Looking at the pickup truck, sales of which have started on the Russian market, I remember the old joke: “Mom, mom, let’s buy a Ford F-150?” – asks the son. “Why, son? We have our own Ford F-150 at home,” my mother replies. After all, the Chinese novelty shamelessly copies the American bestseller. The editors of Motor magazine attended the premiere show of the new Photon.
Tunland G9 is a modified version of the Tunland G7 model: the list of differences includes a new “tail” of the body, a fresh interior and a wider range of equipment. At the same time, the length of the car remained unchanged – the same impressive 5340 mm.
Actually, everything is clear with the restyling attributes – the headlights, radiator grille and the general idea of the pickup now resemble the aforementioned Ford F-150. But the interior remains original, but its main dominant feature is now two 12.3-inch monitors.
Foton Tunland G9 three-quarter front view
Foton 
Foton Tunland G9, rear view of the body
Foton 
Foton Tunland G9 side view
Foton
As for the technology, all the filling remains the same: a two-liter turbodiesel with a return of 162 horsepower and an 8-band automatic transmission, plus part-time all-wheel drive. The motor has a solid torque of 388 Nm. For comparison, the 2.5-liter Gazelle has only 330 Nm.
For an introductory test after the premiere show, the organizers allocated a short ring track on the territory of the dealership, so it was only possible to evaluate the characteristics of the power unit and the performance of the suspensions superficially. But it was possible to draw some conclusions.
Foton Tunland G9, steering wheel and multimedia, dashboard
MB Rus 
Foton Tunland G9, steering wheel and multimedia, dashboard
MB Rus 
Foton Tunland G9, steering wheel and dashboard
MB Rus 
Foton Tunland G9, chair
MB Rus 
Foton Tunland G9, back row
MB Rus 
Foton Tunland G9, central tunnel
MB Rus
The first minus is that there is still a large handrail on the windshield pillar, which can easily knock out your knuckles when turning the steering wheel quickly. You might think that these are personal quibbles, but no: many participants in the event complained that the part clearly interfered with high-speed steering.
The abundance of “piano varnish” plastic also looks very controversial. In a utilitarian car, I would like to see more practical finishing materials, since the black gloss will quickly acquire scratches. Although the “dark kingdom”, diluted with interior lighting, looks impressive.
Foton Tunland G9, overcoming artificial barriers
MB Rus
Many people think that a pickup truck is almost an SUV. But most frame SUVs today are equipped with spring rear suspensions, and the Foton Tunland G9 has small leaf springs, so before choosing this model it is better to conduct a dealer test drive to feel the nuances of its character.
What’s the point? The front axle handles unevenness very gently, but the springs bounce the stern quite nicely, even when you sneak past a conventional speed bump. The situation with cargo, of course, will be better, but carrying a quarter ton of luggage just for the sake of smoothness is a dubious idea.
Foton Tunland G9, front view on the “swing”
MB Rus
The transfer case of the famous BorgWarner brand can firmly connect the front axle, plus there is an automatic mode when the “front end” is cut off after the rear wheels slip. The system performs its work rather roughly, accompanying the connection with a slight jerk.
In addition, the non-linear adjustment of the accelerator pedal is frustrating – you need to get used to it. This turned out to be especially clear when performing the “swing” exercise (pictured above): you pedal smoothly so that the car passes the ramp academically carefully, and it suddenly jumps forward sharply.
Foton Tunland G9 front view
Foton 
Foton Tunland G9 side view
Foton 
Foton Tunland G9 rear view
Foton
Speaking of jumps, the automatic mode of the parking brake is flawed: I would like the pads to release their grip more softly, but with the current settings, the start of movement is accompanied by a jerk. And this is doubly annoying, since the engine has enough thrust to start really vigorously.
Motor magazine will find out the rest of the details during a full test drive. In the meantime, let’s give the price: in the initial version, the new product costs 3.8 million rubles, that is, about a million more than what dealers are asking for its predecessor, Foton Tunland G7.
At the same time, the distributor of the brand, the MB Rus company, notes the rich content of the equipment: there are all-round visibility systems, frontal collision warning systems and much more. Another important advantage should be a full warranty for a period of 3 years or 150,000 km.
RESUME
— Foton Tunland G9 is an interesting car: with a good interior, a modern media system, and a good power unit. – An important advantage may be the factory towing device, as well as the ability to pull a three-ton trailer. – The disadvantages noted by the editors of Motor magazine are significant by the standards of passenger cars, but for a frame pickup truck they are quite acceptable.
