Foton Tunland V7 has a version with rear spring suspension in Russia

The full-size Foton Tunland V7 pickup truck received a new Prestige package in Russia with rear spring suspension, improved equipment and a price starting from 5,550,000 rubles.

New version of Prestige: focus on comfort

The full-size frame pickup truck Foton Tunland V7 has become available on the Russian market in a new Prestige configuration, which complements the previously only Extreme version. The main difference of the new product is the abandonment of the classic spring rear suspension in favor of a spring one, aimed at a higher level of comfort during everyday use.

The recommended retail price of the Tunland V7 Prestige is 5,550,000 rubles, which is 300 thousand more expensive than the base version with springs. At the same time, the manufacturer and dealers are already announcing possible discounts under sales support programs, thanks to which the final cost may be slightly lower.

Technique unchanged: diesel, 48V hybrid and all-wheel drive

In terms of powertrain and transmission, the Prestige version is identical to the standard Tunland V7. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter Aucan turbodiesel with a power of 159 hp. and with a torque of 410 Nm, complemented by a 48-volt belt-driven starter generator. Mild hybrid reduces fuel consumption by approximately 8% and helps with starting and acceleration under load.

The gearbox is an 8-speed ZF automatic, familiar from many modern crossovers and pickups. The drive is all-wheel drive, with automatic connection of the front axle, a transfer case with a reduction gear and a set of inter-wheel locks, which maintains the off-road potential of the model at the level of the spring version.

The main news here is the spring rear suspension, which, in combination with the frame structure and long wheelbase (3355 mm), should significantly improve the smoothness of the ride, especially with an empty body, where spring pickups traditionally suffer from “goat.”

Equipment: more electronics and comfort

In addition to the modified suspension, the Tunland V7 Prestige is distinguished by a richer set of equipment. Compared to Extreme, the new version offers:
- adaptive cruise control;
- automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping and traffic sign recognition systems;
- electric power steering with three presets (Sport, Comfort, Normal).

The level of comfort has also increased. The driver's seat and mirrors received a memory function, the front seats received ventilation, and a panoramic roof with a sunroof appeared above the cabin. A 220 V socket is provided for rear passengers, which makes the pickup more convenient both for trips into nature and for working in the field.

External differences of the Prestige version

You can also recognize the top-end configuration of the Tunland V7 by its external details. The Prestige pickup is different:
- roof rails;
- a retractable step integrated into the tailgate, facilitating access to the body;
- rear body protection (front protection is standard on all versions);
- tinted windows of the “rear hemisphere”.

The dimensions of the model generally remain the same: length - 5617 mm, width - 2090 mm, height - about 1955 mm, ground clearance - 210 mm, load capacity - around 650-675 kg, depending on the version. That is, before us is still the same large frame pickup truck, but with a clear shift in emphasis towards comfort and “lightness” of driving habits.

Prospects for Foton localization in Russia

The release of a more expensive and comfortable version of Tunland V7 occurs against the backdrop of active negotiations on the localization of Foton cars in Russia. As Avto.ru Magazine found out, Chinese pickups and commercial vans of this brand may be installed on the conveyor belt of the plant in Yesipovo near Moscow, which previously belonged to Mercedes‑Benz.

JSC MB RUS, acting as the official distributor of Foton, confirmed that working groups have already been formed with the Chinese side to address issues of local production. The final decision on the model and the depth of localization has not yet been made, but if the project is implemented, the Tunland V7 - including the Prestige version - may well become one of the candidates for Russian assembly, which will further strengthen the position of Chinese pickup trucks in our market.