Foton shocks newfound partial electrical punch into Tunland V9

Latest rival for the BYD Shark Performance, incoming Chery Grootman and JAC T9 PHEV will go on-sale in early 2027. Having re-entered the South African market last year, Foton officially introduced its plug-in hybrid rival for the BYD Shark, JAC T9 and incoming Chery Grootman at parent company BAIC’s Africa Partners Conference in Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday evening (29 October). New outside Based on the flagship Tunland V9, the Tunland V9 PHEV will go on-sale in early 2027, though at the time of its unveiling at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, no exact launch time could be confirmed. Outwardly similar to the conventional Ram-inspired diesel-powered model, the PHEV’s main exterior changes are minor and consist of the second charging flap and PHEV badges on the front doors. Dimensions Dimensionally, the PHEV is unchanged from its sibling, with the following measurements applying: Length: 5 617 mm; Wheelbase: 3 355 mm; Height: 1 910 mm; Width: 2 090 mm Tunland V9 PHEV has more ground clearance and the same tow rating as the normal diesel variant. Picture: Charl Bosch While no payload figure was announced, the diesel able to carry 1 000 kg, the PHEV does come with a 10 mm ground clearance increase to 250 mm. At the same time, the 3 500 kg towing capacity is unchanged, although the claimed wading depth increases by 100 mm to 800 mm. Diesel out Up front, the Aucan 48-volt mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, a joint venture between Foton and Cummins, departs in favour for an in-house made 2.0-litre turbo-petrol outputting 140kW/320Nm on its own. Paired to a 32.8-kWh battery pack powering an electric motor on each axle, the Tunland V9 PHEV has a combined output of 350kW/800Nm. Reported to get from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, drive goes to all four wheels through a segment first four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The claimed charging time using a DC charger is 30 minutes from 30-80%. vs Grootman vs Shark vs T9 This makes it identical in both power and torque to the incoming Grootman’s plug-in hybrid 2.5-litre turbodiesel, with the claimed all-electric range of 100 km being four kilometres greater. By comparison, the Shark Performance develops the same 350 kW, but with torque reduced to 700 Nm in combined form, with the battery also being smaller at 29.5-kWh. Down on all is the T9 PHEV, whose combination of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 31.2-kWh battery and dual electric motors output 360kW/674Nm. Known spec Exact specification will only be announced when sales start in 2027. Picture: Charl Bosch While standard specification is yet to be fully detailed, the following as had been confirmed: 18-inch alloy wheels; LED headlights; imitation leather upholstery; keyless entry; push-button start; electric front seats; dual-zone climate control; wireless smartphone charging pad; 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster; heated and ventilated front seats; 14.6-inch infotainment display; panoramic sunroof; 15 driving modes; surround-view camera system; Adaptive Cruise Control; Automatic Emergency Braking; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Departure Warning Coming in 2027 Confirmed to be offered in 10 colours, including three bespoke-to-model options; Ridge Grey, Crater Black and Dune Gold, the Tunland V9 PHEV is expected to come with a premium over the R799 900 asked by the diesel-powered V9 LTD it is based on. However, and as mentioned, expect this to only be announced in the new year.