- All-new T8 the most advanced pick-up developed by JAC Motors.
- Eye-catching T8 aimed at leisure-orientated double-cab buyers.
- Luxurious appointments for a comfortable and relaxing drive.
- Efficient and reliable powertrain to suit lifestyle- and workhorse needs.
The all-new T8 is the most advanced pick-up ever developed by JAC Motors in its 50-year history. It is manufactured in China and exported to more than 40 countries. The eye-catching T8 leads JAC Motors’ charge in the rapidly growing leisure-orientated pick-up segment. Locally, the T8 line-up comprises a 4×2 and 4×4 double-cab and fits in above the T6 double-cab range.
“The new T8 bakkies arrived in South Africa before lockdown in March last year. We distributed the stock to our dealers but could not officially launch our new flagship to the market. The initial demand for our newcomer was excellent despite the impact of Covid-19 on car sales, and now, only one year later, the T8 is our bestseller,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa.
The company introduced its pick-ups and light-duty range of trucks in the local market in 2017. Since then, the Brand has grown its footprint to more than 50 dealers across South Africa. The extension of its product range and the introduction of JAC Motors’ highly-acclaimed international after-sales programme have also contributed to local sales growth.
Modern lifestyle design
The contemporary design of the T8 complements its workhorse aesthetic. Its striking appearance consisting of neat creases, design curves and a stylish front fascia makes it stand out from its rivals.
The front of the T8 adopts a large-area hexagonal air intake grille and a thick electroplating decorative strip connected to the stylishly designed Xenon headlamps with built-in Daytime Running Lights. Fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. The JAC badge, boldly embedded in the grille, further contributes to the T8’s overall rugged design.
The T8 features bold black wheel arches, running boards and a style bar to round off its striking appearance. The unique ‘Double C’ LED tail-light design enhances the eye-catching appearance of the T8 and makes it easily noticeable at night. Attractive two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels with a floral-inspired design and 265/60 R18 tyres perfectly fit the contemporary look of JAC Motors’ all-new T8 lifestyle bakkie.
Standard specifications
Safety is the quality DNA Element of JAC Motors. This philosophy sees a host of active- and passive safety features included, such as dual airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), all ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
The T8 is well-equipped and features luxurious interior appointments such as a multi-function steering wheel, adjustable steering column, speed control, leather seats, electric windows, a reverse camera, rear park sensors, remote central locking, and an on-board computer / multi-information display. An upmarket seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity rounds off the comfortable cabin of the all-new T8.
“The latest design elements from JAC Motors’ international design centres in Italy and Japan give the T8 a rugged appearance. With its attractive styling, good equipment level and high build-quality, the T8 offers outstanding value to prospective double-cab buyers,” says Göbel.
Chassis configuration
The all-new T8 double-cab is based on JAC Motors’ 8th-generation international platform, which provides increased stability, safety and comfort.
The T8 features a double-wishbone independent front suspension with coil springs, resulting in superior handling and passenger comfort. It can better suppress body roll with stronger lateral rigidity, especially when your vehicle is laden or encountering severe off-road conditions.
The T8 supports a rugged ladder frame suspension, including rear integral bridge support, ensuring no job is too big for the newcomer to JAC Motors’ light commercial range.
The T8 double-cab is 5 325 mm long, 1 880 mm wide, and 1 830 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3 380 mm. The turning radius of the T8 is 6.2 metres, making urban- and off-road driving easy.
The double-skinned load-box of the T8 measures 1 520 mm × 1 520 mm × 470 mm and is sprayed with an anti-scratch and corrosion-resistant truck bed liner. The T8 carries a full 1 000 kg load and has a maximum Towing Mass (Braked) of 1 780 kg.
Powerful drivetrain
The all-new T8 double-cab boasts JAC Motors’ proven and reliable 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine developed in cooperation with the German company FEV. The highly responsive common-rail diesel engine, fitted with an intercooler and Electrical Variable Geometry Turbocharger (EVGT), delivers 100 kW @ 3 600 rpm and 320 Nm torque between 1 600 to 2 600 rpm.
The power-plant is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission that effortlessly reigns in all the torque available throughout its powerband. The smooth transmission of power to the wheels ensures a relaxing driving experience. With an average fuel consumption of 8 L/100 km (4×2), the 76-litre tank will give you an approximate range of 950 kilometres.
“The reliability of JAC Motors’ products is fantastic and serves as a primary motivator in our worldwide sales approach, with many customers and big transport fleets vowing for this incredible attribute,” says Göbel.
Off-road credentials
The T8 4×4 features the reliable ESOF electronically-controlled time-sharing four-wheel-drive system from BorgWarner. With the press of a button, the driver can switch between two-wheel drive (2H) and four-wheel drive (4H) up to 80km/h.
The T8 4×4 also offers a low-speed four-wheel drive (4L) selection, a torque amplification mode, which enhances its off-road ability. The 2H, 4H and 4L functions can be selected through buttons neatly located on the dashboard. An electronically-controlled diff-lock ensures that no obstacle is too big for the all-new T8.
A customised style bar, rear step bumper and heavy-duty rock-sliders complement the rugged look of the 4×4 derivative. The T8 has an approach angle of 29.6⁰, a break-over angle of 23.5⁰, and a departure angle of 22.4⁰, with a 210 mm ground clearance.
“The rugged-looking T8 double-cab is the perfect lifestyle bakkie. It will appeal to families who love adventurous outdoor activities, of which there are many of in our beautiful country,” says Göbel.
Model Line-up & Pricing
The all-new T8 double-cab line-up includes a 4×2 and 4×4 derivative, which is well-positioned within the double-cab market in terms of price. The two T8 double-cab models compete with other Chinese contenders, old-technology Japanese pick-ups and the mid-range offerings from more established brands.
The official retail prices of the two derivatives are:
- T8 1.9L TDi 4×2 Lux: R384 900
- T8 1.9L TDi 4×4 Lux: R434 900
The retail price includes the company’s standard 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year/60 000 km service plan with 10 000 km service intervals.
The T8 is available in a choice of six colours. A full range of accessories is available to customise the all-new T8 double-cab.
About Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corporation Ltd. (JAC Motors)
JAC Motors may be a relative newcomer to the South African market; however, it is a giant in the Chinese auto industry for more than 50 years. The company’s marketing network covers more than 130 countries worldwide, including 28 African countries.
The company produces passenger cars, pick-ups, and trucks for left- and right-hand drive markets. Its pick-ups ranked third on the Chinese auto industry’s export list for 2020 and have boosted the Brand’s growth and global competitiveness.
JAC Motors is a prolific producer of electric vehicles. By the end of 2020, the company maintained a leading position in the actual usage of private electric vehicles, promoting the application of more than 170 000 units of new-energy vehicles, with a cumulative mileage of 3.8 billion kilometres.
In 2020 Volkswagen AG acquired an additional 25% stake in its Chinese electric vehicle joint venture with JAC Motors. The original joint venture was established in 2017 with Volkswagen and JAC Motors, each holding 50% equity. The joint venture will become central to the two brands’ electric vehicle programme in China.
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