MANILA: Chinese automotive brand JAC Motors, through its local distributor Triesenburg Auto Corp. (TAC), unveiled the JAC T8 pickup in the Philippines.

The second in its line (following the T6), JAC said in a release that the J8 “perfectly fits the needs of the Filipinos amid the pandemic,” and at an affordable price point relative to the competition. 

  

Said TAC in a statement, “The JAC T8 is designed to have the specs that high-end trucks have but with the affordable price of a base model variant. TAC wants its consumers to have and experience business and pleasure, as well as safety all bundled into one. Something not found in the market with a price so affordable.”

The T8 also boasts heightened performance. Said TAC Marketing Director Brian Badilla to ZIGWHEELS PH: “What made us decide to bring the T8 is it’s ability to withstand an entire day’s racing in the dirt and getting pushed to the limit by local and international race car drivers. After more than eight hours of racing, it still performed as if it was the first few runs of the day."

The T8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter mill mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The power plant delivers 136hp and 320Nm.

Measuring 5.325m x 1.88m x 1.83m, the pickup boasts a ground clearance of 220mm. The T8’s front suspension is an independent double wishbone with spiral springs, while the rear is a leaf spring type. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 tires. The Ultimate variant gets disc brakes, while the Luxury trim has drum brakes at the rear.

The vehicle’s front fascia is marked by a large grille flanked by projector Xenon HID headlights, LED DRLs and fog lamps. At the rear are dual C LED taillamps and rear fog lamps for added visibility and safety. Standard features include a bedliner, fender flares, side stepboards and tow hitch receiver.

Inside, the T8’s seats are covered with brown leather – the same material that lines the door panels and dashboard. An eight-inch touchscreen headlines its infotainment system, with steering wheel controls thrown in for good measure.

TAC reported that the T8 receives a suite of safety measures including: hill start assist, hydraulic brake assist, traction control, vehicle dynamics control, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, dual front airbags, and a 360-degree-view camera. Standard also are headlamp auto lighting, headlamp leveling, auto folding side mirrors, remote-controlled opening and of all windows, and front and rear parking sensors.

The JAC T8 is available in two variants: Luxury 4x2 priced at P928,000, and the Ultimate 4x2 priced at P998,000. For more information, visit www.jacmotors.ph and follow https://www.facebook.com/jacphilippines.

Photos from JAC

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