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The latest offering in NZ’s ute market – Chinese-built JAC.
While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.
The latest to show its colours is the Chinesebuilt JAC, pronounced Jack. With a launch price of $49,990 including GST, it appears to offer serious bang for buck in an increasingly competitive segment.
JAC has a 60-year heritage, claims to be the number one light commercial builder and is 50% owned by the mighty VW group. Ute production started in 2015, starting with the T6, had reached 200,000 units by 2022, climbing to 320,000 units by the end of 2023, and are sold in 132 countries.
JAC New Zealand is backed by NZ Automotive Limited, a subsidiary of the Colonial Motor Company which operates in the passenger car, heavy truck and agricultural tractor and machinery sectors.
Looking at the T9 in more detail, the distributor puts much emphasis on components sourced from top-end suppliers such as Bosch, Honeywell, ZF, Borg Warner and Eaton.
This manifests itself in a modern looking ute with a turbo-charged 2-litre, 4-cylinder pushing out 125kW and 419Nm, with an 8-speed transmission, a high/low 4WD transfer case, diff-lock and ECO, Sport and Snow drive modes and a hill descent function.
Interestingly, building on the ‘Jack of All Trades’ marketing hype, the JAC T9 is available in a single spec’ that as standard includes rock-slider side steps, black sports bar, power adjusted and heated faux-leather seats, wireless mobile charging, and a 220V power-point socket for charging power tool batteries. Of course, tradies will also be pleased to see a hot/cool box in the centre console, meaning there’s always access to cold drinks or hot pies.
Aimed at demanding work, the chassis features heavy-duty galvanising, with wax also injected into any cavities, hopefully ensuring that the choice of seven external colours is protected for the vehicle’s life. The load bed benefits from a protective sprayed-on bed liner.
In the cabin, the supportive seats are complemented by ambient lighting, ISO-Fix mounts and a large central screen are standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside seven charging points, 360- degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and an automated electronic park brake.
Safety is taken care of extensively with 18 ADAS functions, seven airbags and a recently awarded 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Peace of mind is taken care of with a 5-year/200,000km warranty, alongside 24/7 roadside assistance.
Towing capacity is rated at 3000kg - a little behind the 3500kg norm - complemented by a 1045kg load capacity, and wide enough to handle a standard Euro pallet.
JAC has confirmed three locations for its initial launch of the T9 in Southern Autos JAC in Manukau Auckland, Avon City JAC in Christchurch, and Energy Motors JAC in New Plymouth. Demo T9s will be arriving at these dealerships very soon. After launch of the T9 the Kiwi team will continue to build its dealer locations and fun ways to support Kiwis up and down the motu from early 2025.
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