Bold new JAC T9 busts into Mzansi: we have pricing and specs

The dramatic new JAC Motors T9 double-cab bakkie has touched down in South Africa.

Intended to take on the more established Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi Triton, the T9 line-up consists of four models including 4x4 and 4x2 derivatives. No matter which you choose, all stand out with striking exterior styling penned by the Chinese carmaker's design centres in Italy and Japan. 

Up front you get a large radiator grille, home to six prominent vertical chrome bars and an embossed JAC badge. Flanking this distinguishing feature are integrated LED daytime running lights, xenon headlamps and fog lamps. The profile of the T9 double-cab is characterised by black running boards and wheel arches, the latter filled by two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels shod with squishy 265/60 tyres. Swing around to the rear of this macho looking bakkie and you will find LED tail light clusters and a high-mounted stop lamp. 

Manufactured at a state-of-the-art facility in China, all T9 double-cab models are powered by a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 125kW and 410Nm of torque. This is sent to either the rear or all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter offers various driving modes including sport, normal, eco and snow. 

The 4x4 derivatives offer an electronic part-time all-wheel drive system, low range transfer case and rear differential lock. A braked towing mass of 3,500kg makes the T9 double-cab an ideal pick for trailer-lugging families and weekend adventurers. The load bed (1,520mm x 1,590mm x 470mm) can carry up to 1,000kg of cargo, while 210mm of ground clearance is complemented by an approach angle of 27⁰ and departure angle of 23⁰.

Lux models are generously equipped and come with a long list of standard niceties. These include a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring, reverse camera, front and rear USB ports, wireless charging, a seven-inch driver-information screen, leather upholstery, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, a 220V power outlet and climate control with rear passenger ducts. 

The flagship Super Lux model ups the ante with front parking sensors, welcome lamps, folding side mirrors and a 360° view camera. Other notable extras come in the form of a tilt/slide sunroof, privacy glass, roof rails, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable passenger seat and automatic-dimming rear-view mirror.

Both models come armed with an array of active and passive safety features, including six airbags, electronic traction control and stability control, hill-hold assist, ABS brakes with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic headlamps and a set of rear parking sensors. 

Now available at dealers, pricing for the JAC T9 double-cab line-up is:

2.0CTi Double Cab Lux: R529,900

2.0CTi Double Cab Super Lux: R579,900

2.0CTi Double Cab 4WD Lux: R599,900

2.0CTi Double Cab 4WD Super Lux: R649,900

Pricing includes a five-year/100,000km warranty and five-year/100,000km service plan.