Auto China: JAC PH to launch 2025 Refine RF8 PHEV minivan
JAC PH plans to launch a luxury minivan
Auto China serves as the main launch pad for China’s vast automobile industry, but it also presents an opportunity for us to get a look at some interesting vehicles already available there, but is yet to be offered here.
That was the case when we walked on over to the booth of JAC (Jianghuai Automobile Company). While they had a sportscar that they were yet to unveil at the time I was there, the vehicle beside it caught our eye: it was a luxury minivan called the Refine RF8.
The JAC Refine RF8 is essentially an Alphard-type minivan (we might as well call it that) but at much lower prices. The vehicle measures in at 5.2 meters long, almost 1.9 meters wide, and just over 1.8 meters tall. The design is headed off by a large grille (either with vertical bars or a geometric pattern), chrome accents, large LED headlights that blend with the grille, and air vents on the lower bumper.
The two front doors open wide to show off the blue and white interior. JAC went for dual screens with a digital driver display as well as a tablet-like display on the dashboard. Notable design elements include a two tier center console with capacious storage underneath, wireless charging on top, and a crystallic drive selector.
As with any luxury minivan, the main feature are the dual motorized sliding doors to give access to the rear cabin. The rear seats are as expected of an Alphard-like minivan with motorized adjustment, elaborate upholstery, and more. We spotted a sunroof in the back but didn’t spot if it had a motorized ottoman/leg rest; that might be specced for later. There is also a third row in the back.
What is really unique about the Refine RF8 is the powertrain: this has a plug-in hybrid system centered around a 1.5L turbocharged engine, hybrid electric drive, a dedicated hybrid transmission, and a battery pack underneath the floor. That means it gives the convenience of internal combustion, but also the ability to charge at home or at a station.
The range on a full charge in EV mode is around 150 kilometers, while the full tank and charge range is somewhere around 1150 kilometers. JAC says it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
The key here is the engine size: being a 1.5L and a plug-in hybrid gives it an advantage when it comes to importation. JAC won’t give the price yet because they are still evaluating the specs and making other necessary preparations. JAC and distributor executives say they will be much lower than an Alphard, and even much lower than the newly launched GAC M8 as they are aiming for a PHP 2.5 million price tag.
They’re looking at an early 2025 release in the Philippines.
