While both models share the same rugged platform and powertrain, they are designed to appeal to different buyers.

The V7 is the work-focused option, available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with leaf-spring rear suspension for durability and load-carrying ability.

The V9 is aimed at buyers wanting extra comfort and refinement, featuring standard 4WD, multi-link rear suspension and a more premium interior with additional technology and convenience features.

Powering both Utes is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engine produces 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque, with drive sent through a smooth ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The mild-hybrid system improves efficiency and assists with low-speed performance while maintaining a claimed combined fuel consumption of around 8.0L/100km. Both models also offer a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

Pricing starts from around AUD $39,990 for the Tunland V7 4×2, with the V7 4×4 priced from $42,990. The V9 range begins at $45,990, while the flagship V9-S is available from $49,990 before on-road costs, making the Tunland range a competitively priced alternative in the Ute segment.

Over the next few weeks, we will be chatting about all the models and features.

Thai sis a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L
• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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Well, BYD, hoping to expand the appeal have just announced two additional models.

A trade ready Shark 6 Dynamic Cab-Chassis and a new range-topping Shark 6 Performance pickup.

These will sit alongside the existing Shark 6 Premium pickup.

The designers expanded the line-up to meet the needs of trade, fleet, and Aussie families.

They offer superior Dual Mode (DM) Super Hybrid performance, improved all-wheel drive capability, and refined on-road comfort.

Ironman is developing an optional tray for the trade ready cab chassis.

The new 2.0-litre turbo DM Super Hybrid in the Shark 6 Performance boosts total system power and torque to 350kW and 700Nm, respectively. That will allow a 3500kg towing rating.

Shark 6 customers benefit from three intelligent driving modes.

• EV Pure Electric Mode: the petrol engine is switched off.

• HEV Series Mode: the petrol engine does not drive the wheels. Instead, it acts like a portable power station.
• HEV Parallel Mode: The motors and the petrol engine work together in harmony to drive the wheels at the same time.

With 6.6kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and multiple 230V outlets (one in-cabin, three in the tub) plus a V2L adaptor adding two more sockets, Shark 6 can power tools, appliances and camping gear on the go.

Pricing is from $55,900 through to $62,900 plus the usual costs.

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Im  Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the BYD Shark 6  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE BYD Shark 6 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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I recently drove the dual cab HiLux Workmate version. This comes in a single cab tray back as well as dual cab trayback and pickup style. I drove the pickup model.

The main difference is the redesigned grill and bonnet. It has divided opinions, but I like it.

Inside the new model benefits from:

• a 12.3-inch touchscreen,
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability,
• DAB+ digital radio.
• embedded satellite navigation and voice commands.

Further technology upgrades for WorkMate include:

• a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster,
• two USB-C ports,
• a 12V accessory port and two-speaker audio system

Toyota has also improved the standard safety features across the range. So, the WorkMate gets a boost there as well.

Powered by a 2.8L turbo diesel engine and 6 Sp AT. This provides a healthy 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque from 1600 rpm.

This is a substantial improvement over the previous model and is class leading for work Utes.

One feature that is appreciated is the tailgate dampers to assist with opening and closing.

There is still the issue of having no lower tie points in the tub like many brands.

Pricing for the HiLux WorkMate Pickup is from $53,990 plus the usual costs, which for a work Ute is a little expensive.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hilux WorkMate  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hilux WorkMate – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota Hilux WorkMate – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Hilux WorkMate  are in good company. There is a LOT to choose from.

Potential choices could be Mazda BT-50 ,  KGM Musso, FOTON Tunland, GWM Cannon, Mitsubishi Triton GLX, Nissan Navara SL,

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An example of this is a Ute I drove recently the FOTON Tunland V7 2WD. This is a dual cab Ute with a tub.

The Tunland is a new entrant to the market. It sits between the normal sized Utes like a HiLux or Navara and the large American pickup trucks.

It does however have the Pickup truck feel about it in design. I like the big bold grill with vertically stacked LED headlights. They provide excellent illumination by the way.

Interior space and ambience is SUV like. Normal Ute buyers will be surprised by just how much room there is. Front seats are synthetic leather trim and provide a good balance of comfort and support.

The tub is large at 1577mm long and 1650 mm wide. Between the wheel arches there is 1240mm, enough to fit a pallet.

Tub depth is 530mm which is both good and bad. It allows for huge capacity but causes some access issues from the side.

Payload is a handy 1116 kg.

Power comes from a 2.0 L 48V mild hybrid diesel engine. There is 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque from 1500rpm available. This droves the rear wheels through a ZF 8 Sp AT.

Let’s look at the price. At just under $40,000 plus the usual costs its stunning value for money.

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Im Rob Fraser

You can download the full brochure HERE 

Readers can find more details about the FOTON Tunland V7 – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE FOTON Tunland V7 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

FOTON Tunland V7 – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the FOTON Tunland V7 could look at :  Mitsubishi Triton, GWM Cannon, Isuzu D-Max 2.2L , Toyota HiLux , Nissan Navara SX, LDV T60, KGM Musso 

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This all new Ute was released late in 2024 and has a retro design.

In fact, its retro meets modern, without a lot of the painful safety stuff.

Im a bit if a fan of the boxy styling and it certainly attracted a lot of attention when I was driving it. Probably because people didn’t really know what it was.

It comes in three models, with a choice of two straight six 3.0L BMW engines, one diesel and one petrol. Thos is combed with an 8 speed ZF AT and permanent 4WD. Both engines provide plenty of power and torque with reasonable economy.

Around town it drives ok. With reasonably compliant suspension it doesn’t quite suffer the same bouncy ride many Utes have. One major issue though is the huge turning circle. That provided some interesting times in tight suburban car parks over the Christmas shopping rush.

I did use the Quartermaster to move a couple of loads of pavers, and it handled that quite well.

I’ve driven the INEOS Quartermaster around town, on motorways, outback highways, desert tracks, on forest trails, and beaches. I’ve also towed with it.

Overall, the Quartermaster makes an excellent outback tourer, whether towing or not. It feels at home out there.

While there are a couple of niggly issues, I have to say I love driving the Quartermaster.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the INEOS Quartermaster Ute – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE INEOS Quartermaster Ute – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

INEOS Quartermaster Ute – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  INEOS Quartermaster Ute are in unusual territory. There isn’t a real direct competitor.

However, I would suggest buyers also look at: Toyota LC79 series Utes, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Ford Ranger Super Duty.

At full price, the Quartermaster is nudging smaller American Pickup truck territory, but the internal space amongst them makes that a mute comparison.

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Im a bit of a fan of the Triton styling. It seems to blend the smooth and masculine trends just right.

My Ute came with a stylish front bull bar that wrapped around the lights as well as a tow bar. Ready for work and recreation.

Inside the GLX comes with hard wearing cloth trim, nine inch central touch screen and wireless smart phone connectivity. It also came with an old school key start and  vinyl floor covering with rubber mats. Very practical.

One feature I appreciated was the additional electronic lumbar support, perfect for my aging back.

Powering the Triton is a 2.4L bi-turbo diesel engine. This provides 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Peak torque comes in around 1500 rpm, which allows for controlled low speed work and easy cruising.

This drives through a six speed AT and easy select 4WD system. The GLX also comes with a rear diff lock.

This combination is simple, robust, and reliable.

Being a work Ute, it has heavy duty rear leaf springs, which can be a touch bouncy unladen. Payload is a bit over 1000kg.

Currently Mitsubishi is pricing the Triton GLX dual cab Pickup from $46,490 drive away and that’s excellent value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton GLX – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton GLX – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the Triton GLX  could also look at:

Buyers of the  Triton GLX  could also look at the following:   Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, KGM Musso, GWM Cannon

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The workmate comes with the vinyl seat trim, which I prefer to the fabric of the GXL.

It also comes with wind up windows, which are OK. What I have difficulty in accepting is no reverse camera, which in a Ute this size is a problem. Also, the ridiculous manual. exterior mirrors. These are always getting knocked in car parks or become loose and are a pain to adjust.

What is good is the new automatic version of the 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. I know there are a lot of die hard V8 supporters out there, as I was. But the modified HiLux engine is better in almost every aspect.

The workmate has a huge tray and about a 1200 kg payload along with 3500 kg towing capacity.

Off road it’s still formidable but does miss the front and rear diff locks.

It’s surprisingly smooth to drive and seems to soak up a lot 0f road bumps easily.

I’m a major fan of the 79 series Utes, always have been, but still question the price.

You can buy a HiLux SR single cab chassis Ute with the same 2.8 litre engine and 6 speed transmission for about $47,000 plus the usual costs.

That’s about $30,000 saving. And there is surprisingly slight difference between them.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 Work Mate – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Work Mate – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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But as is turns out, we have nothing to do like that this time, so we’ve been using  it as an urban daily driver.

The Isuzu D-Max  LS-U is the mid spec model. It has cloth seats, manual adjustments, but has an electronic lumbar adjustment for the driver.

The D-Max Ute comes with the full set of safety features. The annoying safety features can be easily turned off. This is by a button on the steering wheel. You can also select if you want the adaptive function activated for cruise control or not.

The central screen has reasonable clarity, but if for some reason the lights are on in daylight it becomes difficult to see.

This is especially obvious with the reversing camera. There is wireless smart phone connectivity, but sadly not wireless charging tray. There is room for it though

Driving the D-Max is easy with the 3.9 litre turbo diesel engine and six speed automatic transmission.

Its powerful enough and economical as well.

The tray back design is designed for heavy loads and without that it does bounce around a bit and it’s a bit noisy. It did make a particularly convenient picnic table though for some takeaway and champers at the beach at sunset one evening.

It does show though that even though it’s a work Ute you can easily live with it on a daily basis.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Isuzu D-Max LS-U  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX LS-U – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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In an exclusive function in Tasmania last week, we finally got to see the Tasman in the flesh.

Well let’s say Its different. In fact, it has a unique style. Nothing like the Utes we are used to. Is that good or bad.

Tasman will come with the 2.2L turbo diesel engine that is in the Sorrento and Carnival. It has some tweaks for 4WD work. This is matched to the familiar 8 sp automatic transmission.

There are three models, the top spec XP Pro is heavily aimed at more adventurous buyers with up to 252mm of ground clearance. It also has additional 4WD specific features to increase capability.

Once you get past the different design, inside its all Kia.

Well laid out with the now familiar 30-inch digital instruments and central screen.

The seats are particularly comfortable. Head room is fantastic. In fact, Luke Longley, the NBA star was there, and he fitted his 7’2” frame without any fuss.

Rear seat leg room is normal for this size Ute.

There are a number of other clever design ideas as well.

I love the fact that its so different. I do have to say Im slowly warming to the style. However the only voice that matters is the buying public and time will tell.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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