The bakkie market, once dominated by a few key players, is now seeing a surge of new models from China. The JAC T9 is one such entrant, boasting a value-for-money proposition. Alex Shahini explores if it lives up to its promise.
Chinese-built models are increasingly popular locally, particularly in the bakkie segment, thanks to their competitive pricing and technology-packed offerings. Skeptics might question their reliability, but JAC’s extensive warranty and service plans aim to reassure durability-conscious buyers.
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JAC has been in South Africa since 2017, initially with the X200 single cab. This was followed by the T6 4X2 bakkie and a series of commercial trucks. Volkswagen, which owned 25% of JAC, increased its stake to 50% in 2020, the same year the T9 was unveiled. The T9 is marketed with an unofficial connection to Volkswagen’s Amarok, suggesting shared DNA.
The T9 targets the lifestyle bakkie market, emphasizing size, looks, performance, versatility, and value. Priced at R659,900, it undercuts many competitors by offering features typically found in more expensive models. This pricing strategy likely aims to establish market presence before increasing costs.
Full price range
- T9 2.0L CTi 4X2 Lux – R549 900
- T9 2.0L CTi 4X4 Lux – R609 900
- T9 2.0L CTi 4X2 Super Lux – R599 900
- T9 2.0L CTi 4X4 Super Lux – R659 900
Despite being new globally, the T9 is packed with modern features. It includes a ZF transmission, BorgWarner 4WD system with low range and rear diff-lock, plush interiors, a central display with phone replication, and a high-resolution 360-degree camera. JAC claims it is their most advanced bakkie yet.
JAC Motors SA CEO, Karl-Heinz Göbel, notes that the T9 aims to challenge established bakkie models like the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Volkswagen Amarok, and Mitsubishi Triton. However, its primary competition is within the Chinese bakkie segment, including the GWM P-Series.
The 4×4 Super Lux T9 is priced competitively, though its smaller engine might seem less powerful on paper. Despite this, with 125 kW and 410 N.m, it performs well on the road, with immediate response and minimal turbo lag. Off-road, it proved to be more than capable, handling the short stretches of dirt road easily. Although the overall drive revealed room for improvement in throttle and transmission calibration, the T9 felt capable and fuel consumption was around 8.0 L/100 km.
JAC introduced the T9 to the media on its 60th anniversary, hoping to increase its market share. While the T9 may not yet rival the segment leaders, it is arguably the best Chinese bakkie available now.
JAC T9 4X4 Super Lux at a glance
- Price: R659 900
- Engine: 2.0-litre, turbodiesel, four-cylinder
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Power: 125 kW
- Torque: 410 N.m
- Fuel consumption: 7.8 L/100 km
- Emissions: n/a