JAC T9 ute delayed until February
Chinese factory is taking its time to ensure a five-star ANCAP safety rating for inbound dual-cab 4x4 uteThe Australian launch of the 2023 JAC T9 has been pushed back to February 2024 following a couple of minor production delays, as the first local development versions of the new dual-cab 4x4 ute arrive on Aussie soil.
Destined to go toe-to-toe with other cut-price Chinese utes like the GWM Ute and LDV T60, the JAC T9 was initially meant to be released Down Under in mid-2023, but that ended up being rescheduled for late 2023, which has now been extended by another couple of months.
Speaking with carsales, JAC Auto managing director Jason Pecotic revealed the Australian-spec T9 line-up would enter production in December ahead of a ‘soft launch’ in February, with the initial allocation now up from less than 20 units to 50, for local evaluation, homologation, press testing and promotional purposes.
A complete JAC T9 roll-out starting with a further 200 units or so will then take place in March.
“Our first [development] unit arrived into Australia last week and we’re currently inviting our potential dealers to test drive,” Pecotic said.
According to the local boss, the T9’s minor launch delay stems from the factory’s commitment to ensuring it nets a maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP. Towing capacity will be 3500kg, giving JAC a key advantage over the GWM and LDV.
The Australian line-up will comprise two variants: the entry-level Advance 4x4 and better-equipped Luxury 4x4, both of which are powered by a 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
An eight-speed automatic will be the only transmission offered in our market.
The expected five-star safety rating will be paired with a minimum seven-year factory warranty – matching GWM and two more years than LDV – to ensure local buyers more peace of mind, especially given the T9’s workhorse intentions.
Pecotic previously assured carsales the T9 would be “better than” its aforementioned Chinese rivals as well as the SsangYong Musso, which also happens to blend a 3500kg towing capacity and seven-year warranty while starting from less than $40,000 drive-away.
The long-promised battery-electric T9 should cost a fair bit more than that when it arrives next year, potentially followed by diesel 4x2 variants and a bigger 2.5-litre turbo-diesel mill in 2025.
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