PETALING JAYA: Handal BCM, an exclusive distributor of Foton Tunland in Malaysia, has launched the Tunland V Hybrid "monster" pick-up truck.
Available in two variants, the lineup are the commercial-based Tunland V7 and the premium lifestyle-oriented Tunland V9.
In terms of pricing, the entry-level V7 costs RM123,800 (on-the-road without insurance) while the V9 goes for RM143,800.
Both variants come with an early-bird offer for the first 888 bookings, which entails a RM2,000 cash rebate and two years of free maintenance.
This brings the price down to RM121,800 for the V7 and RM141,800 for the V9.
In terms of warranty, the lineup comes with a seven-year or 200,000km (whichever comes first) coverage.
For colour options, the V7 is only available in a dark Grey V7, while the V9 offered in Black, White and a lighter Grey for differentiation.
In terms of sizing, the Tunland V series has a formidable footprint over the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton.
As standard, the Tunland V has a 3,355mm wheelbase, while measuring in at 5,617mm in length, 2,090mm in width and 1,955mm in height.
Having a ride height of 240mm, the Tunland V series is able to accept up to 859kg in terms of payload, and has a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
At 2,160kg (kerb), the Tunland V uses a Euro IV 2.0-litre Aucan 4F20 turbodiesel mill that comes with a variable geometry turbocharger, dishing out 163PS at 3,600rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,400rpm.
A 48V mild-hybrid system is also included for extra 12PS(9kW) and 50Nm of torque.
Transmission is an eight-speed ZF automatic with paddle shifters and BorgWarner low-range transfer case.
However, the V9 will add on a rear axle differential lock.
Six drive modes are also provided as standard, which include Economy, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow.
Just like all pick-up trucks, its drivetrain can swap between 2H (rear wheel drive), 4H (permanent 4WD for high speeds), 4L (permanent 4WD for low speeds) - perfect for those off-roading moments.
An additional Automatic mode is available, which intelligently swaps from 2H to 4H when traction becomes questionable.
Fuel tank is 76 litres and promises a range of 950km.
The Tunland V series comes with front double wishbone suspension, sidesteps and 18-inch alloys with a gloss black finish and fitted with 265/70 series Giti all-terrain tyres .
Meanwhile, the V9 uses Sport Style wheels in the same size and finish that partially hide the front and rear ventilated disc brakes, as well as rear coil spring multi-link suspension setup.
The V9 also gets electronic power steering system with Light, Comfort, and Sport modes over the usual Hydraulic Power Steering System in the V7.
The V7 has been fitted with and LEDs for the front bi-beam automatic headlights, daytime runners, rear light clusters and rear leaf springs.
Due to the overall size of the V7 and V9, its rear tray (with liner) is larger (1,577mm in length, 1,650mm in width and 530mm in height) than current double-cab pick-up trucks.
Also included are faux leather seats, a large 14.8-inch infotainment touchscreen unit with voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay for the four-speaker sound system.
Ambient lighting, keyless entry with push-start button, cruise control, power windows with one-touch functionality for the driver, and rear air conditioning vents are also standard inclusions.
For safety, the V7 gets two airbags, an electronic stability programme, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a reverse camera.
Opting for the V9 entails a more sporty front grille, black plastic wheel arch cladding, and slimmer auto-levelling automatic LED headlights with high beam assist for added visual differentiation.
This continues with larger side-steps, panoramic glass sunroof, roof rails, rear sport bar, and a rear light bar, pull-out tailgate step,
Other additional equipment includes automatic wipers, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster for the driver, a four-way powered front passenger seat, memory function for the driver (including external mirrors), an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and one-touch functionality with anti-pinch protection for all power windows.
There's also a wireless charger, dual-zone climate controls, an air-purification system, a rear window defroster, a six-speaker sound system, facial recognition, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system.
Safety is further bolstered by six airbags before adding on fatigue driving monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, door opening warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane centring control, road-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera system, forward and pedestrian collision warning and front parking sensors.
Handal BCM chief executive officer Tan Say Tuan said the Tunland V series are changing the local pick-up truck game.
"By pairing a powerful Aucan diesel engine and a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with advanced hybrid technology, we are giving drivers massive torque and incredible fuel economy with zero compromise on the raw power you expect from a premium pick-up truck," he said.
He also said the company would introduce a more advanced and eco-friendlier plug-in hybrid version of Tunland V Series next year.
While the Tunland V7 and V9 arrive as fully-imported models (CBU), local assembly is estimated to begin in the fourth quarter of the year in Johor.
