Chinese manufacturer, JAC Motors, is set to introduce a new leisure double cab bakkie in South Africa in early 2022 to take on the GWM P-Series. Meet the JAC T9!

Following the local introduction of the all-new T8 double-cab bakkie in 2020, JAC is looking to further capitalise on opportunityin the double cab segment with the introduction of the flagship T9 leisure double-cab bakkie.

The JAC T9 will be a direct rival to GWM’s P-Series which has proven to be a resounding success in South Africa since it came to market in 2020.

The T9 is an all-new bakkie that made its debut at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show and it’s built on JAC’s JL32 architecture and places emphasis on comfort and luxury features.

In terms of design, the JAC T9 boasts a huge bold grille that’s inspired by the American Bison. The oversize grille is flanked by LED turn signals, LED headlights and LED fog lights. The T9 rides on 18-inch wheels and rugged plastic cladding is seen over the wheel arches and side skirts. An angled sports bar is also fitted and the rear lights adopt a slick vertical design.

Moving inside the T9, JAC has gone with an upmarket design. The upper dashboard is finished with soft-touch trim but the main attraction is the large 10.4-inch vertically-orientated infotainment touchscreen which houses the main vehicle functions as well as the obligatory connectivity features. A 10-inch colour digital instrument cluster relays key driving information to the driver and a multi-function steering wheel provides easy access to key functions.

Other notable features include keyless entry, push-button start, wireless smartphone charger and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with leather upholstery throughout.

What engines will power the JAC T9?

The JAC T9 is expected to feature notable outputs and a host of luxury and convenience features to take on the GWM P-Series.

In China, the JAC T9 is powered by an in-house 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine developing 112 kW and 360 Nm as well as a 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine but a JAC spokesperson at the Beijing Auto Show highlighted that international markets will receive an Isuzu-sourced 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, presumably the same that powers the current Isuzu D-Max with 100 kW and 320 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is likely as well as an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Furthermore, late in 2020, Volkswagen increased its stake in JAC from 50% to 75% majority stake and forming Volkswagen Anhui Automotive Company Limited. Approximately €1-Billion was invested to develop electric infrastructure in China.

Note that this is a developing story and exact pricing and specification details for the South African market have yet to be confirmed. It has, however, been confirmed that the new JAC T9 is due to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2022. We will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

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