale - the Oasis and the Haven. Powering the T9 is a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine making 120kW and 410Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Braked towing capacity is 3200kg.LDV’s Terron 9 is the latest member of the brand’s growing ute family. Larger in every way than the T60 both in dimensions and grunt.Powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four cylinder making 163kW and 520Nm, the Terron 9 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.An eTerron 9 electric version could also be arriving in Australia soon. The LDV T60 is the smaller stablemate of the Terron 9 and is powered by a 160kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, mated to an-eight speed automatic, with a six-speed manual gearbox also available. LDV upgraded the T60 in 2025 and this T60 Max, as it's called now, has a higher braked towing capacity of 3500kg.The new Foton Tunland arrived late in 2025 a very different vehicle to the one we used to know with strikingly handsome exterior and lavish looking cabin.All variants have a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, with outputs of 120kW and 450Nm.Chery has confirmed that it will bring a plug-in hybrid ute to Australia to compete against BYD’s Shark 6 in 2026 and the Rely P3X could be it.Rely is one of the many brands owned by Chery, along with Omoda and Jaecoo which are already in Australia. Rely showed off the P3X recently at the Chengdu motor show and it's very likely one or both of these will be vehicles to be picked and arrive wearing a Chery badge.The P3X appears to have all the ingredients to make it a tough rival to the BYD Shark 6 with its ladder frame chassis and 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with dual electric motors.MG’s U9 arrives right about now and could be a game changer, even if it’s based on a ute that’s already here - the LDV Terron 9.MG’s bosses say that the U9 will come with a choice of diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, and that variety, along with its good looks and expected affordable price point, will make it a big market disrupter. A 3500kg braked towing capacity is confirmed as well - possibly only on the diesel.Unlike all the other utes here the Geely Riddara doesn’t sit on a ladder frame and is far more car-like and lifestyle focused than a work truck.Still, there’s definitely a market for a small and comfortable little ute like the Riddara RD6, which is likely to come to Australia with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.When it does come isn’t certain, with Geely appearing to concentrate more on growing its passenger car line-up first.

Another Chinese ute has arrived to put pressure on the Australian dual-cab ute establishment with a low price and plenty of gear. Foton has just revealed Australia prices and specifications for its new Tunland ute range.

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day.