Foton Tunland On Sale In Australia, Priced From $28,000

Foton's Tunland pickup is now on sale in Australia, starting at $28,000 for the 4x2 'Quality' and topping out with the $35,000 4x4 'Luxury' (both prices exclude on-road costs). 

The Chinese brand arrives this week after a change of distributors for Foton saw the big ute's 2011 launch killed, while ADR compliance tests threw out plans for a second-quarter 2012 debut.

Australia is the second market to receive the Tunland (after South Africa), and with a $28,000 starting price, the tubbed dual-cab will take on Great Wall and Ssangyong, along with entry models in the Hilux, Ranger and Navara line-ups. 

Australian distributor FAA Automotive Australia has established 12 dealerships across Australia, with five in Queensland, three in Victoria and two each in South and Western Australia. That's expected to grow to 31 by the end of 2013.

Supply will be limited in the short term, with 45 vehicles in the country now and a further 100 set for delivery in December. 

(MORE: Click to read TMR's launch review.) 

Mechanical Package & Dimensions

Power for the Tunland is provided by a Euro 4-compliant 2.8 litre turbodiesel engine, sourced from Cummins and offering 120kW and 360Nm of torque.

Paired with a Getrag five-speed manual transmission, Foton claims the Tunland will hit 100km/h in 13 seconds. 

Foton claims fuel consumption figures of 8.4 l/100km for the turbodiesel and five-speed manual combination, in 4x2 form.

A petrol engine and ZF six-speed automatic transmission are expected to join the range, along with a single-cab version, although timing is still to be confirmed.

In 4x2 form, the Tunland gets double wishbone suspension, while the 4x4 model gets double wishbones with a split front axle. Both versions get a Dongfeng DANA semi floating axle and LSD at the rear.