JAC T9 Range-Topper and sheer luxury
- Carl Wepener
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
The JAC T9 is as far as I am concerned the most dynamic turbodiesel with effortless
efficiency for extraordinary everyday drivability.
It is up to date the most modern design, packed with safety- and top-class features,
comfort for driver and passengers and has impressive offroad credentials to support
adventures.
I have not taken it on any level 4 or 5 off road tracks as I believe its not what owners
will want it for. It did well on the ups and downs of up to grade three level tracks with
no uncertain or hesitant performance. I must say I did avoid rocks and places where
I thought it may get damaged.
With my driving in the city and on open road trips, the average fuel consumption was
an impressive 7.6 litres per 100kms. Add to that the excellent road dynamics,
comfort and stability and you have a multipurpose, frugal and go anywhere vehicle
that can compete with vehicles double the price. The interior was premium quality
and the exterior panels fitted well with very good paint work. The robust, yet good
looks made for many a head turning to see the JAC as we effortly passed traffic
without the engine working hard.
JAC Motors South Africa has introduced the new T9 double-cab range, representing
the pinnacle of its T-Series line-up. The T9, first unveiled at the Shanghai Automotive
Show, resulted from over four years of dedicated development and extensive global
testing. South Africa's unique position as the inaugural right-hand-drive market for
the T9 underscores its pivotal role in JAC Motors' overarching global expansion
strategy.
The new T9 is built on JAC Motors' third-generation international LCV platform. The
company manufactures the T9 range in China for export to over 40 countries where
the Brand has a presence.
The striking T9 will spearhead JAC Motors' pursuit of the rapidly expanding leisure-
focused double-cab market. The T9 2.0L CTi range includes four Lux and Super Lux
derivatives, ranging from R529,900 to R649,900, offering both 4×2 and 4×4
configurations to suit a wide range of preferences.
Karl-Heinz Göbel, Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa, says, "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."
Göbel emphasises the significance of "concerted efforts over six years to expand our
dealer network to over 70 locations in Southern Africa and crucial collaborations with
industry leaders like WesBank to establish JAC Finance exemplify our dedication to
providing innovative, cost-competitive financial solutions for our valued customers."
The T9 range showcases a new engine line-up. It debuts with the 2.0-litre turbo-
diesel engine, while the pipeline includes a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, BEV (Battery
Electric Vehicle), and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) models planned for
2025.
The T9's super-responsive 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct-injected,
common-rail diesel engine featuring an intercooler and Electrical Variable Geometry
Turbocharger (EVGT) delivers 125 kW @ 3,600 rpm and 410 Nm available between
1,500 to 2,500 rpm, ensuring extraordinary everyday drivability.
The JAC T9's highly efficient turbo-diesel engine, paired with a ZF eight-speed
automatic transmission, seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels. The
transmission offers various driving modes, including Sport, Normal, Eco and Snow,
for maximum efficiency. The 4×4 derivatives offer electronic part-time 4WD with low
range and a rear diff-lock for enhanced off-road capability.
The T9's advanced drivetrain setup delivers remarkable fuel efficiency. The 4x2
derivatives achieve an impressive average fuel consumption of 7.8 L/100 km
(combined cycle), offering an approximate 1,000-kilometer driving range on its 76-
litre tank. With a braked Towing Mass of 3,500 kg, it is ideal for families towing heavy
camping equipment when seeking adventurous outings.
The modern JAC T9's captivating, unconventional design, brought to life in JAC
Motors' international design centres in Italy and Japan, exudes contemporary appeal.
Its muscular and imposing front end, highlighted by a prominent vertical chrome bar
grille, enhances its commanding road presence.
Integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, Xenon Headlamps, and Fog Lamps
seamlessly blend into the front bumper design of the JAC T9, accentuating its
modern robust look and setting it apart from competitors. The JAC badge, boldly
embossed on the grille, further contributes to the T9's overall arresting design.
Attractive two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels with a floral-inspired design and 265/60 R18
tyres perfectly fit the rugged look of JAC Motors' new range-topping lifestyle bakkie.
The JAC’s distinctive LED Tail Light design enhances nighttime visibility while adding
a touch of elegance to the rear profile. The debossed JAC logo on the tailgate
accentuates the T9's premium feel. Rear Fog Lamps complete the package.
Safety is the core element of JAC DNA, evident in the T9 line-up with numerous
active and passive safety features. This includes a high-strength steel birdcage body,
multi-layer anti-collision beams, and six airbags, which include a world-leading front
centre airbag. Important standard features across the range include a Traction
Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) and Hill-start Hold Control (HHC).
The JAC T9 is equipped with disc brakes in the front and rear, as well as advanced
safety systems, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD), a Brake Override System (BOS), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA),
and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to ensure the safety of both drivers
and passengers.
Other security and safety features include Remote Keyless Entry, Central Locking
with Speed-sensitive Auto Door Locks, two ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points,
Rear Parking Sensors and a Reverse Camera. Dusk-sensing Headlamps, a Rear
Window Demister, and heated, electrically adjustable Side Mirrors with Indicator
Lamps add to the T9's comprehensive safety package. The Super Lux also features
Front Parking Sensors, Welcome Lamps, fold-away Side Mirrors, and a handy and
practical 360˚ View Camera to ensure you know your surroundings on and off the
road.
The JAC T9 offers high-quality leather accented interior appointments, providing an
elegant and luxurious feel inside the cab. Genuine leather seats and an adjustable
leather-bound, multi-function Steering Wheel, including Cruise Control, provide
additional convenient driver comforts. It features a Climate Control Air-conditioner
with Rear Vents to ensure comfort for both the driver and passengers.
An Electronic Park Brake, Auto Hold function, Variable Intermittent Windscreen
Wipers, and an electrically adjustable Driver Seat are standard in the range. The
Super Lux derivatives additionally boast a Power Tilt- and Sliding Sunroof, Privacy
Glass, Roof Rails, Rain-sensing Windscreen Wipers, heated Front Seats, an
electrically adjustable Passenger Seat, and an Auto-dimming Rearview mirror for
additional comfort.
The JAC T9 also offers Remote-controlled Electric Windows with an anti-clamp
function on all windows and driver's control add to the list of convenience features
and more safety for the passengers in the cab. A 7-inch multi-information Instrument
Cluster, Wireless Charging, 220V and 12V Accessory sockets, and USB ports
(including a USB-C port) in the front and rear ensure you stay informed and
connected on the road.
Standard fitment across the range includes an upmarket 10.4-inch touchscreen
Infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone
connectivity. The easy-to-use Infotainment system is easily readable and houses
important vehicle settings and information about the vehicle's health, e.g. the 360˚
View Camera and features like the valuable Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
The JAC T9's double-wishbone independent front suspension with coil springs
ensures superior handling, drivability and passenger comfort.
The T9's payload is 1,000 kg, and the double-skinned load box measures 1,520 mm
× 1,590 mm × 470 mm to ensure that cargo, luggage and lifestyle equipment can
easily be uploaded for family excursions. The load box is sprayed with an anti-
scratch and corrosion-resistant truck bedliner for maximum protection.
Off-road credentials
The T9 4×4 derivatives feature BorgWarner's dependable ESOF electronically
controlled part-time four-wheel-drive system. Speeds up to 80 km/h, allows drivers to
change transition between two-wheel drive (2H) and four-wheel drive (4H) with a
centre console Dial Switch for extra traction on slippery surfaces.
The JAC T9 also features low-speed four-wheel drive (4L) with torque amplification
for enhanced off-road capability. The T9, with a rear diff-lock, ZF eight-speed
transmission, and safety features like Hill Descent Control, excels on challenging
terrains. It boasts a 27⁰ approach angle, a 23⁰ departure angle and 210 mm ground
clearance.
Model line-up and pricing
Since April 2017, JAC Motors has steadily expanded its presence in the South
African market and establishing a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa.
The T9's retail price includes the company's comprehensive 5-year/100,000 km
manufacturer's warranty, 5-year/100,000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside
assistance programme. Service intervals are scheduled every 10,000 km.
T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux: R529,900
T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Super Lux: R579,900
T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Lux: R599,900
T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Super Lux: R649,900
Clients have seven colours to choose from, Star Grey, Metallic Grey, Silver, White,
Black, Red and Blue, owners can personalise their new T9s with various
accessories.
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