Foton Jamaica launched its newest model, the Tunland V9 full-sized pickup, on Saturday, January 24, at the Oxford Road showroom.

“The Tunland V9 is an excellent addition to our model line-up, and we’re super excited to have it here in Jamaica,” Jhanelle Wagstaffe, senior sales manager, Foton, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly
Auto magazine.

The pickup was launched under the theme of dominance as the brand moves into the very rare for the local market full-size segment.

The V9 presents a very imposing aura, given that its dimensions are more in line with North American pickups. It’s aimed at the buyer wanting that larger workhorse vehicle, or those looking for more luxury and refinement for when not on the job.

The V9 is a technological tour de force, beginning with what’s under the bonnet. The Foton uses a rather unique drivetrain, combining an ultra-high-pressure combustion 2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for strong performance and excellent responsiveness.

The electric portion of the drivetrain provides torque assistance and furthers efficiency through energy recovery.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. The V9 is four-wheel drive, featuring a standard locking rear differential, 4WD High and Low, plus several off-road modes. Front suspension is double wishbone, while rear suspension is not the expected leaf spring rigid axle design normal for the class, but instead the rarer multi-link layout. This endows the pickup with a smoother ride and improved handling, according to Foton.

It can handle a full pallet in the protective spray-coated bed and payloads of up to one tonne. It can tow up to 3.5 tonnes. Ground clearance is 240mm, and wading depth is 700mm. Approach and departure angles are 28 and 26, respectively. Break over angle is 21 degrees. Work-related touches are side steps, a damped tailgate, and an auxiliary tailgate step.

Inside, the V9 goes the luxury route, having items such as powered leather seating, ambient lighting, many automated or power-operated convenience features, wireless charging, and digital instrumentation in the form of a 12.3-inch driver’s cluster. The infotainment gets a 14.6-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay, and is the output for the 360-degree camera system with the built-in dash-cam function.

Safety concerns can be mitigated by six airbags and collision warning systems. For the driving experience, features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Change Assist help on-road, while Hill Descent Assist does wonders off-road.

“The V9 is amazing. If you look at the inside, if you look at the outside, it just speaks dominance, presence, versatility, and it’s amazing to have along with the other Foton models we have in Jamaica,” said Wagstaffe.

The Tunland V9 joins its smaller sibling, the compact G7, the Miler truck, and the C series buses.

“The market has responded favourably to the G7. We have lots of customers on the road so far, and they continue to come in. We have had no complaints about our models. And just adding the V9 to the fleet, I’m expecting to see amazing results from it,” Wagstaffe said.

Work features include a built-in tailgate step.(Photo: Rory Daley)

Kellise Wong, group marketing manager, ATL Automotive, shares a quick moment with Chris DaCosta, general manager, Foton Jamaica, at the recent launch of the Tunland V9. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The Tunland V9 has a payload capacity of 1 tonne, can tow up to 3.5-tonnes, and uses a multi-link coil sprung rear suspension set up for a smooth ride and improved handling. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The interior has standard features such as leather, and a centrally mounted 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrates various vehicle controls and connectivity options. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The Foton Tunland V9 uses a 2.0‑litre turbo‑diesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Jhanelle Wagstaffe, senior sales manager, Foton, shows off the newest model, the Tunland V9. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Foton welcomes its first full-size pickup to the local market, the Tunland V9 on Saturday, January 24. (Photo: Rory Daley)