JAC JS2 Pro: ideal 'first car' option

JAC Motors Philippines quietly launched the JS2 Pro late last year. The nameplate — released the same time as the Ytterby electric car — is aimed at first-time buyers and appears to have been packed with practical features, plus an appealing price tag to boot. 

On that note, Zighwheels Philippines spent a week with the crossover to find out just how well it fits its target market. 

To start things off, let’s size it up. 

Compact dimensions

Overall length (in mm)	4,149
Overall width (in mm)	1,750
Overall height (in mm)	1,566
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,490

The JAC JS2 Pro is noticeably compact, making it ideal for commuting around the metro. The author was able to squeeze through the morning rush at Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City without breaking a sweat. Likewise, it made easy work of maneuvering through the tight parking spaces (as well as the narrow entry and exit ways of most parking lots) available in the area. 

Compared to the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro — which is considered its main competitor — the JAC JS2 Pro has a smaller form factor. 

Pretty decent also is its ground clearance, which means that it can brave the typical road imperfections offered by most city thoroughfares. Its ride height is helped by a set of 17-inch wheels that add a dash of sportiness to its overall appearance. 

Speaking of which… 

Neutral exterior 

Outside, the JAC JS2 Pro offers a neutral look — one that can cater to the preferences of both sexes. 

The wife, for example, loved its three-dimensional grille with a diamond-shaped latticework. She also adored its angular headlamps, which cleanly combine the LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.

I, on the other hand, liked the lower portion of its fascia with a honeycomb-pattered vent paired with a robust chin. 

Onto the sides of the JAC JS2 Pro are blacked-out claddings, which come in the form of plastic wheel arches, side sill protectors, as well as pillar and window surrounds. It also has dark trims on its electronically controlled side mirrors, with repeaters. 

Noticeable too are its silver roof rails and two-tone wheels shod in 205/50 tires. 

The rear end of the crossover boasts a roof-mounted spoiler, a decent-sized glass, a pair of LED taillamps connected by a long horizontal light bar, and a hidden tailgate handle. 

Here, design continuity is displayed through a durable-looking bumper, which mimics the design of the aforementioned chin. It also has reflectors on each of its sides that share the same look as the housing of the light clusters at the fore. 

Overall, the JAC JS2 Pro looks easy on the eyes. I love that it has features that attract not only those looking for a sporty ride but also customers who are in the market for an endearing crossover. 

Practical cabin 

Inside the JAC JS2 Pro are a mix of leather appointments and hard plastic trims. 

The driver is faced with a flat-bottom steering wheel with multi-functional controls. It is slapped with the updated “JAC” logo with chrome appliques and is wrapped in leather. 

Similar leather material is applied on the seats, which have decent bolstering and some perforation. Surprisingly, the rear occupants get a pull-down armrest with cup holders on the leather-upholstered bench. 

Finally, some leather is applied to the boot of the gear shifter and the center armrest with a spacious compartment. 

Hard plastics can be found on the door cards, center console, and dashboard — which by the way has a cubby for coins. 

Tech-wise, the crossover comes fitted with an instrument cluster that combines both analog gauges and digital meters.

Below are some of the information that can be seen on the panel: 

• Odometer
• Speedometer 
• Tachometer 
• Fuel gauge 
• Engine temperature 
• Trip computer 
• Time 
• Seatbelt warning 
• Parking brake warning 

The said instrument cluster is complemented by a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Connecting smartphones to the infotainment unit was seamless with no apparent lag. Audio is sent to six speakers inside the cabin that are adequate enough for plebs like me, but audiophiles might find it lacking.  

In addition, the display screen also doubles as a monitor for the rear camera, which helps when getting in and out of parking spots. 

The writer would like to point out that, unlike other crossovers, the infotainment device of the JAC JS2 Pro is positioned under the vehicle’s air conditioning vents — much like the radio placement on most 90s family cars. 

It does require the driver to momentarily take his or her eyes off the road when operating the digital infotainment unit, but the physical buttons on the steering wheel and the tactile air conditioning knobs make up for it. 

Also, there is no push-start button here. Instead, buyers get a switchblade-type key. 

For its price, which we will get to in a few, the JAC JS2 Pro’s interior offers an impressive package. And while the features that come with the crossover’s cabin won’t blow customers away, they offer a practical solution to the average Filipino’s daily motoring needs. 

Peppy powertrain 

Under the hood of the JAC JS2 is a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Below are its performance figures: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	103
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	137

 

The said numbers translate to good acceleration in stop-and-go traffic. However, the JAC JS2 Pro takes a second to deliver power in long straights as the CVT appears to give the crossover a rubber band effect, so caution is needed when executing overtakes. 

Admirable, on the other hand, is its handling. The vehicle was able to take on corners with little body roll, making it relatively fun to drive. And since it can take on most bends, the JAC JS2 Pro can give drivers confidence when going through light turns. 

Decent safety features 

When it comes to safety, the JAC JS2 Pro relies on a suite of features with decent technologies, which we have listed below: 

• Seatbelts
• Airbags 
• Cruise control 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Electronic stability control 
• Hydraulic brake assist
• Hill-start assist control 
• Tire pressure monitoring 
• Brake override system 
• Rear parking sensors 

Final thoughs

The JAC JS2 Pro is offered in the Philippines in a single Flagship variant. It is priced at P895,000, making it a good choice for those looking for a first car.

During the JAC Ytterby launch and the opening of JAC Pasig, JAC Motors Brand Head Tonette Lee told attendees that customers looking to purchase cars from the 60-year-old Chinese marque can expect to get the features that they need, therefore not having to be burdened with the additional cost of paying for unwarranted appointments. 

The author believes that the JAC JS2 Pro is a good example of the brand’s ethos, which is possibly why the crossover is competitively priced. 

Also read:

JAC showcases RF8 PHEV at Auto Guangzhou 2024, to be launched in PH next year

JAC PH starts MM roadshows this month

JAC PH boosts expansion efforts, opens Iloilo dealership