Plans for the sale of Foton’s Tunland ute in New Zealand are underway, with New World Motors confirming they have secured the distributorship and are seeking expressions of interest for franchises.
While pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Tunland will come well specified and priced closer to traditional Japanese offerings than it’s other Chinese contemporaries.
Two models have been confirmed – a 2WD and 4WD. While these will be visually identical on the exterior, final interior trim spec is not quite here, yet.
A quick once over by DieselTalk established interior quality was good, with solid switch gear and no pre-pro rattles. The ute is certainly a good looker with strong presence with size approaching that of Ford’s Ranger.
Power will come via a 2.8l 4-cylinder Cummins turbo diesel, outputting 120kw@3600 and 360Nm between 1800-3000rpm and mated to a 5 speed Getrag box.
NWM say they are working closely with operations in Australia and South Africa to confirm final interior equipment levels.
A four-star crash test rating is expected and NWM say this – as well as high quality componentry and specification – will do much to dispel the stigma towards Chinese vehicles.
DieselTalk will be taking a closer look at the Tunland in the future as more information is confirmed.
