Foton Tunland V7 & V9 Set for Malaysia Debut – Hybrid Diesel Pick-Up Power Enters the Game
The Malaysian pick-up truck segment is about to welcome a new contender, and this one comes with a twist. The upcoming arrival of the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 signals not just another entry into the competitive lifestyle truck market, but potentially a segment-first: mild-hybrid turbodiesel technology.
Scheduled to launch next month, the Tunland V Series aims to shake up expectations by combining rugged capability with improved efficiency and modern driver assistance systems.
A New Chapter for Foton in Malaysia
For those who remember, the Tunland name isn’t entirely new. It previously surfaced in Malaysia over a decade ago under a different identity. Now, it returns in a much more advanced form.
The models will be brought in by Handal BCM, who has secured rights for both importation and local assembly. The first units will arrive as fully imported (CBU) models in mid-May, with local assembly (CKD) set to begin in Johor by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Pricing and Positioning
Estimated pricing places the Tunland V7 at around RM128,888, while the more premium V9 is expected to come in at RM148,888. Both variants will be backed by a competitive seven-year or 200,000 km warranty, a strong value proposition for buyers in this segment.
Mild-Hybrid Diesel: A First for Malaysia?
At the heart of both models is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup delivers 163 PS and 450 Nm of torque, mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
The inclusion of mild-hybrid technology is particularly notable, as it could make the Tunland V7 and V9 the first hybrid diesel pick-up trucks available in Malaysia.
Fuel consumption is claimed to range between 8.0 to 10.0 litres per 100 km, offering a potential driving range of up to 950 km on a full tank, an appealing figure for both urban users and long-distance travellers.
Built for Work and Lifestyle
Capability remains a key focus. Both variants boast:
- 3.5-tonne towing capacity
- One-tonne payload
- Largest cargo tray in its class (claimed)
With dimensions measuring over 5.6 metres in length and a ground clearance of 240 mm, the Tunland V Series is clearly designed to handle both worksite duties and weekend adventures.
Comfort vs Utility: V7 vs V9
The difference between the two models lies largely in their rear suspension setup:
- Tunland V7: Leaf spring (traditional, load-focused)
- Tunland V9: Multi-link coil spring (enhanced comfort and stability)
Both ride on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, ensuring versatility across different driving conditions.
Advanced Safety Comes Standard
Foton is also bringing a strong safety package to the table. Both models are expected to feature Level 2+ ADAS and a 360-degree camera system.
Standard features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
The V9 takes things further with:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist & lane centring
- Traffic sign recognition
- Traffic jam assist
A Serious New Contender?
With hybrid diesel technology, competitive pricing, and a comprehensive feature list, the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 could disrupt the current pick-up hierarchy in Malaysia.
As the segment continues to evolve beyond pure workhorses into lifestyle-oriented machines, Foton’s latest offering might just arrive at the right time and with the right formula.
All eyes now turn to its official launch next month
