JAC Motors extends T6 range with 2.8L TDI derivatives

JAC Motors South Africa announced extending its reliable T6 bakkie range with the popular 2.8L TDI double-cab. Since the local launch of the T6 in 2018, it has impressed its owners with its affordability, fuel efficiency and practicality. Transport operators particularly like its range of durable engines and ultra-wide body, making it more versatile for workhorse applications.

Article for T6 derivatives by JAC.

The T6 is JAC Motors’ seventh-generation international pick-up design. It was launched as the best competitive offering in the Chinese market in 2015, with the lowest sticker price, best performance, biggest payload and an impressive list of standard features.

Recent customer research done by the company showed the need for a 2.8L TDI engine in the local T6 line-up. The range currently comprises the 1.9L TDI Comfort and the 2.0L VVT Petrol Lux 4×2 derivatives, both priced under the R375 000 mark.

“Over the past five years, customer feedback played an important role in our brand’s local growth. We believe that the market’s need for a reliable and economical 2.8L turbodiesel engine is one of those examples where we can respond with tried and tested products,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

Göbel explains that the need for this engine was particularly driven by customers from neighbouring countries and remote parts of South Africa, where affordability, reliability and ease of maintenance are important buying considerations. “Our T6 2.8L TDI earned its tough workhorse credentials globally and ticked off all the boxes in terms of what the local market wants, including excellent retail price points of less than R350 000 for the 4×2 and R400 000 for the 4×4 derivative.”

A tough workhorse with a reliable engine and drivetrain.

The proven 2.8-litre four-cylinder common-rail inter-cooled turbocharged diesel engine develops 68 kW @ 3 600 rpm and 210 Nm torque between 1 800 to 2 000 rpm. The reliable powerplant is paired with a five-speed manual transmission in the 4×2 and a six-speed manual transmission in the 4×4 derivative, meeting various customer demands, from heavy loads to daily urban driving.

The T6 2.8L TDI offers excellent fuel consumption because its low torque curve requires earlier and fewer gear changes. The 4×2 derivative’s fuel consumption is 7.9 L/100 km, and the 4×4 achieves an impressive 10.5 L/100 km (combined cycles).

“We are happy that the proven T6 2.8L TDI, which was available in the country before, are back in the local JAC stable. The extraordinary fuel consumption of this engine under normal and extreme working conditions is one of its main selling points. Add to that its proven track record of reliability and easy and low-cost maintenance, then we have delivered on the expectations of big fleet owners and our customers,” says Göbel.

Versatile to suit the needs of entrepreneurs and big fleet operators.

The T6 features a rugged ladder frame suspension and a double-wishbone independent front suspension with coil springs. This suspension configuration better suppresses body roll with more substantial lateral rigidity, resulting in superior handling performance, increased safety and passenger comfort.

The 245/65 R17 tyre size of the T6 2.8L TDI improves loading performance and reduces understeer. Its turning radius of 6.2 metres results in easy urban driving and manoeuvring in tight parking spots. Its ground clearance is 197 mm.

The T6 2.8L TDI’s payload is 900 kg, and it supports a maximum Towing Mass (Braked) of 2 000 kg. It offers the biggest cargo space in its class, allowing ample room for cargo and tools. The double-skinned load box measures 1 520 mm × 1 520 mm × 470 mm and is sprayed with an anti-scratch and corrosion-resistant truck bed liner.

“Our T6 bakkies are reliable all-rounders with excellent gravel-road ability, comfortable cabs and big load boxes. The addition of the 2.8L TDI derivative, with its reliable and durable drivetrain and low maintenance cost, now offers potential customers a choice of an economical workhorse at a much lower purchase price than its double-cab competitors,” says Göbel.

Comfortable driving dynamics for all lifestyle requirements.

The T6 double-cab boasts a muscular workhorse demeanour coupled with sedan-like comfort. Its large grille, hawk-eye headlight design, straight character lines and wide stance were penned at JAC Motors’ design centre in Italy. Standard features include fog lamps, electrically adjustable mirrors with integrated indicator lights, running boards, alloy wheels and a style bar.

The T6 2.8L TDI features two airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution). A high-mounted brake light, reverse camera, rear parking sensors and speed-sensing auto door locks are standard equipment for added safety and convenience.

The T6’s comfortable cabin is fitted with a stylish interior that results in a relaxing driving experience. Standard fitments include power steering, a height-adjustable leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning, leather seats and electric windows.

The T6 2.8L TDI features a Radio/MP5 player with Bluetooth, a 12-Volt accessory socket and a USB port neatly placed in the centre console with a closing lid to ensure that you are connected wherever your work or lifestyle activities take you.

“The sedan-like design and equipment level of the T6 double-cab provides excellent driver comfort and makes it an ideal choice for people who use their bakkies for both work and lifestyle purposes,” says Göbel.

Proven offroad credentials to tackle big obstacles.

The T6 2.8L TDI 4×4 features a reliable electronically-controlled four-wheel-drive system. 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. It also offers a low-speed four-wheel drive (4L) selection with a torque amplification mode, enhancing off-road ability. The 2H, 4H and 4L functions can be selected through buttons neatly located on the dashboard. The T6 2.8L TDI 4×4 has an approach angle of 29.6?, a break-over angle of 23.5? and a departure angle of 22.4?.

“Our T6 2.8L TDI 4×4 is the perfect bakkie for entrepreneurs with demanding outdoor jobs and for adventurous families who love to explore our beautiful country,” concludes Göbel.

Pricing and JAC T6 line-up.

The T6 2.8L TDI 4×2 retails for R349 900, and the 4×4 derivative retails for R399 900. The official retail prices of the T6 range include the company’s standard five-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and five-year/60 000 km service plan.

The T6 line-up comprises four derivatives:

T6 2.0L VVT 4×2 Lux          R344 900

T6 2.8L TDI 4×2 Lux           R349 900

T6 2.8L TDI 4×4 Lux           R399 900

T6 1.9L TDI 4×2 Comfort    R374 900

The T6 is available in six colours from 65 dealers countrywide and in neighbouring countries. A range of accessories is available to customise the T6 as a workhorse- or a lifestyle partner.