The T8 is the most advanced pick-up ever developed by JAC Motors in its 58-year history. It is based on JAC Motors’ eighth-generation international platform that provides increased stability, safety and comfort. It is manufactured in China and exported to more than 40 countries.
This article is written by JAC Motors on QuickPic.
The T8’s global launch in 2019 has boosted the Brand’s growth, further enhancing its competitiveness in the international market. Its sales contribute significantly to JAC Motors’ third-place ranking on the 2020 pick-up export list in the Chinese auto industry.
The new eye-catching T8 2.0L CTi will now lead JAC Motors’ charge in the rapidly growing leisure-orientated double-cab market segment. The new T8 2.0L CTi line-up comprises a 4×2 and a 4×4 derivative.
“The T8 double-cab is the bestseller in our product stable. With its powerful new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant, it definitely will increase our share of this competitive market segment,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa.
Powerful new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
The newly engineered, highly responsive 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine features an intercooler and Electrical Variable Geometry Turbocharger (EVGT), delivering 104 kW @ 3 600 rpm and 320 Nm torque between 1 600 to 2 600 rpm.
The powerplant 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. The average fuel consumption of the new 2.0-litre 4×2 is 8.7 L/100 km (combined cycle) and will give you an approximate range of 900 kilometres on its 76-litre tank.
“The reliability and durability of JAC Motors’ products are excellent and serve as a primary motivator in our worldwide sales approach, with customers and big transport fleets vowing for these incredible attributes,” says Göbel.
Contemporary design.
The eye-catching 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 black grille, connected to the stylishly designed Xenon headlamps with built-in LED Daytime Running Lights. Fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. The JAC badge is boldly embedded in the grille, contributing to the T8’s overall rugged design.
The T8 features bold black wheel arches, running boards and a style bar to round off its rugged appearance. Attractive two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels with a floral-inspired design and 265/60 R18 tyres perfectly fit the contemporary look of the T8. The unique ‘Double C’ LED tail-light design enhances its eye-catching appearance and makes it easily noticeable at night. It also features rear fog lamps.
“The latest design elements from JAC Motors’ international design centres in Italy and Japan give the T8 a striking appearance. With its attractive styling and good equipment level, the T8 offers outstanding value to prospective double-cab buyers,” says Göbel.
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, a Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Hold Control (HHC).
The T8 features disc brakes in the front and rear, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Override System (BOS), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), all ensuring the driver’s and passengers’ safety.
The T8 is well-equipped and features luxurious interior appointments such as a multi-function steering wheel, adjustable steering column, cruise control, air-conditioner, leather seats and electric windows. It also features a multi-information display instrument cluster, a reverse camera, rear park distance sensors, remote keyless entry and central locking with auto door locks.
Standard fitment includes an upmarket nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity. To round off the comfortable cabin and keep the driver and passengers connected, a USB- and 12V power socket are neatly placed in a closable compartment in the centre console.
Chassis configuration.
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 the vehicle is laden or encountering severe off-road conditions.
The T8 supports a robust ladder frame suspension, including rear integral bridge support. It is 5 325 mm long, 1 880 mm wide, and 1 830 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3 090 mm. The turning radius of the T8 is 6.2 metres, making urban- and off-road driving easy.
The T8’s payload is 900 kg, and the double-skinned load-box measures 1 520 mm × 1 520 mm × 470 mm. The load-box is sprayed with an anti-scratch and corrosion-resistant truck bed liner. The T8 has a maximum Towing Mass (Braked) of 2 000 kg.
Off-road credentials.
The T8 4×4 features a 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 80 km/h.
The T8 4×4 also offers a low-speed four-wheel drive (4L) selection and a torque amplification mode, enhancing off-road ability. The 2H, 4H and 4L functions can be selected through buttons neatly located on the dashboard. An electronically-controlled rear diff-lock ensures that no obstacle is too big for the powerful T8.
A customised black off-road style bar, off-road rear step bumper and off-road side steps complement the rugged look of the 4×4 derivative. The T8 has an approach angle of 29.6?, a break-over angle of 23.5?, and a departure angle of 22.4?, with 220 mm ground clearance.
“The eye-catching 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,” concludes Göbel.
Model line-up and pricing.
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 60 dealers across South Africa and neighbouring countries to support its sales growth.
The T8’s retail price includes the company’s standard 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year/60 000 km service plan. Service intervals are scheduled every 10 000 km.
The suggested retail prices of the T8 line-up:
- T8 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux: R412 400
- T8 2.0L CTi 4×4 Lux: R462 400
The T8 is available in six colours, with a full range of accessories available for owners to customise it to their liking.
