By Sala Masindane

It’s no secret that bakkies and SUVs are dominating the local sales market. In the words of the self-proclaimed greatest rapper alive, “Men lie, but numbers don’t.” It only makes sense that more brands would enter the market. JAC is another addition—though they’ve been here for several years—and we recently spent some time with their range-topping JAC T9 Super Lux 4×2.

Exterior

The bold design of the bakkie features an imposing black and silver grille, flanked by LED daytime running lights. The wide black wheel arches and rear LED taillamps complete the exterior look. The front grille design sets it apart in the already saturated bakkie market, turning heads wherever it goes.

Interior

Inside, you are greeted by leather-upholstered seats that are heated and electrically adjustable in the front. The dashboard features a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other notable features include a sunroof, cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera, to mention a few.

The cabin keeps up with the latest trends thanks to the large infotainment touchscreen and leather upholstery. The graphics on the screen are crisp and clear. However, as always, we miss physical buttons—especially for climate control.

Engine and drive

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, producing 125 kW and 410 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is responsive, with little to no turbo lag. The ride is comfortable on most terrains, though it can feel a bit stiff. Saving the best for last, we were impressed by the fuel consumption, which averaged 7.5 l/100 km after a week of daily traffic and highway driving, compared to the claimed 7.8 l/100 km.

Final word

In a bakkie-crazy market, it’s difficult to stand out with competitors like the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger. While many new entrants are gradually staking their claim in this segment, the JAC T9 offers both style and all-around bakkie capabilities. It remains to be seen if the local market will gravitate toward it, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for something different from the usual suspects. Pricing for the JAC T9 Super Lux 4×2 starts at R599,000.