JAC is continuing its model offensive into the South African market with a new seven-seater SUV that will touch down in the first half of 2025.
For now, JAC is calling it the “T9 SUV” as it is based on the brand’s new T9 bakkie, but we anticipate that it will be rebadged the JS9 when it reaches our shores, similar to the smaller SUVs the brand sells in other markets.
The Chinese seven-seater has vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Isuzu mu-X right in its crosshairs, and if JAC’s other products are anything to go by, it should be priced far more competitively than its spiritual rivals.
The manufacturer has been tight-lipped about what the “T9 SUV” will be capable of, however, we can look at its more utilitarian brother to get a somewhat accurate idea.
For the purposes of this article, we’re just going to call it the JS9 instead of the T9 SUV to avoid confusion.
JAC T9 Super Lux Double Cab
What to expect
The T9 bakkie runs on a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel mill that is good for 125kW and 410Nm, matched to an eight-speed automatic gearbox providing Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow modes.
Depending on the specification, it features an electronically-controlled four-wheel-drive system with low range in addition to a rear differential lock.
Judging from other SUVs on the market with bakkie underpinnings, there is a good chance the JS9 will be equipped with the same driveline as its sibling making it appealing to city slickers and 4×4 enthusiasts alike.
The JAC double cab is also getting plug-in hybrid and fully-electric powertrains in the future, which we reckon will find their way into the SUV.
Visually, the JS9 wears the same front fascia as the T9 incorporating thin LED lights, a proud JAC badge, and a sizeable grille – though the latter sees a mesh covering on the SUV while having vertical slats on the bakkie.
It also receives distinctive alloy wheels, protective wheel-arch cladding, roof rails, and, of course, a squared-off backside with rugged taillights, two tow hooks, and a spare wheel on the tailgate which presumably opens to the side.
The T9 measures 5,330mm long, 1,965mm wide, and 1,920mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,110mm and ground clearance of 210mm.
Taking hints from vehicles such as the Fortuner and Everest, it’s highly likely that the JS9 will be slightly more stout than its stablemate and have a shorter wheelbase.
JAC T9 Super Lux Double Cab Interior
The interior of the new JAC SUV is yet to be revealed, once again, though, the T9 offers quite a few hints.
The bakkie is sold in Lux and Super Lux trims, with standard kit encompassing a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, cruise control, climate control, an electric driver’s seat, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charger, and a 10.4-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Opting for the top-spec Super Lux adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, an electronic front passenger seat, privacy glass, and front parking sensors.
Expect to see most, if not all of these nice-to-haves in the JS9 once it lands in local showrooms.
More details surrounding JAC’s new seven-seater SUV such as its specifications, line-up, and pricing “will be announced in due course,” said the company.
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