TRIESENBURG Auto Corp. (TAC), the official distributor of JAC Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicles in the Philippines, finally brought in its entry to the hotly contested midsize pickup segment—the T8 4×2 MT. During an online event, the new pickup truck was presented in two variants (Luxury and Ultimate) and perfectly fitted the Filipinos’ needs amidst the pandemic.
The JAC T8 is designed to have the specs that high-end trucks have but with a base model variant’s affordable price. TAC wants its consumers to have and experience business and pleasure and safety, all bundled into one. Something not found in the market with a price so affordable.
“Pickups are generally known as workhorses. Popular to be used for hauling, commercial and business purposes, always lacks driver and passenger comfort, style, and luxury. And when the consumers start thinking of acquiring a vehicle, they find themselves torn between either choosing the budgeted version and the top-of-the-line variant. Having the consumers’ needs and want in mind, TAC marries functionalities and luxury, offering the JAC T8 at a price point that will make you Forget Normal,” said TAC marketing director Brian Badilla.
The T8 is a ‘Fortress on the Road’ with its combined aggressive, elegant, and modern touches inside and out. Upfront is a massive grille partnered with projector xenon HID headlights, LED daylight running lights, and fog lamps. The rear, meantime, has futuristic dual ‘C LED’ taillamps and rear fog lamps for added visibility and safety. Over-all dimension is 5,325mm long, 1,880 mm wide and 1,830 mm tall. Ground clearance is elevated at 220 mm and is at par or even better than the competition.
Its front suspension has an independent double-wishbone with spiral springs, while the rear is leaf sprung. As for the brakes, the Ultimate variant has front and rear rotor brakes—something the competition doesn’t have at a lower price point. The Luxury variant, meantime, is fitted with rear drum brakes. The T8 is rolling on 18-inch alloy rims wrapped in 265/60 tires. The consumer also need not spend extra to make the truck looks good as the T8 comes in standard with usual upgrades such as bed liners, fender flares, side step-boards, and tow hitch receiver.
Interior-wise, the T8 comes with luxurious brown leather seats, same leather accents on the door panels and dashboard. Highlighted in the center panel is the eight-inch touchscreen display with multimedia and connectivity functions. The steering wheel has embedded controls, including cruise control operation, among others. The JAC T8 is built strong for the journey, engineered to go beyond, and everyone’s partner for the long haul. JAC Motors Global has over 55 years of history building heavy-duty commercial trucks and has been very successful; they are among the best in the world.
Motivation comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine dishing out 136 hp and 320 N-m of maximum torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. As for safety and convenience features, the T8 got all these high technology safety features. These are hill-start assist control, hydraulic brake assist, traction control system, vehicle dynamics control, electronic stability control, and dual front airbags.
Moreover, a tire pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree view camera, headlamp auto lighting, headlamp leveling, auto-folding side mirrors, the remote-controlled opening of all windows, and front/rear parking sensors are also available.
JAC T8 will be available in two 4×2 MT variants. The Luxury 4×2 (base model) is priced at P928,000. As for the top-of-the-line Ultimate 4×2, it retails at P998,000. Consumers may be able to see complete specs sheets and brochures via where they can also buy JAC vehicles online.
Image credits: JAC Motors Philippines