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Cars > Launch

The JAC T8 pickup costs less than P1,000,000

Loaded with features that its rivals don't offer at the same price point

The JAC T8 challenges the pickup kings with its low purchase price. PHOTO FROM JAC

JAC Motors Philippines already has a contender in the pickup segment, the T6. Naturally, the Chinese carmaker wants a sizable share of the booming truck market, and it intends to do that with a sub-P1,000,000 product. But given the purchase price, is this thing a strong contender against more expensive Japanese and American rivals?

It does have a sporty look, but the red badge may not be a good idea. PHOTOS FROM JAC

The T8 is a tough-looking truck. Up front, the huge chrome slatted grille is flanked by projector headlamps and LED running lights. Fog lights can be found at the lower part of the chiseled front bumper. The sides have a pronounced character line that runs from the front fender all the way to the truck’s bed. Plastic overriders adorn the wheel arches. The stylish 18-inch alloy rims are wrapped in 265mm-width tires.

The brown leather upholstery makes the interior feel upmarket. PHOTOS FROM JAC

Interestingly, JAC has opted for brown leather upholstery, while the black plastic trim pieces are paired with silver accents. In the center stack, you’ll find an eight-inch touchscreen that doubles as a reversing or 360⁰ camera, depending on the variant. The three-spoke tiller has audio and cruise-control switchgear on it. Quite a stylish cab, all things considered.

The 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine has decent output of 136hp. PHOTO FROM JAC

But the T8’s toughness isn’t just skin-deep. At 5,325mm long, 1,880mm wide and 1,830mm tall, this truck is properly huge. Water crossings shouldn’t be a problem with its 220mm ground clearance. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine good for 136hp and 320Nm, transmitted to the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Parking the hefty T8 shouldn't be a problem with its external cameras. PHOTO FROM JAC

The truck is pretty loaded in terms of safety, too. It has hill-start assist, traction control, stability control and a tire-pressure monitor. You can even remotely open and close the truck’s windows using the key fob. Interestingly, the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim level has disc brakes at all four corners.

Will the purchase price be enough for our market's picky clientele? PHOTO FROM JAC

As mentioned, the JAC T8’s acquisition cost significantly undercuts the competition. Prices are P928,000 for the base Luxury variant, and P998,000 for the range-topping Ultimate version. This is definitely worth considering especially for pickup shoppers on a tight budget.



Red Santiago

A jack of all trades, Red is passionate about cars, motorcycles and audio. He sometimes drives for a ride-hailing app company—just because he really loves driving.



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