Bred directly from the Ox Nché gene pool, the farmer who wandered over to where I was parked in the JAC T9 2.0CTI double cab Super Lux asked very politely if he could have a good look at the vehicle. Nodding in acquiescence, I stepped out onto the running board and down to the ground. He, in turn, stood slightly on tiptoe and planted his backside into the seat.
After a good look around the plush interior and checking the various switches, screens and general operation he turned his attention to giving the body a bit of scrum lesson by pushing, pulling and generally shaking it about before turning to me with a big smile and saying: “Those Chinese are getting clever, hey.”
Indeed, they are!
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The new T9 is built on the company’s third-generation LCV platform and, as mentioned when I first drove it at the local launch, the influence of Volkswagen as a 50% stakeholder in JAC Motors can be felt in the way in which the T9 is designed and put together, without ever actually being a cheap knock-off of the German company’s primary one-tonner.
The JAC has its own character and feel – starting with the massive front grille and very much in-your-face logo through the stylish wheel design and 265/60 R18 rubber to the robust rear end.
In the 4x2 guise as I had on test, it retails for R599 900 and sits between the GWM P-Series 2.0TD double cab LT (R598 850) and Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab SE Plus auto (R602 600) in terms of price and herein lies the rub.
There is a close association in specification levels between the JAC and the GWM with the Nissan lagging far behind and highlighting the value-for-money proposition the Chinese auto exporters can achieve, which explains the growing popularity of these marques within our constrained economy.
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As much as the Chinese manufacturers have upped their game, there still is another step to be taken before they are truly on par with the Japanese – but, it is a small step and one they most certainly will be taking to bring their products up to the same levels of refinement as the much pricier opposition.
The T9 has a new 2,0-litre turbo-diesel engine that churns out 125 kW at 3 600 r/min and 410 Nm of torque between 1 500 r/min and 2 500 r/min, paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
On startup there is hint of diesel phlegm from the JAC but it settles quickly into a quiet level of efficiency, going about your business smoothly and comfortably with fuel economy over my usual test route of highway, rural and side roads sitting at 7,4 l/100 km – a sliver below what JAC actually claims for this vehicle.
One thing it does have in common with other Chinese examples is a slight hesitation between initial pressure on the throttle and the onset of power. Somehow the modulation is not as smooth as it could be and, as said, appears to be something of a common feature.
Mercifully though, the JAC is not infused with a host of ‘bings’, ‘bongs’ and other irritating noises from the large array of ‘nanny’ systems some of which, in other brands, simply cannot be disabled.
Safety is a high priority, with the T9 boasting a high-strength steel birdcage body, multi-layer anti-collision beams, and six crash bags, including a front centre bag.
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The range is packed with active and passive safety features such as Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill-start Hold Control. It also includes disc brakes, anti-lock braking, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Override System, Hydraulic Brake Assist and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Comfort and convenience are well catered for with leather interior fittings, genuine leather seats, an adjustable leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, and climate control air-conditioning with rear vents. The Super Lux models take it up a notch with a power tilt and sliding sunroof, privacy glass, roof rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated front seats.
Tech-wise, the T9 features a 10,4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch multi-information instrument cluster, wireless charging, and multiple accessory sockets and USB ports.
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 1 000 kg payload and a spacious load box with an anti-scratch and corrosion-resistant bedliner.
A neat feature is the electronic locking tailgate that activates when the Super Lux is locked.
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Unquestionably a large vehicle, the T9 needs to be carefully packed into the average parking bay but the large screen and clear vision provide the right level of assistance in getting it right and the turning circle of 12,4 metres means it will deal with most manoeuvres without too many reverse and restart operations.
On the road it eats up bumps and ripples to provide a compliant ride with minimal body movement when changing direction – even suddenly – and it holds its own when being pressed a bit hard into a corner.
JAC Motors backs the T9 with a 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer's warranty, a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Colin Windell
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