When Chinese automaker JAC Motors decided to upgrade its Shuailing T8 pickup with the T9 Hunter, the design brief for the T9 Hunter was clear: make the front grille as prominent as possible so that it can stand out in a market segment characterised by highly similar front facade styling.
The unconventional result – a gaping grate with six chrome-embellished vertical bars complemented by thin, slant-eyed Xenon headlights – surely gives the one-tonne bakkie a commanding road presence. Still, some would-be owners may find it too extravagant and somewhat contrived.
Even so, the striking appearance is complemented by bold black wheel arches, running boards, a style bar, and attractive two-tone 18” alloy rims. However, the best design element on the T9 is its distinctive LED taillights with an elegant nighttime light signature. A high-mounted brake light ensures added visibility, while rear fog lamps complete the package.
REWORKED ENGINE, UPGRADED INTERIOR
While sharing its underpinnings with the previous T6 and T8, the T9 has been extensively redeveloped. It is now powered by a reworked 2.0-litre diesel engine with direct injection, intercooler, and electrical variable geometry turbocharger (EVGT), delivering 125 kW and 410 Nm of torque – compatible with the power figures quoted for rivals like the LDV T60, Foton Tunland G7, and Mahindra Pik Up.
In our 2.0L CTi 4×2 Super Lux test model, the engine is paired with a smooth ZF eight-speed auto transmission, offering various driving modes, including Sport, Normal, Eco and Snow (the 4×4 derivative has electronic part-time 4WD with low range and a rear diff-lock).
Besides a new power plant, the T9’s interior has been thoroughly upgraded with high-quality leather accented interior appointments and soft-touch materials, providing an unexpected luxurious feel inside the cabin. Comfortable leather seats (electrically adjustable and heated in front) with diamond-pattern stitching and climate control with rear vents add to the upmarket feel.
Standard fitment includes an easy-to-use 10.4” touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity. It also houses essential vehicle settings and information, a 360˚ view camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Other standard features include an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function, a 7” multi-information instrument cluster, privacy glass, wireless charging, 220V and 12V accessory sockets, and USB ports (including a USB-C port) in the front and rear. Interestingly, the Super Lux also features a power tilt- and sliding sunroof – the only local 4×2 bakkie to offer this.
Safety features are numerous, including six airbags, Traction Control (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Hold Control (HHC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), a Brake Override System (BOS), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). Front parking sensors, welcome lamps, and fold-away side mirrors are also standard.
ON THE ROAD
While the engine/drivetrain combination works well enough, the T9 (like many other Chinese counterparts) showed a tendency to overboost when pulling away, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly surge forward if the accelerator is not well-modulated.
However, once on the move, the transmission facilitated smooth gear changes, and the turbo engine impressed with its willingness. In this sense, and in terms of road behaviour, it was very similar to the Tunland G7, although its upmarket cabin and comfortable seats ensured a better driving experience overall.
Being a two-wheel-drive bakkie, we did not tackle serious off-road trails, but on corrugated gravel roads, its suspension proved on the stiff side, although its ride was pleasant enough on tarred surfaces. What did surprise us was the T9’s decent fuel efficiency, and we averaged just over 8.0 l/100 km, compared to JAC’s claimed figure of 7.8 l/100 km – offering a 900 km-plus range on its 76-litre tank.
LAST WORD
As spearhead in JAC Motors’ pursuit of the expanding leisure-focused double-cab market, the T9 represents a considerable step up from the T8, and it is a far cry from the company’s first bakkie offerings back in 2007. Also, South Africa’s position as the inaugural right-hand-drive market for the T9 underscores its pivotal role in JAC’s overarching global expansion strategy.
As further proof of trust in its product, JAC Motors South Africa, now with over 70 dealers countrywide, has also extended the service intervals of the T9 and T8 line-ups. The company also plans to bring more T9 derivatives, including a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine model, a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
With its high specification level and much improved interior materials quality, the T9 Super Lux (priced from R579,900) presents a compelling package at the lower end of the leisure bakkie market, especially if you are comfortable with its extravagant front styling.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © JAC MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA
