Video summary

Mechanic Inspects the Foton Tunland V9 - This Was Not What We Expected!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Foton Tunland V9S (marketed as V9S / Foton V9S), inspected on a hoist by a mechanic. The video emphasizes under-bonnet and underbody build details, then compares towing capability and power specs against other vehicles.

Key features mentioned

Model difference (V9 vs V9S)

  • The only stated difference is that the V9S includes a sunroof.
  • The sunroof is described as “humongous.”

Engine / powertrain (top-side inspection)

  • 2.0L diesel
  • 48-volt hybrid system

Engine bay packaging & serviceability

  • “Huge” / very spacious engine bay
  • Easy access for maintenance tasks (example: replacing a drive belt)
  • Water-cooled intercooler with an electronic water pump for intercooler circulation
  • Components called out in the bay:
    • Fuel filter in the engine bay
    • Battery
    • Coolant overflow(s)
    • Brake fluid reservoir
    • Air filter
    • DPF-related components

Underbody / emissions system

  • AdBlue tank under the car (the speaker later questions the emissions hardware amount)
  • DPF + catalytic converter + AdBlue mentioned together as “a lot” of emissions systems

Drivetrain / hardware (underbody inspection)

  • ZF 8-speed transmission
    • Described as popular across Chinese vehicles
  • BorgWarner transfer case
  • Front drivetrain elements noted:
    • Front diff / drive shaft
    • CV shafts

Cooling / comfort-related undercarriage details

  • Rubber engine mounts (preferred over oil-filled mounts)
  • Electronic steering rack pump
  • Coil springs used on both front and rear
    • Highlighted for comfort and potential lift-kit compatibility

Performance / capability claims (numbers included)

  • Power: 120 kW
  • Torque: 450 Nm

Comparison to other models

  • 120 kW vs GWM Cannon (2021):
    • The speaker argues the Cannon’s 120 kW is not underpowered, despite some people claiming it was.

Towing capability & GCM

  • Towing capacity: 3.5 ton
  • GCM (gross combined mass): 6.8 tons / 6,810 kg
  • Toyota Hilux comparison: Hilux GCM: 6.3 tons
  • Conclusion: suitable for heavy caravan towing while staying legal, with a caveat to check your own weights.

User experience / usability impressions

  • Maintenance friendliness: Strong positive—engine bay access is described as excellent and tidy/organized.
  • Comfort: The speaker strongly implies comfort benefits from the coil-sprung suspension.
  • Aftermarket support:
    • Positive expectation for lift kits (“somebody will start making lift kits…”).
    • Concern: limited tow bar and accessory availability right now (“only drama at the moment”).

Pros (unique points called out)

  • Very spacious engine bay and excellent routine-work access (e.g., drive belt access)
  • Water-cooled intercooler described as neat/simple
  • Fuel filter located in the engine bay, called unusual among Chinese manufacturers
  • 48V hybrid alternator design discussed as unusual but functional (aimed at economy/power)
  • Clean underbody / rust prevention
    • Appreciates the lack of “computery crap hanging below” compared with some other vehicles
  • Transmission & transfer case brands called out
    • ZF 8-speed
    • BorgWarner transfer case
  • Underbody looks well assembled
    • Tidy welds and clean packaging
  • Rubber engine mounts (preferred over oil-filled mounts)
  • Coil springs front and rear
    • Comfort emphasis
    • Easier lift-kit potential
  • Braking setup
    • Disc brakes front and rear
    • Rear uses electronic park brake (called a good setup)
  • Inner guard liner removal via screws (not clips), praised for accessory installs like a snorkel
  • Wheel nut covers dislike (user note)
    • Not a vehicle feature per se, but the speaker explicitly prefers the traditional wheel nut approach over covers

Cons / criticisms (unique points called out)

  • Emissions hardware complexity
    • Not impressed by DPF + catalytic converter + AdBlue together (“a lot”)
  • Heavy “greasy/overspray” smearing on the underbody
    • Thick sprayed material noted; concern about where it goes when hot
  • Spare tire tread mismatch
    • Same size, but spare has a different tread pattern than the standard all-terrains
  • Aftermarket tow bar availability
    • Wants a tow bar but expects it to be difficult to find/fit accessories currently

Comparisons made with similar products

  • GWM Cannon (2021)
    • 120 kW comparison; speaker argues Cannon’s 120 kW is not underpowered
  • Toyota Hilux
    • Hilux GCM: 6.3 tons vs Foton 6.8 tons
    • Foton presented as stronger for heavy towing legality margins
  • Other Chinese vehicles (general theme)
    • Many are said to place fuel filters underneath (more prone to damage); this Foton is praised for keeping it in the engine bay
    • ZF and BorgWarner components are said to show up frequently across Chinese vehicles

Unique points specifically about the V9S branding/exterior preview

  • Headlight style differs between V9 and V7
    • Referenced via another person’s explanation (acknowledged as possibly second-hand)
  • Exterior details mentioned:
    • 18-inch wheels
    • Powder-coated side steps
    • “Humongous sports bar”
    • Big “4x4” decal
  • A promised walkthrough of the interior/exterior comes later (outside this hoist inspection segment).

Overall verdict / recommendation (based on the video)

The reviewer is leaning positive. Standout strengths include:

  • Engine packaging
  • Build quality tidiness
  • Underbody protection
  • Suspension comfort (coil springs)
  • Towing legality potential (3.5t towing + 6.8t GCM)

Main drawbacks:

  • Emissions system complexity (DPF/AdBlue)
  • Heavy underbody sprayed material
  • Spare tread mismatch
  • Limited tow bar/accessory availability

Recommendation: Worth considering, particularly if you prioritize maintenance access and heavy towing—but check emissions and aftermarket tow-bar options before buying.

Speaker(s)

  • Primary mechanic/host (Wheels by the Ocean)
    • Provides nearly all technical observations: engine bay, underbody, brakes, transmission/transfer case, hybrid architecture, and suspension
    • Makes performance/towing comparisons using:
      • 120 kW, 450 Nm
      • 3.5t towing, 6.8t GCM vs Hilux 6.3t
      • Cannon comparison
    • Also shares subjective judgments on build quality, comfort, and emissions hardware impressions

Original video