Photo: JAC Motors
Late last year, JAC Motors South Africa announced that it planned to launch its new top-of-the-range T9 double-cab series in 2023.
The T9 Hunter range comprises four models, including 4×4 and 4×2 derivatives, and will lead the company’s quest to make inroads in the competitive lifestyle segment of the double-cab bakkie market.
The T9 is manufactured in China, utilising state-of-the-art production facilities. There’s a turbo-diesel derivative, with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle following at the end of 2023. The battery-electric vehicle’s introduction is planned for early 2024.
Going global
The new T9’s large body, measuring 5 330mm (L) x 1 965 mm (W) x 1 920mm (H), and its 3 110mm-wheelbase, plus its bold design, created tremendous interest when it was first shown to the public at the Beijing Motor Show in 2020. Since then, more research and development has been carried out to prepare the new T9 for its global launch.
“We’re excited about the imminent arrival of the new T9 Hunter range. Bakkie buyers will love its large body design, because local customer research highlights that a bakkie’s actual size is one of the most important buying motivators,” said Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
The T9 Hunter’s two-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 125kW and 410Nm, sending the power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
The T9 4×4 derivatives feature a part-time 4×4 system with a low-range transfer case and a rear diff-lock. It offers a towing mass of 3 500kg (braked).
Local specification levels still need to be confirmed, but the T9 range will only be available in an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure a relaxing driving experience.
The T9’s active and passive safety feature list includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, tyre-pressure monitoring, and a surround-view parking camera.
Other standard equipment includes a 10,4-inch (264mm) touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, a 7-inch (178mm) driver information screen, heated power-adjustable front seats, a 220V power outlet and climate control with air ducts for passengers in the back of the cab.
Göbel added that the new T9 Hunter would be a welcome addition to the local T-Series, currently comprising the T8 and T6 product ranges. Along with Australia, South Africa was an important market in JAC Motors’ plans to increase its global right-hand drive market share.
“That’s why we get the latest high-tech products like the T9 and the battery-electric N-Series trucks early in their product life-cycles.”
Pricing and standard specification for the JAC T9 Hunter range will be announced closer to its launch next year.
Visit JAC Motors at jacmotors.co.za.
