Video summary

Foton Tunland 'MECHANIC' Review - I FOUND the CATCH! Here's what its LACKING!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Foton Tunland Photon V9S (V9S / “MECHANIC” review) — a large dual-cab ute with 4x4 hardware, big wheels/tyres, substantial storage, and a heavily featured interior infotainment/digital dash.

Key features mentioned

Exterior / driving hardware

  • Front styling praised: headlights/grille style compared to a Ram-like look.
  • Tire/wheel package: 18-inch alloys with 265/70 R18 tyres (speaker estimates ~33-inch look from factory).
  • Side mirror tech: turn signals inside mirrors plus 360° camera.
  • Steps / rock-slider look: powder-coated metal side steps / rock sliders (speaker suggests “rock sliders,” without bashing them).
  • Sports bar over the tub described as huge.
  • Very large tray/tub: “humongous” and deep; speaker says it’s wider than a pallet between wheel wells and deeper than some competitors (exact dimensions deferred to the spec sheet).
  • Tailgate strut: opens nice and slowly/easily.
  • Rear touches criticized: plastic elements/badges on the back; big 4x4 stickers on the side/back called cheap.

Interior / comfort & tech

  • Very wide cabin / center console: speaker estimates console is ~1.5 m wide, with large lidded storage and big cup holders.
  • Cooling feature in console: AC/“turny control” makes it a cooler for drinks/sandwiches.
  • 4x4 controls: physical controls for diff lock; selectable 2H / 4H / 4L style system, emphasized as easy to use via knobs/buttons (not nested in deep menus).
  • Drive modes: supports auto-type modes such as mud / sand / snow / eco / standard, plus traction control options.
  • Digital cluster: customizable screens; cycles items and shows speed/consumption/drive mode indicators.
  • Driver/assistance controls:
    • Lane keep assist can be turned off via an easy steering-wheel button.
    • Ability to quickly switch off safety/driver warnings.
    • Adaptive cruise control: tested; can bring the car to complete stop and resume (resume requires accelerator tap in this test).
  • Infotainment / camera:
    • 360° camera with “workshop/transparent chassis” style visuals when reversing.
    • Ambient lighting/themes and door light color customization.
    • Wireless charging.
    • Voice control exists but is frustrating (misunderstands commands, e.g., “close sunroof/windows” confusion).
  • Rear seat comfort & practicality:
    • Spacious: strong emphasis on legroom/headroom.
    • Sunroof lowers headlining, potentially affecting taller passengers.
    • Rear 240V power outlet mentioned (speaker hopes it’s compliant).
    • Rear USB ports + rear seat heaters; no rear seat air conditioning.
  • Major con: phone integration
    • Apple CarPlay supported
    • No Android Auto; speaker couldn’t find a workaround/ports and reports no connection after trying a cable.

Pros (as stated)

  • Exterior look: front end “bloody beautiful,” “super duper like a Ram.”
  • Huge tray and interior space: very deep/wide; cabin feels large.
  • Premium-feeling build: leather, stitching, door trims, seat quality; speaker says there’s “nothing I can fault” with the interior.
  • Practical features: large cooler compartment, big cup holders, wireless charging, multiple vents.
  • 4x4 usability: physical/quick access to 2H / 4H / 4L and diff lock; easy to operate.
  • Driver experience: “drives so freaking beautifully,” with no noticeable turbo lag feel.
  • Cruise control: works well; handled slowing to a complete stop.
  • Fast/functional infotainment interactions: safety/driver warning toggles considered quick.

Cons / complaints (as stated)

  • Slow acceleration/performance:
    • 0–100 km/h: 14.78 seconds (measured in-video using an OBD2/performance mode tool).
    • Speaker calls it “sluggish” and questions how slow it really is.
  • Exterior details:
    • Side profile seen as a bit dated / missing body lines versus competitors.
    • Cheap-looking plastic on the rear/LED elements criticized.
    • Big 4x4 stickers disliked as cheap/low value.
    • Speaker wanted a factory step for the top tub area; orange steps exist but access to the tray is still hard without better climbing options.
  • Infotainment integration:
    • No Android Auto (especially problematic for Android users).
  • Unreliable voice control: misunderstands commands and accidentally triggers call/speaker responses.
  • Idle behavior concern: engine “hunting” at idle (not fully diagnosed).
  • Rear seat climate: rear has heaters but no seat cooling (speaker wants cooling rather than heat).

User experience notes

  • The presenter focuses mostly on exterior + interior features, then runs:
    • Adaptive cruise test (slows to stop; resume requires accelerator tap)
    • 0–100 test (sports mode + tool; result 14.78s)
  • Infotainment demo is mixed:
    • Good camera visuals + ambient lighting + fast UI toggles
    • But Android Auto absence and voice control confusion reduce usefulness.
  • Overall driving feel is described as smooth and responsive at low delay, but acceleration time indicates it’s not quick.

Comparisons made

  • Headlight/front styling:
    • V7 lighting resemblance to Ford F-150 (referenced from another video).
    • Front also described as “super duper like a Ram.”
  • Interior feature approach:
    • Contrast in physical volume knob versus competitors removing knobs for touch/swipe.
  • Rear styling / competitor branding:
    • Criticizes LDV/GWM-like plastic elements; suggests imprinted branding like GWM instead.
  • Ute segment implied comparison:
    • Claims Photon includes rear interior lights that other dual-cabs may omit.

Unique points list (distinct product-related claims)

  1. V9S look/presence; front resembles a Ram.
  2. 360° camera works with reverse UI overlays.
  3. 18-inch alloys; 265/70 R18 tyres (~33-inch estimate).
  4. Side mirrors have built-in turn signals.
  5. Powder-coated metal side steps / rock-slider style.
  6. Huge sports bar above the tub.
  7. Rear/side styling criticized as dated/unfinished.
  8. Tray/tub is extremely large, deep, and wide (dimensions deferred to spec sheet).
  9. Tailgate opens easily and lowers slowly; speaker wanted an integrated access step.
  10. Plastic rear elements/badges criticized as cheap; LED + plastic disliked.
  11. Big 4x4 stickers disliked as cheap/low value.
  12. Interior: extremely wide center console (~1.5 m).
  13. Large console lid/storage and big cup holders.
  14. Console includes a cooler function via AC control.
  15. 4x4 controls include diff lock and selectable 2H / 4H / 4L with easy physical operation.
  16. Terrain modes mentioned (mud/sand/snow).
  17. Lane keep assist can be turned off quickly via steering-wheel button.
  18. Digital cluster customization; shows consumption, tyre pressure, temps, battery SOC (75%), AdBlue (32%).
  19. Voice control exists but is unreliable/misunderstands commands.
  20. Wireless phone charging.
  21. Apple CarPlay yes, Android Auto no (major issue).
  22. Safety/warning options can be switched off quickly.
  23. Reverse camera uses “transparent chassis”/underbody overlay.
  24. Ambient lighting/themes and door light color changes.
  25. Front seats have air conditioning; rear has heaters, no rear seat cooling.
  26. Rear cabin is spacious; sunroof lowers headliner (possible tall passenger headroom concern).
  27. Rear amenities include rear USB, 240V, vents, interior lights, and grab handle.
  28. Middle rear seat comfort described as poor (“rock solid”).
  29. Large rear cargo/storage area with a strap that can lift/lock the seat up near the roof.
  30. Engine idle hunting noted while parked.
  31. Drives smoothly; speaker reports no turbo lag feel.
  32. Adaptive cruise can slow to stop; resume requires accelerator tap.
  33. 0–100 result: 14.78 seconds (sports mode).
  34. Overall: luxurious/feature-rich, but acceleration and Android Auto support stand out.

Speaker breakdown

  • Main speaker/presenter: source of all exterior/interior/tech demos and criticisms; performs adaptive cruise + 0–100 (14.78s); complains about Android Auto absence and voice control.
  • Secondary voice/interjections: occasional prompts/questions (e.g., about adaptive cruise) and brief confirmations, without adding further technical review.

Concise verdict / recommendation

The Photon V9S is presented as a luxury, feature-packed ute with a great interior, easy-to-use 4x4 controls, large cabin/tray space, and a solid cruise-control experience. However, it has two major dealbreakers for some buyers: slow 0–100 acceleration (14.78s) and no Android Auto support (only Apple CarPlay).

Recommendation: buy if you prioritize comfort, cabin space, and 4x4 convenience—but don’t if you’re an Android user or need quick acceleration.

Original video