For those passionate about exploring and adventuring with their caravan, one of the most important keys to success is a high-performing and competent tow vehicle. Jaiden Drought takes a look at a newcomer to the market – the JAC T9.
Much has been publicised about the JAC T9 and its hotly anticipated arrival in New Zealand. The pre-arrival marketing blurb promised a ‘top-of-the line ute with all the trimmings, built with trick DNA’. While this all sounded very promising, we like to get behind the wheel for ourselves and form our own opinion.
So, the opportunity to put the JAC T9 through any paces we liked was the perfect solution – and we didn’t go easy either. It happened to coincide with a major lifestyle change, so the plucky model we had the keys for tracked up 2000km in just a week, most of it hauling a fully loaded triple horse float along everything from motorway to rugged roads between Northland and Taranaki.
While first looks were more than satisfying in terms of delivering a rugged, strong aesthetic, we were more interested in the ute’s impressive towing capacity (3.2T) and spacious tray (1045kg payload) for all manner of storage.
And equipped with 4WD and diff lock is definitely a merit for anyone towing a caravan across New Zealand’s sometimes less-than-optimal terrain (yes, South Island, we’re looking at you).
While they may be a relative newcomer to the New Zealand market, Jianghuai Automobile Co Ltd (JAC) is actually China’s top-selling commercial brand, having sold trucks under the JAC name for more than 60 years. With its pedigree firmly established, the JAC ute was first launched in 2018 with the global release of the T6, followed more recently by the T9.
Engine
The JAC 4th gen pick up engine boasts max power stats of 125kW and 410Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel engine. Fitted with plenty of additional wizardry (as we’ve come to expect from modern vehicles), the engine felt like it had plenty of go. The max torque comes on deck at a relatively low 1500rpm, so towing never felt like the engine was overrevving.
Speaking of towing, I loaded up the large float with our worldly possessions and got stuck into the 700km journey with the total load tipping the scales at 2800kg – so this was always going to be a good test for the JAC T9 to be properly put through its paces.
One feature I really like is the clever automatic detection of a trailer, putting the JAC immediately into trailer mode, with a little icon showing at the top of the large screen. With the heavy trailer traversing a mix of country and highway, driving that 700km journey fully laden saw fuel consumption sit around 14L/100km, sipping from the 76L tank.
Just as a side note for context, we did the same trip, armed with the same trailer moving our possessions in both our 3.0L TD Toyota Prado and 2.2L diesel Hyundai Santa Fe, which both registered similar fuel consumption statistics.
Transmission
The transmission of the JAC T9 is equally impressive, featuring a smooth, responsive eight-speed ZF manufactured gearbox. Shifting was seamless, driving on a variety of metal, country and highway conditions with either the tray loaded or the heavy trailer. Part of this stable towing ability is due to the leaf spring rigid rear axle. Double wishbone independent suspension covers the front axle with 4WD and diff lock available if the going gets a bit sketchy.
Technology
The T9 is packed with tech, including a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 360-degree camera, rain sensing wipers, automatic, auto-levelling LED headlights, wireless phone charging and a bass-inducing six-speaker audio system.
When it comes to the full suite of driver assists and safety tech, there are many – 18 in total – and the list has more acronyms than a corporate boardroom strategy meeting (AEB, LDW, FCW. SLA, TJA, etc). Surprisingly, most are well-calibrated and perform well but there are just a couple that did give me a small twitch.
Firstly, if the driver’s door is not shut, it will not let you move a solitary inch. I’m not talking wide open; I’m talking a mere millimetre open. For me this was problematic when it came to backing up to the trailer, as the reversing camera showed the trailer and not the tow ball. Opening your door for a new angle of vision isn’t an option as the vehicle automatically stops, puts you into P and won’t go back into R until the door is completely shut again. I get it, it’s safety and we can’t compromise, but I found it a little tedious (to be fair I could just up my backing skills!).
The other niggle for me was the Speed Limit Assist (SLA), which unfairly accused me of exceeding the speed limit – when I was well under. To be entirely fair, I’m not surprised we were all confuzzled, as the number of cones and variations in speed limits on our trip was hard for even the most eagle-eyed motorist to keep an eye on.
Driver’s seat
When it comes to being kitted out with extras, JAC has just one spec level and it’s full spec! Outside, it’s the eye-catching alloys and sports bar but inside is where the magic really happens. It’s luxe all the way, with ample legroom, multiple storage compartments and climate control to complement the faux leather seats, coupled with ample padding to offer a spacious and comfortable driving experience even for those like me, who are taller than the average bear. On the long journeys with the packed float, I stopped only to get fuel. Unusually, after such an unbroken eight-hour journey into the small hours of the morning, I can honestly say I that wasn’t stiff or sore, nor overly fatigued and felt that the JAC T9 genuinely excelled my long, towing roadie.
Carrying and towing
Right: Faux leather seating provides comfort and a sense of style
As mentioned, one of the standout features of the JAC T9 is its towing capacity of 3.2 tonnes, and this makes it ideal for most caravan requirements, as well as any other heavy duties.
Warranty and Servicing
Not only is the JAC T9 5-star ANCAP safety rated, but it also comes complete with warranty coverage of 5-years/200,000km (whichever comes first), ensuring peace of mind for owners. Regular service intervals are set at every 10,000km and roadside assist also included.
Summary
The JAC T9 ute is a versatile vehicle that has plenty to offer for the New Zealand market. Its powerful engine, smooth transmission, advanced technology, and spacious cab combined with the impressive towing and tray capacities further enhance its practicality for rural duties. When you look at the price of just shy of $50k (plus ORC) combined with the length of the warranty, it makes a compelling argument and one I suggest you notch onto the ‘must consider’ side of the pros/cons page.
