In a world of expensive leisure double cabs, it’s refreshing to see that JAC competes with a keen price, but has not forgotten safety or driver comforts. The T6 1.9-litre TDi Comfort derivative, a turbodiesel introduced to SA from China in 2018, will set you back R332 400, about half that of segment rivals.
JAC is set to soon offer a 2.0-litre petrol derivative, to extend their reach and close the gap left when Nissan chose to stop local production of the NP300. It will retail for under R300 000 from one of the 50 JAC dealers countrywide, according to Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
JAC’s reputation for value has good underpinnings. The 1.9-litre common rail diesel with its electrical variable geometry turbo was developed along with German company FEV, and puts out 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Paired with a five-speed manual, it delivers a fuel index of 8.0 litres/100km.
The T6 follows the standard bakkie format of ladder-frame chassis, double wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear on elliptical leaf springs, offering a payload of 900 kg and a low-ish max braked towing mass of 1 550 kg. The loadbox is wide and long enough (1 520 mm x 1 520 mm) but a little low (470 mm).
According to Göbel, the T6 exterior was penned in Italy at the JAC design centre, and, apart from the distinctive hawk-eye headlights, it offers running boards, a bin-mounted style bar and electrically adjusted mirrors. Safety aids include ABS, two airbags, parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment screen is standard with an MP3 player and Bluetooth, along with a USB port and 12V charge point. Aircon, electric windows and a multi-function steering wheel top off the amenities. And that’s it. Not too much frill or fuss, coupled with a five-year/60 000 km service plan (15 000 km intervals) and a five-year/150 000 km warranty.
