IF YOU take a good look at the facelifted JAC T8 double cab bakkie, does it look its from a surgeon?
Well, this is informed by the previous predecessor T6…
The Lux-spec T8 derivates has been making headlines in the SA market, since its introduction, confirming it as the battleground for bakkies!
Enter 2023, the model is distinguished by a chrome-plated grille, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, black wheel arches, running boards, a style bar, fog lamps (both front and rear), as well as characteristic “Double C” LED taillamps.
It is 5 325 mm long (with a wheelbase of 3 090 mm), 1 880 mm wide, stands 1 830 mm tall, has a turning radius of 6.2 meters and a braked tow rating of 2 000 kg.
Its double-skinned load box’s payload capacity is 900 kg.
It might not be a head-turner but surely it got the attention of onlookers, especially in the outskirts of Heidelberg, towards Mpumalanga, who demanded to know more on obvious points: price, after-sales and specs such as engine and fuel.
Interior features keyless entry, central locking with auto door locks, multi-function steering wheel, adjustable steering column, cruise control, aircon, electric windows (with one-touch up/down for the driver), heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, as well as newly-designed front seats with power adjustment for the driver’s seat.
It is quipped with dual front airbags and a pair of ISOfix child-seat mounting points. ABS with EBD and brake assist is complemented by an electronic stability programme, which incorporates traction- vehicle dynamics- and hill-start hold control, plus a tyre pressure monitoring system, on safety concerns.
The infotainment system utilises a 9-inch touchscreen, supports Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and incorporates a reverse-view camera that works in conjunction with rear parking sensors. USB and 12V power sockets are said to be “discreetly placed within a closable compartment in the centre console,” it took a lot of inspecting to establish that.
As acceleration permitted, one could tell it is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces peak outputs of 104 kW at 3 600 rpm and 320 Nm torque from 1 600 to 2 600 rpm.
The powerplant is mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and has an average fuel consumption of 7.8 L/100 km (combined cycle). Considering that the bakkie has a 76-litre tank, that would give it a theoretical range of about 1 000 km or so, from filled to the brim to empty.
The Lux spec 4×4 derivative is equipped with an electronically-controlled part-time four-wheel-drive system supplied by BorgWarner. I did switch, from a touch of a button, between two-wheel drive (2H) and four-wheel drive (4H) at speeds up to 80 kph, considering off-roads in MP, the coal based region, whose lifeline is to supply Eskom.
Apart from low-range four-wheel drive (4L), 4×4 enthusiasts can utilise a rear diff-lock when traversing truly challenging off-road terrain.
The bakkie has an approach angle of 29.6 degrees, a break-over angle of 23.5 degrees and a departure angle of 22.4 degrees; the stated ground clearance is 220 mm.
The Lux-spec T8 derivates has all the hallmarks of a quality bakkie. But what about its brother the latest T9, we shall see how it contends?
Back from a surgeon- why not?
Prices include 24-hour roadside assistance, a 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
Service intervals are every 10 000 km.
| T8 2.0CTi double cab Super Lux | R449 900 |
| T8 2.0CTi double cab 4WD Super Lux | R499 900 |
Verdict
On the exterior, it comes with two-tone 18-inch alloys shod with 265/60 R18 are standard and the 4×4 derivative additionally features a black off-road style bar, rear step bumper, plus side steps.
Performance 1-10 (5)
Fuel 1-10 (4)
Image (The Lux-spec T8 derivates is it back from the surgeon, as many may punt?
