Farmers looking for a cheap runaround now have the option of the Fugleman, a comparatively low-cost but surprisingly pokey UTV from Segway.

The Chinese maker is a relative newcomer to the scene, having recently launched a Powersports division that has also spawned the Snarler quad and Villain off-road buggy. 

The three-seat Fugleman, which is aimed at farmers and smallholders, equestrians and hobbyists alike, recently landed in the UK at dealer Hayes Machinery of South Molton, Devon.

See also: UTV buyer’s guide 2021-22

Engine and transmission

© MAG/Matilda Bovingdon

Segway plans to launch a hybrid machine later in the year but, for now, a petrol engine is the only option.

Power comes by way of a 1,000cc twin-cylinder, four-stroke block that delivers 105hp and 100Nm of torque.

This sets the Fugleman ahead of the competition, with the John Deere Gator 835M running a 812cc, 54hp petrol engine and the Polaris Ranger 1000 packing 1,000cc and 82hp.

It has two driving modes – eco and sport – plus high and low ranges that, along with reverse and park, are selected on a gear lever next to the steering wheel.

Acceleration is undeniably swift, and the dual A-arm suspension and 320mm of ground clearance work together to help smooth out farm track bumps.

The handling and the steering also remain light while giving a firm, planted feeling.

As the speed picks up, though, the Fugleman develops a slightly jarring whine, and descending hills requires quite a heavy covering of the brake pedal to prevent it from running away.

What’s the cab like?

© MAG/Matilda Bovingdon

The three-seat cab is surprisingly spacious, with enough head- and legroom for all passengers. The driver’s seat is fully adjustable, and the steering wheel also tilts to accommodate operators big and small.

It has a fancy dashboard made up of two displays; an LCD monitor and the unexpected addition of a 10.4in touchscreen.

The smaller of the two sits in front of the steering wheel, and relays the vehicle’s vital information, such as fuel level, temperature, engine rpm and selected gear.

© MAG/Matilda Bovingdon

The larger panel is an iPad-style screen that is geared up for making Bluetooth calls, playing music or checking location maps – for newbies navigating remote parts of a farm.

There’s also a built-in digital gyroscope and a factory-fitted hidden tracking device.

As for in-cab storage, the dash glovebox is by far the largest compartment, with enough room to stash some mandatory baler twine, a couple of sarnies or a flask of tea. The middle seat folds down to form an extra cubby.

The footwells are spacious, too, and can easily be washed out.

Exterior and added features

The Fugleman has rugged, mean-looking styling, and is available in three colour combinations; grey and black, white and red, and black and green.

However, the plastic doors look a little flimsy and, for anyone new to the machine, it can be tricky to locate the handles.

These are actually positioned on the inside of the door, so users will have to put an arm through the window space to get in.

At the back, the pickup-style tray has a tipper operated by manual levers from either side. The bed has a capacity of 450kg, with an overall payload of 680kg – both of which are similar to the competition.

© MAG/Matilda Bovingdon

Towing capacity is decent too, at 1,134kg, and the Fugleman comes with a built-in winch that is good for up to 2,041kg.

© MAG/Matilda Bovingdon

FW verdict

There is currently only one Fugleman model, and that means there is little scope for upgrading with the sort of extras many will deem necessities – starting with a front windscreen.

If you can look beyond that, the Fugleman has plenty going for it, with impressive power, plenty of tech and a built-in tracking service.

And, at £12,499, it’s a good deal cheaper than many UTVs on the market – provided the components stand the test of time.