MIAS 2024: JAC Motors relaunch in PH under Astara group

JAC Motors lineup on full display at MIAS 2024

As an already existing brand in the commercial and passenger vehicle segment in the Philippine market, JAC Motors is looking to expand its presence in the country under its new distributor, the Astara group.

Making its public debut at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show, the relaunched JAC brand under Astara has showcased five new models that will join two of the most competitive segments in the country today – the crossover and pickup truck class. Moreover, the brand also has a battery electric vehicle in store.

Serving as the brand’s smallest crossover is the JAC JS4. Measuring 4410 mm long, 1800 mm wide, and 1660 mm tall, the JS4 is JAC’s challenger in the subcompact crossover class; competing with the likes of the Chery Tiggo 5X Pro, GAC GS3 Emzoom, Geely Coolray, GWM Haval Jolion, and the MG ZST.

With a stylish exterior and a well-appointed interior, the JS4 also has a potent engine under its bonnet. Powering the JS4 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder unit that puts out 147 PS and 210 Nm of torque, delivering power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

JAC’s second-biggest crossover is its flagship model called the JS6. With a length of 4605 mm, 1890 mm width and 1700 mm height, the JS6 belongs in the tightly contested compact crossover segment where the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Ford Territory, and the GAC Emkoo belongs.

Much like its competitors, the JAC JS6 also has a 1.5-liter turbo under the hood, delivering a more generous 181 PS and 280 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.

In terms of cabin features, the JS6 matches up to its competition by offering things such as a panoramic sunroof, power adjust front seats with memory function, a dual-screen setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, a rotary-style gear selector, a 360 degree panoramic view camera, an electronic parking brake, and touch panel-type A/C controls.

Safety features are also aplenty with the JS6 crossover, as it comes with dual front, side, and curtain airbags, Bosch’s 9.3 ESP system that includes ABS, EBD, and traction control, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system. Furthermore, it comes with ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning as standard.

If you’re in the market for a 7-seater crossover, then there’s the JAC JS8 Pro for you. Size-wise, the JS8 Pro measures 4825 mm long, 1870 mm wide, 1758 mm tall with a 2830 mm wheelbase. Also known in other markets as the Sehol X8 Plus, the JS8 Pro is JAC’s answer to the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Jetour X70.

Together with its 5-seater siblings, the JS8 Pro is filled to the brim in terms of cabin features. The interior adopts a dual 12.3-inch screen with the infotainment system being Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. Aside from that, there’s quilted leather in the cabin, along with LED ambient lighting.

The JS8 Pro shares the JS6’s 1.5-liter turbo unit. But for the 7-seater, the engine makes a bit more torque at 300 Nm, and comes with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

Meanwhile, JAC has a pair of models for the pick-up truck segment called the T8 Pro and the T9. Though the two are sharing most of its components with each other, the T8 Pro and T9 have distinct design differences in front. JAC says the T8 Pro is designed as an urban workhorse while the T9, also known as the Hunter, has the go-anywhere capabilities with its four-wheel-drive system.

Size-wise, the T9 measures 5330 mm long, 1965 mm wide, 1920 mm tall, and a 3110 mm wheelbase. Bed dimensions of the two trucks are the same: 1520 mm long, 1590 mm wide, and 470 mm tall.

Both pickups are powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel that delivers 170 PS and 410 Nm of torque to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual transmission is only available on the T8 Pro Comfort, where its engine puts out 140 PS and 320 Nm of torque.

T8 Pro Dashboard

T9 Dashboard

Inside, the JAC trucks follow the modern workhorse trend with its tech-laden interior. Among its list of features include a 10.4-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear A/C vents, a 360 degree camera, and even heated seats for the T9.

Last but definitely not the least is the Ytterby EV hatchback. Taking a retro-modern design for its exterior with a tech-laden cabin, the Ytterby presents an enticing blend of performance, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendliness.

JAC Motors says start of retail sales are planned to commence in August.