The JAC of all trades.
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The JAC of all trades.
Chinese bakkies are big business in South Africa, enhancing with every new generation while typically remaining affordable, bang-for-your-buck alternatives to the long-standing brigade of bakkies that consists of the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok, and its top-selling rival, the Toyota Hilux, amongst other products.
With its competitive pricing and robust equipment list, the JAC T9, the latest addition to the bakkie lineup, is poised to pose a challenge to established models. The brand, with a history dating back to 1964, has shown a commitment to innovation in the automotive fold, particularly with its venture into electric vehicles in collaboration with Volkswagen in 2018. JAC’s T9 4×2 Super Lux, in particular, stands out with its striking design and generous specifications, including a bold chrome grille, split LED headlights encased in plastic cladding, prominent JAC emblems, stylish two-tone 18-inch alloys, and a tilt/slide sunroof, signalling a new generation of value-driven yet trendy utilitarian bakkies.
The JAC T9’s 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, delivers solid performance that aligns with its competitors, like the Ford Ranger’s 2.0-litre SiT engine. Although not the most powerful in its class, the JAC T9’s engine offers a commendable 125kW and 410Nm, ensuring robust pulling power throughout the rev range, which is particularly beneficial for long hauls or when carrying heavy loads. The ZF 8-speed transmission’s smooth shifting contributes to a pleasant driving experience, although some jerkiness has been observed during stop-and-go scenarios, especially when the auto-hold brake function is activated.
Like most bakkies of this world, the T9 is based on a ladder-frame chassis with a double-wishbone independent suspension with coil springs. While the setup contributes to the vehicle’s robustness, it also results in a firmer ride, as noted by the slight jitteriness over small bumps. In its defence, it’s a trade-off for a vehicle capable of carrying significant payloads, such as its 1,000kg capacity. Despite not being a dedicated 4×4, the T9 could handle light off-road conditions, thus making it a usable choice for those requiring a vehicle that can perform well in diverse driving scenarios.
The load bin’s dimensions are generous, providing ample space for various goods, which is critical for users who require a reliable workhorse for transportation. Additionally, a protective bed liner at the rear has a non-slip surface for a more practical touch.
Sure. The T9 is a handsome beaut, but it’s the interior that comes under scrutiny. While the cabin features some impressive elements, some aspects hint at cost-cutting measures, such as the use of less-than-expensive materials in certain areas, which is noticeable upon closer inspection. This contradicts the vehicle’s otherwise premium feel. Despite this, the vehicle impresses with its structural integrity; the absence of any rattles or noises during operation indicates a solid build. This level of assembly precision is commendable and suggests that with a few improvements in material quality and finish, it could redefine standards in its class.
Speaking of interior features, you get an intuitive 10.4-inch portrait-style infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is an on-trend feature often found at a higher price point. In the case of our tester, it also came fitted with heated front seats, electrically adjustable front seats, a wireless charging pad, a 7-inch multi-information cluster, two USB ports at the front, and a single one at the back. While the steering wheel’s reach-only adjustment may be a point of irritation for some, it is a minor shortcoming in an otherwise well-appointed and spacious interior.
The JAC T9 emerges as a competitive option in the bakkie market, particularly when considering its price point of R579,900. This positions it as a more accessible choice in a segment where prices can soar near the million-rand threshold. Notably, its fuel economy is impressive; averaging 7.1l/100km and a near 1,000-kilometre range positions it as one of the most economical bakkies we’ve tested and underscores its practicality for long-distance travel.
In a nutshell, the JAC T9’s overall assessment falls short of that of the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, and Volkswagen Amarok—all established bakkie contenders. However, it remains a serious competitor in the segment, and while long-term reliability still comes with a question mark, our drive suggests that it checks many boxes and boasts a level of capability that could significantly impact the market in the months ahead.
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