The Foton Tunland V7 is one mammoth of a pickup truck–in tux
Just imagine Hollywood action super star Dwayne Johnson–all 6’5” and 260-pound muscle–in a tuxedo. Just to be fair, he’s not always rough and tough in all his movies. He’s had a few where he would portray some swag–yet with a little bit of chic and finesse, like that in flicks Get Smart, and more recently Netflix’s Red Notice, alongside sexy heroine, Gal Gadot.
Now, if this behemoth of a man were a vehicle, I’d instantly picture him as a massive and robust pickup truck–like the recent one I took for a spin for a few days–the all-new Foton Tunland V7. And why a monkey suit, you might ask? Well, this brute may be a mammoth among local pickups–but it’s one dapper of a machine as it snazzily looks and behaves like one.
First off, this purple-colored pickup which United Asia Automotive Group Inc. heartily lent comes from the newest line of Foton pickup trucks from Beijing, China. Notably, it boasts a number of technological achievements. For one, it is Foton’s first-ever product to feature a hybrid power system, as it packs a power peak torque of up to 450 Nm, yet achieves a 10-percent reduction in fuel consumption through auto start-stop, energy recovery systems and an ultra-high-pressure combustion system, while having a maximum thermal efficiency of 50 percent. In fact, as per research, the Foton’s DHT Hybrid Power System, electric and extended-range electric systems, with a maximum battery capacity of 100KWh can achieve a total driving range of up to 900 km.
Take note–however–only the mild-hybrid version is being offered in our own local market. Still, not bad as this particular Tunland V7 packs a solid 2.0-liter Aucan turbo-diesel engine, mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system that churns out 162 hp and a hefty 450 N-m of torque.
This titan measures 5,541mm long, 2,030mm wide, and 1,905mm tall. It likewise sports a generous 3,355-mm wheelbase, a ground clearance of 240mm, and a curb weight of 2,200 kg. Despite its towering heft, however, this brute is versatile and behaves smoothly on the road. This particular 4×4 variant is built on a ladder-frame chassis, giving it a rigid body and high cargo carrying capacity, which, in turn, may be sturdy for loading heavy equipment. But mind you, it rides like a car and its seeming ‘lightness’ is even felt every time you turn the wheel or turn that corner. All thanks to its double wishbone suspension up front paired with leaf springs at the back. While providing stopping power are its disc brakes on all four 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/70 series tires.
It’s particularly bannered by a colossal grille upfront paired with LED headlamps, resembling other Western pickup giants. These are then complemented by all the intricacies that make its size and muscular profile on the outside.
Inside, its cavernous cabin is adorned by the premium feel of its luxurious leather upholstery. One can even be stupefied by the intricate styling and stitches that abound inside. Likewise, it offers automatic climate control, a large 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which all come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Carbit connectivity functionalities.
For the rest, it may be packed with a number of striking bells and whistles, but one may be quirky about some odd run off the mill pieces in some parts, like a spongy accelerator pedal, or a pliable door handle. Yet, nonetheless, its idiosyncrasies may all well be forgiving to the untrained eye.
What’s noteworthy about the vehicle is its diesel hybrid technology–which is a rarity among pickup trucks in its local segment today. In fact, for the several days I was with it, I was surprised, or perhaps even awed by its frugality. For its 75-liter fuel tank capacity, the only time the fuel warning light said “hello” was when I was nearing the 700-kilometer mark during the whole distance that I traveled since Day One of the lend out. Amazing.
In a nutshell, if you don’t have a problem with parking, this king-sized Hercules can surprisingly be a swashbuckling debonair on wheels–and it’s a good thing as opposed to all the brutish testosterone-filled pack of wolves out there; thus, making it a true standout on its own. This can leave the much-celebrated Scorpion King actor uttering his famous words in his usual renowned strong and husky voice: “I love driving the cool cars, but there is nothing like driving a pickup truck.”
The Foton Tunland Diesel Hybrid is making its way to popular malls in the country via the Tunland On Tour Roadshow Series kicking off with a mall display from Wednesday, October 3 to Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia, Main Mall Atrium. Exclusive merchandise and exciting deals await those who reserve their units during the mall display.
