Take nine: we study the features of Russian and Chinese pickups
One of the pickup trucks tested is already being assembled in Russia, and the prospects for localization are being analyzed for the second one. At the same time, despite the almost identical sizes and even similar names, these cars are radically different from each other. The Izvestia correspondent found out how these differences affected the purpose of the Sollers ST9 and Foton Tunland G9 and their behavior on the roads.
Similar, but different
The Sollers ST9 produced in Ulyanovsk and the Foton Tunland G9 imported from China (at least for now, the issue of production of Foton pickups and vans in our country is currently being discussed) are identical in size. The "Chinese" is only 1 cm longer than the "Russian". Despite this, the cars differ even externally. Due to the "double" headlights, massive radiator grille and angular shapes, the Tunland G9 looks more brutal.
Vertical multimedia display is a feature of the Sollers ST9 interior
The domestic "nine" has plenty of brutality, too. The "slanted" lighting technology, no less massive, besides chrome, radiator grille, powerful tow loops sticking out of the front bumper, add to the appearance of "masculinity". However, against the background of the Photon, the Russian pickup truck seems more sophisticated.
The cars inside also differ significantly. The Tunland G9 sports glossy panels framing the central tunnel and the front panel. They undoubtedly add a bit of "premium" to the car, but they quickly become covered with a web of small scratches during operation. The ST9 is more pragmatic in this regard: the interior of the Russian pickup truck is finished with metallic overlays. It may look less elegant, but it is noticeably more practical.
Under the hood of the ST9 is a 224 horsepower gasoline engine.
In terms of equipment with electronic assistants and assistants, there is almost parity between the "Russian" and the "Chinese": both pickups have impressive multimedia displays (on Sollers it is extravagantly vertical, on Foton it is classically horizontal), both have all-round view cameras, cruise control, collision warning and blind control systems. zones. However, due to the built-in DVR and optional sunroof, the domestic "nine" is ahead of its competitor from China.
Overall dimensions of Sollers ST9 5330x1965x1920 mm.
Both cars are devoid of steering wheel departure adjustment — only the angle of the steering column is adjusted. However, this does not prevent you from quickly choosing the right fit — the range of electric adjustments of the driver's seat is wide on both models. However, due to the better shape of the backrest and cushions, it is more comfortable to sit in Sollers, and in Photon the chair feels more "flat".
The Tunland G9 sports glossy panels framing the central tunnel and the front panel.
But the rear passengers will definitely be more comfortable in a Chinese pickup truck — there is definitely more space than in the ST9. In addition, the only comfort elements in the back of the Sollers are duct deflectors, and a pair of connectors (USB and Type-C) for charging smartphones. The rear riders on the Foton can adjust the temperature and the intensity of the blowing themselves. In addition, in addition to a similar set of connectors, the "Chinese" is equipped with a 220 V outlet at the back.
Both pickups have almost the same dimensions of the cargo compartment (the Sollers is 10 mm wider and 30 mm higher than the side) and the same load capacity — 980 kg. On both models, rigging loops are provided for securing cargo at the inner corners of the body, and the body itself is protected by a wear-resistant coating. However, the Tunland G9 has additional hooks on the outside to secure the luggage securely.
Both vehicles allow the possibility of towing a trailer. But if the Sollers limit is 2 tons, then Foton allows you to pull a trailer weighing up to 3 tons. For a certain part of the buyers, the difference in a ton may be significant.
Yin and Yang
From the point of view of materiel, Russian and Chinese pickups differ radically. The Foton Tunland G9 is offered in our country only with a two-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 162 hp, while the Sollers is available with both a similar diesel engine (163 hp) and a gasoline engine producing 224 horsepower. It was this modification of the Russian pickup truck that we got for the test.
The Chinese pickup truck is offered only with a 162-horsepower turbodiesel.
Despite the difference in power, the dynamics of the cars do not differ much from each other: the additional "horses" of the ST9 manifest themselves only in "traffic light duels". In quieter driving modes, the acceleration difference is minimal — there is more than enough dynamics both in the city and on country roads. Both cars are equipped with a classic eight-speed automatic, but in the domestic market, it feels like it works a little smoother and more efficiently.
Overall dimensions of Foton Tunland G9 5340×1960×1920 mm
But the main difference in design is evident on an uneven road. The Sollers, with a spring-loaded rear suspension uncharacteristic of pickups, is close to the vibration level of a conventional frame SUV. But the Foton with three leaf springs, on which the rear axle is suspended, reacts to any, even the smallest pothole with a noticeable "kick". Especially if there is nothing but air in the body. With a couple hundred kilograms of load, the vibrations and shaking become slightly less (the springs work more gently under load). Nevertheless, in front of obstacles that the "Russian" calmly flies by, the "Chinese" has to slow down so as not to jump on the seat.
The difference in the suspension design also affects the handling of the machines. The Sollers rolls less in turns, and it has a lighter steering wheel due to the electric booster. Foton forces you to slow down before turns, because the spring "feed" of the car tends to jump off the set trajectory. In addition, the classic hydrach requires a lot of effort to drive. This is especially noticeable when maneuvering at low speeds.
Multidirectionality
In terms of sensations and behavior on the road, the Russian pickup truck is more like an ordinary frame SUV. The G9 is closer in character, if not to a truck, then to a van. Springs, additional rigging loops and an increased "towing" limit clearly hint at its "commercial" purpose.
Foton Tunland G9 is presented on our market in the only configuration, for which dealers ask 3.79 million rubles. The price range for Sollers ST9 is 3.56-3.86 million rubles.
Foton Tunland G9 is presented on our market in the only configuration, for which dealers ask 3.79 million rubles. The Sollers ST9 is more variable: it has two equipment options, and there is also a choice between diesel and gasoline. The price range for a domestic pickup truck is 3.56–3.86 million rubles.
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