Well, on my return I popped in and sales manager Cindy Nieuwenhuizen was clearly excited about the new JAC addition to her showroom – in fact, her demo model was already being pimped with wheels, signage and a nose cone.
Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corporation (JAC Motors) is state-owned; the largest Chinese commercial manufacturer with no less than 50 years’ experience. And this reminds me of something Brand Pretorius said years ago at a launch: “The Chinese will rule the world in terms of vehicle manufacturing and the sooner people realise this and get on board with these brands, the better.”
VW, being one of the largest foreign manufacturers in China, has a stake in JAC Motors. This should certainly instill some confidence in the product.
The Produkta Motors Group has been appointed to represent JAC Motors throughout the entire Lowveld – Mbombela, White River, Hazyview, Sabie, Lydenburg, Burgersfort, Malalane and Komatipoort. “Initially we will stock the bakkie range, including the X200 1.5 pickup with drop sides, the T8 double cab and single cab, and then the three- and six-ton trucks,” said Produkta Motors DP, Gerrie Cronjé.
I drove the JAC T8 2×4 double cab this past weekend and yes, Chinese manufacturing has come a long way.
In general
In terms of exterior design, the Chinese did their homework. The T8 in particular is bold and masculine like a bakkie should be. My test vehicle was kitted with a nose cone and brightly branded, which put it in your face and attracted lots of attention.
The interior is functional and although the dashboard and other fittings are made of hard plastic, I am sure that it will withstand the test of time. Upon entering the bakkie, I was immediately comfortable in the seats.
Back support is really good and seat height is such that one looks over the steering. It fitted my seating preference like a glove. The cabin is large and roomy and the steering is small and height-adjustable. The only quibble I had here is that, at the right distance from the steering, my right knee still touched the ignition key.
Performance
It sounds like a diesel, because it is a diesel. By this I mean that although the engine is quite noisy (clattering) compared to some other diesels, it does quiet down once you cruise in fifth or sixth gear. This is just by the by – I have no problem with the engine noise of a diesel.
The 1.9-litre turbo diesel develops 100kW and 320Nm and thus compares well with its competitors GWM, Mahindra and others. Power delivery is smooth and responsive. It is pushed to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox with a short and smooth shift. First gear is really short, though, so I mostly pulled off in second when on a flat surface.
Driving comfort on the open road is good. Typical of a bakkie, however, when the road surface gets bumpy, the ride gets choppy. I mostly cruised around the 110km/h mark or within the green band and around 2 500r/min, which delivered good torque response and certainly a pleasant driving experience. And it returned a fuel index of 10,5L/100km.
Conclusion
If you need a 2×4 or 4×4 bakkie or larger delivery vehicle, JAC Motors presents its products within the R200 000-to-R400 000 price bracket with all the vehicles carrying a standard five-year/150 000km manufacturing warranty and a five-year/60 000km service plan.
In the bakkie market the T8 is, in my opinion, most certainly a shortlist candidate. It will be a mistake – your mistake – not to take it for a test drive!
Photos: Quickpic and Matthys Ferreira
