The first shipment of the new JAC T9 ute will soon be in New Zealand, with presale orders being taken now
‘Tested for Kiwis by Kiwis’ is one of the lines being used to promote the new JAC T9 4×4 ute, which was recently rolled out for media at an Auckland event.
Aimed at the tradie market, which of course includes the contracting industry, the ‘JAC of all trades’ T9 ute is being offered for a very keen price of $49,990 including GST. While on-road costs need to be added, the purchase price is still an attractive option for buyers who want a vehicle that has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a five-year, 200,000km warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Powered by a 125kW/410Nm two-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged Cummins diesel engine, traction to the ground is supplied through an eight-speed ZF Borg Warner automatic transmission, with a low-range transfer box that allows engagement on the fly.
With VW a significant shareholder in the JAC business, numerous well-known names feature in the component list, which along with the previously mentioned Cummins and Borg Warner, also include Bosch, Honeywell, Federal Mogul, Gates and Iwis.
For anyone keen on acronyms, some 18 electronic driver assist safety features are housed within the JAC T9, such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent High Bean Control (IHBC) Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), to name just a handful.
The T9 comes kitted out with extras usually only seen on the most expensive models of competitor brands and going with the ‘Tested by Kiwi’s for Kiwi’s’ theme, these include heated seats, drink holders that can house a large bottle of soft drink – up to 1.5 litres apparently, integrated food warmer/cooler and seats that can comfortably accommodate an able-sized New Zealander.
Similar to some competitors, the JAC T9 can easily take a pallet in the rear tray and configurations are available for specific uses, such as fitting of locker systems or canopies to protect tools and equipment.
A tow bar comes fitted as standard, with the vehicle having a three-tonne braked towing capacity and 750kg unbraked.
The chassis itself is galvanised steel with a zinc content of 40.9% and internal wax injection to protect against corrosion, with side steps, roof rails and sports bar fitted as standard.
Right: 125kW/410Nm 2L turbo diesel engine
The distributors, NZ Automotive Ltd (a division of Colonial Motor Company) say the first shipment of the vehicles is scheduled to arrive late February, early March 2025, with presale orders being taken now.
Deals on Wheels will be putting a demonstrator JAC T9 ute in the hands of earthmoving contractor and contributing writer Brook Harland during January, so be sure to take a look at his report in our February issue.
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Images by Editor