JAC to return with new T9 Hunter ute in mid-2023
BLK Auto to launch fresh-faced Chinese pick-up within six months, followed by EV version in 2024Australian ute fans will have another challenger brand to consider from the middle of next year, following confirmation that Queensland-based vehicle importer BLK Auto will release the JAC T9 ‘Hunter’ dual-cab 4x4 pick-up here within six months.
Built and developed in China, the JAC T9 will initially be offered Down Under in two versions when they go on sale in the third quarter of 2023, following the arrival of demonstrator vehicles in June next year.
At that point Australia will become the first export market for the JAC T9, which is yet to be produced in right-hand drive.
BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic, who previously helped establish the MG brand in Australia, promises the two-pronged range will be priced competitively with established Chinese utes including the GWM Ute and LDV T60, both of which start from around $40,000 drive-away.
“JAC, like all other top 10 automotive manufacturers in China, are looking to expand into mature markets and Australia is usually the first market they attempt to conquer,” he told carsales.
“So they will enter a popular market segment which in this case is pick-up.”
When asked what the T9 will offer Aussie consumers in a crowded ute segment, which accounts for more than 20 per cent of the total new-vehicle market, Pecotic nominated sheer value for money – just like GWM and LDV.
“Chinese pick-up offerings provide a lot of car for the money compared to Japanese and Korean rivals,” he said.
“I have followed JAC’s journey for the last 15 years in China as they experienced their first failed attempt into Australia and NZ more than a decade ago.
“I have overseen their new model EV trucks through successful trials in NZ and Australia for the last two years and just can’t wait until the launch of these two new pick-up models to add to the existing range of JAC vehicles for any prospective dealer.”
The local JAC T9 ute line-up will comprise the ‘Standard model’ and a more lavish ‘Luxury Pack’, both powered by a 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
Those figures will put the T9 in good stead against its primary competitors as well as the SsangYong Musso, all of which offer smaller-capacity engines and/or lower outputs than more popular (and more expensive) utes like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton.
Like the GWM Ute, transmission duties are handled by an eight-speed automatic (there will be no manual) driving up to four wheels via a part-time 4x4 system with low-range transfer case.
Unlike some rivals, however, the JAC T9 will match the class-leaders in terms of towing capacity with a 3500kg maximum braked figure, in addition to a locking rear differential and disc brakes at all four corners.
Key dimensions are also largely par for the course, measuring 5330mm long, 1965mm wide and 1920mm tall, and riding on a 3110mm wheelbase.
That makes the T9 just 40mm shorter overall than the new Ford Ranger, but some 47mm wider and 2mm taller – though the Blue Oval ute is some 160mm longer between the axles.
At least one battery-electric version of the JAC T9 is slated to join the Australian and New Zealand range in the second quarter of 2024, again aimed directly at the LDV T90 line-up that’s just been crowned by the country’s first electric ute, the hugely expensive eT90.
Details on the JAC T9 EV are thin on the ground at the moment, but we’ll bring them to you as soon as we hear more.
The T9 is expected to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating when it’s tested next year and standard safety gear will include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, seven airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Other standard equipment highlights will include a 10.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, a 7.0-inch driver information screen, power-adjustable and heated front seats, partial leather trim, 220V power outlet and climate control with rear outlets.
Not to be confused with JMC, which previously sold its Vigus ute in Australia (where other Chinese budget utes including the Foton Tunland and ZX Auto Grand Tiger have also come and gone), JAC Motors also produces a range of sedans, SUVs and trucks.
Its Australian distributor BLK Auto sells a range of Chinese buses including a hydrogen fuel-cell coach, and is currently trialling the JAC N55 electric truck which will be sold alongside the T9 ute via a national JAC dealer network that’s yet to be established.
Related: Top 10 mid-size electric utes on the cards for Oz
Related: Seven Chinese auto brands now likely in Australia
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