After a false start yet another Chinese brand has entered the Australian market, with the launch of the JAC T9 4×4 ute.
The T9 dual cab utility is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 125kW of power and 410Nm of torque.
Power is fed to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and dual-range, part-time four-wheel drive system, with four driving modes and an electronic diff lock for the rear.
With a 76-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 7.6L/100km.
The T9 could easily be mistaken for one of its competitors, with styling that is smart and contemporary, with a black sports bar and side steps fitted.
Standard equipment for the T9 includes 18-inch alloys, quilted leather seats, single-zone climate control, LED head and daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist with speed sign recognition, auto wipers, wireless phone charging and a 10.4-inch portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system complete with AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The top spec model ups the ante with front parking sensors, 360 degree camera, roof rails, privacy glass, puddle lights, auto-folding side mirrors, black and brown leather accented interior and heated front seats.
At just over 5.3 metres in length and weighing in at 2055kg, T9 can tow a braked 3500kg load and the tub can fit a full-size pallet and 1000kg payload.
With 210mm of ground clearance it is able to wade through water that is 800mm deep.
Although it does not have a safety rating yet, safety features include five airbags (front, centre, rear and curtain), front and rear autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, blindspot detection, lane departure warnings, lane-keeping assist and rear cross traffic alert.
Two models will be offered, Oasis from $42,662 and Haven from $45,630 — both prices before on-road costs.
Both models also come standard with a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Backed by a strong network of over 40 dealers nationwide, T9s will start arriving in dealerships from April.
JAC will be distributed by LTS Auto in Australia, bringing decades of experience in the automotive industry across sales, fleet, technological support and more.
The brand has chalked up more than 590,000 sales in China and internationally, with a strong growth rate of 18.4 per cent across 132 countries and regions.
JAC’s Danny Lenartic said the T9 is the perfect new ute for the Aussie after something they can drive to work through the week, before loading up all their gear for an off-road adventure on the weekend.
“We’ve put this ute through its paces, making sure it can handle our harsh climate and rough conditions and the feedback has been fantastic,” he said.
“The diesel T9 is just the beginning of what we have in store, so Aussies should keep their eyes peeled for more news soon.”
JAC is also planning to bring electric light and medium trucks to Australia, along with a plug-in hybrid and electric ute for the Australian market.
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