JAC launches ‘revamped, refreshed, and revitalized’ S2 crossover

MANILA: JAC Motors Philippines has officially launched the updated JAC S2 in an online virtual event.

The new JAC S2 is designed with a sportier and cohesive exterior look which is accentuated by halogen headlights with daytime running lights, plus fog lamps, and the familiar trapezoidal grille.

On the inside, it is equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, a legible instrument cluster, cozy leather seats, an infotainment system that can be linked to a smartphone through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four speakers, and USB and 12V ports. The five-seater subcompact crossover also comes with a smart key, cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring system.

The JAC S2 is powered by a Euro 5-compliant VVT engine that delivers a maximum power output of 111 hp and a maximum torque of 146 Nm. It comes in manual and CVT variants.

To guarantee the safety of its occupants, the JAC S2 comes with anti-lock braking system (ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control, hydraulic brake assist (HBA), hill start assist control (HAC), brake override system (BOS), four rear parking sensors, and reverse video.

“In 2018, we came into the country as the first Chinese automaker hoping to make a difference and provide vehicles that will change the way people look at cars and forget what is normal,” JAC Motors Philippines Sales Director Myra Nodalo stated. “Our objective was not to really get a big piece of the pie but get a modest customer base and ensure 110% customer satisfaction, and we are glad to say that we have so far successfully achieved that. Of the six vehicles in our product lineup, the JAC S2 became the hottest commodity as it provided specs and innovation at a price point that no one in the market can match.”

She added, “Over the last three years, the community of satisfied and proud owners has grown and continues to grow as evidenced by numerous testimonials existing owners agreed to give,”

Given this, JAC Motors Philippines felt the need to further improve our flagship vehicle and launch a revamped, refreshed, revitalized JAC S2 that will surely turn heads on the road. As we have always done, aside from features that already have been embraced by our existing owners, we have listened to their feedback on what needs to be improved and what we have equipped the new S2 accordingly. The new S2 will continue to have the high-technology safety and convenience features that the market loved.”

Just like the other JAC models, the all-new S2 has been extensively tested at Hefei, China before being brought to the Philippines. Before rolling out the new S2 in the local market, JAC Motors Philippines allowed some current S2 owners and motoring experts to experience the revamped version of their best-selling model.

“When I saw the unit, it still has that swag. It didn’t lose it especially in the interior. The feeling of being in a luxury car is still there,” said Nico Zubia, one of the S2 owners who got first dibs on the revamped version of the crossover. “The head unit is one of its major changes. The shifter had also been changed; I was also amazed by that. For the exterior, its headlights and daytime running lights look better if you will compare it with the old S2.”

Richard Caong, another S2 owner who was given a chance to experience the new crossover, stated, “For the new S2, I like the changes in the instrument panel. The infotainment is also a really good upgrade considering that now, we have Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The handling is still as smooth as before. For its looks, I like the new integrated DRLs in the headlamps.”

Meanwhile, international race driver Mike Potenciano was impressed by the performance of the all-new JAC S2. He said, “During that short time that we drove it, what I was most impressed with was the torque, which is better than before. Second, I’m impressed by the brakes. It really gives you very good confidence. I think the four-wheel disc brake helped a lot.”

In parallel, Auto Review host Ron Delos Reyes stated, “I like the steering now because in the past, I thought it was very light. This one is just right and I get to feel the road better. I have better control of the steering because the wheels and the tires communicate to the driver.”

He added, "This will attract new buyers because if they compare this with the other models in its class, I think this has a number of advantages. The S2 is just right for city driving, but if you decide to go outside Metro Manila, it still gives you that comfort and acceleration. The S2 has very good fuel efficiency; it has continuously variable transmission.”

The all-new JAC S2 is now available in all JAC Motors dealerships nationwide. Pricing starts at P748,000.

Photos from JAC Philippines

Also read: JAC grows pickup portfolio in PH with new T8