The CFMOTO U10 PRO HIGHLAND is packed with features, for comfort, performance, and reliability.
I’ve long said that I’m not a great fan of manual labour and admit to enjoying some of the finer things in life, which is why I was very excited when I stumbled across something that encapsulates all that I’m about: the new CFMOTO U10 PRO HIGHLAND (equipped with a plush cabin).
Just because I’m sub-par at manual labour, that’s not to say that the CFMOTO can’t do any of the hard graft because, as you’ll see, there’s plenty to like about this UTV and certainly has all the goods to be an all-round farm vehicle. Likewise, the creature comforts mean that you don’t need to slum while doing these tasks. That certainly was my first impression of the U10 PRO HIGHLAND – and that’s before you’ve even got to the attractive price.
Engine and Performance
The CFMOTO designed and built three-cylinder, 998cc naturally aspirated engine powers the U10 PRO and U10 PRO HIGHLAND and produces an impressive 90 horsepower and 94.5Nm of peak torque. Being equipped with Variable-Valve-Timing (VVT) means smooth and consistent power, and not unlike a lot of the tractors now on the market, uses the low-rev, high-torque concept, which is great for towing and fuel efficiency (amongst other things). When combined with the new CVT, this package proved to have exceptionally smooth speed adjustment at low ground speed – making it particularly great for towing.
Transmission
Like the engine, the new CVT transmission is also CFMOTO designed and built. It uses large clutches and steel sliders instead of nylon sliders, reducing the risk of flat spotting. Both the size of the clutches and the sliders significantly reduce the impact of temperature variations on performance and belt longevity.
The U10 PRO also now features 4WD, lockable front and rear differentials, as well as hill descent control and power modes – all from the push of a button.
Functionality
Almost everything on this machine is electric, and while that may scare some naysayers, it certainly makes it very easy to use. The new E-SHIFT system won’t let you change gear or go from P to a gear unless you have your foot on the brake and are stationary.
There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your task at hand, with R-N-H-L-P including Electronic Park Brake (EPB) and AUTOHOLD functions. The Electronic Park Brake automatically engages when you come to a standstill or turn the machine off and automatically disengages when you select a gear. AUTOHOLD works in the exact opposite, when you select L/H/R and press the accelerator it automatically releases – it’s all good stuff, well thought out in terms of practicality for what’s required for an effective farm bike.
Suspension and Handling
Right: Almost everything on this machine is electric
Thanks to the 29-inch tyres, there’s a larger 330mm ground clearance that comes in handy on most farm terrain. And the ride is pretty sweet with Dual A Arm suspension, with 280mm travel at the front and 260mm at the rear.
The U10 PRO continues to deliver with:
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- 4WD system with rear differential lock (Turf Mode) for optimal traction
- Choice of two power modes, WORK or NORMAL.
- Selectable Hill Descent Control. This can be switched on or off via a dash-mounted button. Simply drive over the hill and take your foot off the accelerator and the bike does the rest.
Dimensions and capacity
In terms of workability, the U10 PRO offers 1134kg tow capacity and a large 454kg cargo tray capacity, and guess what, hydraulic power tilt deck via a nifty switch on the dash. If you end up biting off more than you can chew, the standard fitted 4500lb electric winch will prove to be a handy ally.
Interior features
Right: Inside the cabin are storage compartments
Climbing into the spacious cabin with large one-piece doors and electric windows (I’m not joking – you can even wind down both from the driver’s door) is a top tier experience for a UTV. I’m a tall guy and man this thing is roomy with ample legroom.
The driver’s seat is adjustable like a car and the steering wheel can also be adjusted to suit the driver. Plus, the rest of the bench seat moves as one but still has adjustment.
I haven’t even got to the U10 party piece: the tech! Featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation and Apple CarPlay (my car I drove to test this farm bike didn’t even have Apple CarPlay), it also has speakers mounted in the roof behind you in case you need to get yourself up and about in the mornings with some doof doof brain awakening sounds.
The tech doesn’t stop there either, it’s also worth noting some of the other inclusions:
- Electric start-stop button
- NFC key and Over the Air (OTA) software upgrade ability
- E-SHIFT Electric gearshift (R-N-H-L)
- Electric parking brake and AUTOHOLD function
- Electric Switch / Selectable 2WD/4WD/4WD lock
- Electric rear diff lock (Turf mode)
- Electric hill descent control (switchable on/off)
- Electrical cargo box lift control (full tilt in 10 seconds)
- Heating and air conditioning
- Inside the cabin are storage compartments – enough for probably just the essentials.
Summary
Right: The design is well thought out in terms of practicality for what’s required for an effective farm bike
The CFMOTO U10 HIGHLAND has plenty to like – it is absolutely packed with features, has a grunty 90hp engine, honest towing and tray capacity and more electric functionality than you can shake a stick at. Honestly, I’ve never been in a UTV with so much functionality. It has more than my car for crying out loud, and all of this for $29,900 with a two-year warranty!
Top 5
- CFMOTO 90hp, 3-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing and 94.5Nm of torque
- CFMOTO CVT System – smoother driving, enhanced cooling, which leads to improved belt life with electronic driver alert.
- New push button E-SHIFT system. Shift from R-N-H-L-P all at a touch of a button. Includes electric handbrake and AUTOHOLD function.
- Certainly, built for work with 1134kg tow capacity. 454kg cargo tray complete with hydraulic power tilt.
- HIGHLAND model cabin with all the creature comforts for work and play
| Make and model | CFMOTO U10 PRO HIGHLAND |
|---|---|
| Engine | 998cc |
| Horsepower | 90hp |
| Torque | 94.5Nm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Tray Capacity | 454kg (tipping) |
| Towing Capacity | 1134kg |
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc |
| Suspension | Dual A arm suspension, 280mm front travel, 260mm rear travel |
| Ground clearance | 330mm |
| Winch | 4500Ib |