Finally, after shipping delays forced the launch date to be put back, JAC Motors is putting the T9 double cab leisure bakkie on the road – and doing so at an impressively competitive price that kicks off at R549 900 for the entry-level Lux 4x2 version.
Introduced at the Shanghai Automotive Show just six months ago, the T9 is the product of more than four years of development and global testing – and South Africa is the first market to receive the right-hand-drive version.
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The bakkie is built on JAC Motors' third-generation international LCV platform. Since entering the light commercial vehicle (LCV) and passenger car markets in 2007, the company, which originated as a truck manufacturer in China 60 years ago, now exports the T9 range to around 40 countries.
Volkswagen owns a 50% stake in JAC Motors (70% of its electric vehicle business) and, following a quick launch day drive in the T9, it is not difficult to imagine the VW influence in terms of engineering, aesthetics, technology and assembly to ensure it meets the rigorous European vehicle standards and those of Volkswagen itself.
By no means a rebranded Amarok, the T9 is being targeted with affordability top of mind, yet laden with the features that would carry R1-million price tags on competitive products.
Karl-Heinz Göbel, chief executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the T9's introduction, emphasising its luxurious comfort and passenger car-like driving experience, ideal for active lifestyles and dual-purpose needs.
"Concerted efforts over six years to expand our dealer network to 70 locations in Southern Africa and crucial collaborations with industry leaders such as WesBank to establish JAC Finance exemplify our dedication to providing innovative, cost-competitive financial solutions for our valued customers."
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The T9 debuts with a new 2,0-litre turbo-diesel engine, with plans for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models later in 2024.
The diesel engine delivers 125 kW at 3 600 r/min and 410 Nm of torque between 1 500 r/min and 2 500 r/min and is paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4×4 models feature electronic part-time 4WD with low range and a rear diff-lock for enhanced off-road capability.
Fuel efficiency is a key feature of the T9, with the 4x2 derivatives achieving a claimed average fuel consumption of 7,8 l/100 km and it has a braked towing mass of 3 500 kg.
The T9's design, created in JAC Motors' international design centres in Italy and Japan, features a muscular front end, highlighted by a vertical chrome bar grille and integrated LED lights. This is complemented by black wheel arches, running boards, a style bar and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 tyres.
Safety levels are high and the vehicle has a high-strength steel birdcage body, multi-layer anti-collision beams, and six crash bags, including a front centre bag.
The range includes numerous active and passive safety features such as Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Stability Control and Hill-start Hold Control. Additionally, the T9 is equipped with disc brakes, anti-lock braking, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Override System, Hydraulic Brake Assist and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Convenience features include leather interior appointments, genuine leather seats, an adjustable leather-bound multi-function steering wheel and a climate control air-conditioner with rear vents. The Super Lux models offer additional comforts such as a power tilt and sliding sunroof, privacy glass, roof rails, rain-sensing windscreen wiper, and heated front seats.
The T9 also includes a 10,4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch multi-information instrument cluster, wireless charging, multiple accessory sockets and USB ports.
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Ride quality on the launch route, albeit tar only, featured some bumpy sections and a few ‘traffic claming’ speed humps so the double-wishbone independent front suspension and ladder frame with rear integral bridge support got a reasonable workout and produced a more than acceptable level of comfort inside the cabin.
With dimensions of 5 330 mm in length, 1 965 mm in width, 1 920 mm in height and a wheelbase of 3 110 mm, the T9 offers a payload of 1 000 kg and a spacious load box with an anti-scratch and corrosion-resistant bedliner.
A nice touch – when the Super Lux is locked, the tailgate is also electronically locked.
JAC Motors offers a 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer's warranty, 5-year/100 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance program.
Pricing:
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux: R549 900
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Super Lux: R599 900
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Lux: R609 900
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Super Lux: R659 900
Colin Windell
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