Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts because we’re about to embark on a wild ride into the world of bakkies. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the realm of JAC Motors and their latest masterpiece – the JAC T9. This double-cab delight is making waves as the most advanced bakkie to roll off the Chinese automaker’s assembly line, and trust us, it’s got more personality than a stand-up comedian at a circus.
But before we get too carried away, let’s roll out the welcome mat for all you JAC bakkie enthusiasts. Whether you’re on the hunt for a brand spanking new ride or a trusty used gem, we’ve got your back. CARmag is your one-stop destination for all things JAC.
Now, back to the star of the show – the JAC T9. This baby comes in four fabulous flavors, all built on the same juicy powertrain and chassis. The JAC T9 lineup includes:
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux: Yours for a cool R529,900.
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Super Lux: A touch fancier at R579,900.
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Lux: Ready for off-road fun at R599,900.
- T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Super Lux: Priced at R649,900, and it’s super-duper!
Now that you know the menu, let’s dig into the sumptuous details. The JAC T9, strutting its stuff on the third-generation LCV platform, looks like a long-lost cousin of Ford’s Ranger. It’s a smidge smaller, but we’re talking millimeters here, folks. The T9 measures 5,330 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, 1,920 mm in height, and flaunts a 3,110 mm wheelbase. With a ride height to make the Eiffel Tower envious and a 210 mm ground clearance, it’s ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws its way. The approach and departure angles of 27⁰ and 23⁰ are sure to make any obstacle quake in its path.
And here’s the kicker: the JAC T9 can haul a whopping 1,000 kg of your stuff, and it can tow a braked load that’ll make the Toyota Hilux blush, at a jaw-dropping 3,500 kg. Plus, JAC has coated the T9’s load bed with a scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant lining. So, go ahead, throw in your mountain of tools, camping gear, or the entire kitchen sink – the T9 can take it!
Powering this beast is a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, belting out 125 kW @ 3,600 r/min and a tire-twisting 410 N.m from 1,500 r/min. It’s a party on wheels, folks! To keep things smooth, there’s a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission in the mix, deciding whether the power should go to the rear wheels or all four, depending on which T9 you fancy. And supporting this bakkie bonanza is an independent double-wishbone suspension system, complete with coil springs tucked behind some snazzy two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
Now, let’s talk about the interior – it’s as classy as a top-hat-wearing penguin. The T9’s cabin is draped in leather, from the seats to the adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel. It’s got more leather than a biker convention! The cockpit comes alive with a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7.0-inch multi-information digital driver display cluster. It’s like having your personal DJ and co-pilot on board!
In the wise words of Karl-Heinz Göbel, the Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa, “We are excited to introduce the T9 into our T-Series double-cab range, targeting customers in search of luxurious comfort and the driving experience of a passenger car, perfectly suited to their active lifestyles and dual-purpose needs.”
